Link tenor refacings

TomWanne · Site Admin Joined: 08 Jun 2007 Posts: 25

I am posting this great question we received for the benefit of everyone. Sincerely, Tom Wanne.

The University "Otto Link" section describes a 1930s to 1950s trend from longer facings and narrow tip openings (3 & 4) to medium facings and wider tip openings. Per the "Facings" section, this was apparently so players could get as big a sound but with less effort. "Link" section pages 17-18 show openings 5-7 especially popular ca. 1960. [And we're told that 'Trane usually preferred the 6-7 range]. Now "they" (mfrs, dealers, teachers) are telling me that for Link-style mpcs, 7* is "standard" and pretty much the minimum for serious players. Does this reflect a continuing progression of the shorter-facing trend, or is it now just fashionable to blow harder/louder (and grow bigger/badder chops accordingly)? Also, does Babbitt's "New York" model have a longer facing like the old made-in-NYC ones, and thus indicate a not-so-wide tip opening, or is it more contemporary in length and therefore better with a wider tip opening? Finally, I've picked up 2 slant-sig pieces, a late NY and a FL, both in 5-5* tip openings. Should I approach them differently with respect to how much or even whether to open the tips up? Or will both of them be OK being increased to 6*, 7, or the "officially mandatory" 7*? Sorry for the length - but this is tough stuff to cover in just a few words.

TomWanne · Site Admin Joined: 08 Jun 2007 Posts: 25

A 7* link is the most popular by far, however, there are still many pro players playing on smaller tip openings like a 5* and 6. All pretty much use the shorter medium facing though. The super long older facing is rarely used any more regardless of tip opening.

Both of your vintage Links would play fine in their original tip opening or opened to a 7 or 7*. I would just make sure the facing is a good medium one regardless of what tip opening you use.

I hope this helps.
Blessings,
Theo Wanne, CCA

flavio0309 · Joined: 20 Dec 2009 Posts: 2

Hello theo ,I have one question,
I play with a jodyjazz DV 8*(tenor), and recently I found a florida Link 4(No usa with no serial number,How much it worth?).
I know that the florida links are very nice vintage mouthpieces but I think with a refacing I can bring alive this mouthpiece.
My quetion is: Can i open the mouthpiece to an 8*(0.115" or 0.116")or is too open for the original tip openning?

TheoWanne · Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2009 2:16 pm Post subject:

Hi,

We have a page showing vintage mouthpiece values on our website: whatIsMyVintageMouthpieceWorth. This section should help with finding a value for your Otto Link.

To open your Link up to an 8*, however, you will need to find a refacer who can bend the tip of your mouthpiece. This is done using soft jaw plyers and then the refacing is done.

You will also need to have enough thickness at the mouthpiece frontal rail. The following chart show the frontal rail: Glossary. If the tip bending is done well then you won't need too much frontal rail thickness, but some is necessary.

If you are interested, you can read much more about vintage Otto Links here:Otto Link.

Blessings, Theo