Otto Link Tone Edge HR

[Xanax]

Hi, I have been playing with a Otto Link Tone Edge HR 6 with alexander superial 2,5 for a while and i like the "dark" sound i'm getting. But the mouthpiece lacks a bit of projection, is there any other mouthpiece similar in tone quality and slightly less resistance, but with more projection?

[zxcvbnm]

Morgan L chamber would fit that perfectly.

[Xanax]

Thx, so are you talking the jazz model ?

[zxcvbnm]

Yes, Morgan Jazz L chamber

[chknbon]

A metal Link. I have a T.E. 8 & a NY STM 8, both, full sounding mpcs, but, the NY STM cuts really well.

[Xanax]

I Have a otto link stm 8 but its to open for me, i like the sound of many players that used the stm. But for my own sound the otto link its not for me.

[Clarinetdude108]

you could try switching reeds. Maybe vandoren javas?

[bruce bailey]

Keep in mind that Coltrane and other greats didn't use that open of a Link. Some have reported that a 5* (.085") was common.

[blue boy]

you should try harder reeds. 3 to 3 1/2 for a Link 6.

[dave2sax]

I play the same mpc and reeds as you on alto. I think Alexander DC 2.5 reeds are the best I've ever found. The piece I have is an early Babbit Link, that has been modified by Brian Powell - it's got tons of projection!! You might want to consider having Brian work on it if you like the sound, (or find an early Babbit and then get it worked on), but I don't know for sure if you'd get the same great results on tenor as I've had on alto.

[gearaholic]

I've read, I believe on Theo Wanne's website, that the modern alto and tenor tone edges are quite different pieces. The alto retained a pretty good bit of projection, the tenor didn't.

[MyMartinTenor]

I'm exploring the same issues, Xanax, for the (very rare) occasions when I need more power than my TE 7* (refaced by Brian Powell) can muster. I've got a Morgan 9L and a Barone Jazz on the way -- I'll let you know if either approach the same tonal core with more oompf.

I trialed the Phil-Tone tenor mouthpiece -- you should read the reviews stickied at the top of the tenor mouthpiece thread. I consider it more focused than the TE but still very dark, definitely more projection and slightly less resistant. It was a good piece and may meet your needs for a very reasonable price (approx. $170, I think, for a handmade mpc -- pretty great price).


I've read, I believe on Theo Wanne's website, that the modern alto and tenor tone edges are quite different pieces. The alto retained a pretty good bit of projection, the tenor didn't.

From personal experience, I agree with all those points -- TE's are different for alto and tenor, the alto does have pretty good projection, the tenor is lacking there. But, there is a tonal similarity between them -- both have a fat, complex, dark sound. The Alto TE is more focused, but still definitely not a "focused" mpc. The Tenor TE is spread (which I like on tenor) and wide.

All IMO, of course....

[Doghouse Riley]

A metal Link, the NY STM cuts really well.


I find it very versatile, it'll play just as well softly too.

[MyMartinTenor]

Just got and play-tested the Morgan 9L. Definitely fit all the criteria you mentioned -- generally dark in quality, more projection than the TE, bit freer blowing. The beak is noticably smaller than a TE (which isn't an issue for me, but I know some people find a tenor TE to be a bit of a mouthful).

Most interesting was the extra edge/bite on the 9L versus the TE. When pushed, the Morgan got a nice punch to its sound. Its a "bite" or "edge" rather than "bright" or "screech", very nice option. Altissimo popped out of the Morgan easier than my TE. I have no doubt the Morgan could cut through any ensemble with a nice fast, compact airflow.

I still preferred my TE after some side-by-sides, but I'm going to keep the Morgan around, at least until I get the Barone. Not only is it a wonderful backup piece, I want to do a side-by-side-by-side of them with some real play time. I will certainly keep my TE, and either the Barone or the Morgan, depending on which fills the void for me the best. Xanax, based on what you've been describing, you should give a Morgan L a try.

[chknbon]

Try some DC #3's on the T.E.

[chknbon]

UPDATE: I, too, have been trying to find the "right" reed for my T.E. 8. I've been going between RSJ & Alex. DCs. Rigotti Gold, 3 strong, beats em both. They're pretty expensive, but, give em a try.