What is the tip opening of the Otto Link Florida 5*?

The 5* model has a tip opening of 0.085 inches. This is considered a relatively narrow opening for a tenor saxophone mouthpiece, offering greater control.

What material is this mouthpiece made from?

It is crafted from bronze and plated with a layer of 24k gold. This combination is chosen for its durability and its contribution to a resonant, rich sound.

Why was the Florida edition created?

It was issued to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the JJ Babbitt Company. It serves as a tribute to the highly valued Otto Link 'Florida' models produced in the 1950s.

How does the 5* opening affect playability?

The narrow opening provides 'locked-in' intonation and makes the upper registers easier to access. It typically requires less breath support than wider openings but may offer less maximum volume.

Is a ligature included with the mouthpiece?

While specific retail bundles vary, Otto Link metal mouthpieces traditionally include a metal ligature and cap. However, some players prefer aftermarket options like the Rovner 3RL for different response characteristics.

Where are Otto Link mouthpieces manufactured?

Otto Link mouthpieces have been produced in the USA since the early 1930s. The JJ Babbitt Company continues this manufacturing tradition today.

What type of reeds work best with this mouthpiece?

Jazz-oriented reeds are typically recommended. Examples include the D'Addario Organic Select Jazz (Filed or Unfiled) and Vandoren Java series.

What is the sound profile of the Otto Link Florida?

It is described as having a blend of richness, edge, and projection. It aims to capture the classic vintage jazz sound that is both warm and capable of cutting through a mix.

Is this mouthpiece suitable for beginners?

While the 5* opening is manageable, the Florida edition is a professional-grade commemorative tool priced around £421. It is generally intended for advanced players who understand how to control a metal mouthpiece.

How does it differ from a standard Super Tone Master?

The Florida edition features specific internal dimensions and a 24k gold finish designed to replicate 1950s vintage models, whereas standard Super Tone Masters follow contemporary design specifications.

Does the 24k gold plating affect the sound?

Plating primarily affects the feel, durability, and aesthetics of the mouthpiece. The core sound is largely determined by the bronze material and the internal chamber geometry.

Can this mouthpiece be used for classical music?

While it is primarily a jazz mouthpiece, the 5* opening provides enough control for some classical applications. However, most classical players prefer hard rubber mouthpieces with different chamber designs.

Gear article

Otto Link Florida Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Metal 5*

The Otto Link Florida Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Metal 5* is a commemorative edition bronze mouthpiece plated in 24k gold, designed to replicate the characteristics of the sought-after 1950s 'Florida' models. Released to mark the 100th anniversary of the JJ Babbitt Company, this mouthpiece is engineered for richness, edge, and projection. It features a narrow 0.085-inch tip opening, making it highly suited for precise intonation and technical jazz performance.

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History and Background

Otto Link mouthpieces have been manufactured in the United States since the early 1930s, establishing a reputation as a standard-bearer for jazz saxophone tone. The 'Florida' era of the 1950s is widely considered a golden age for the brand, with original vintage units becoming highly collectible.

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the JJ Babbitt Company—the parent manufacturer of Otto Link—the company released this special edition. It is a precise recreation intended to capture the sonic profile of the mid-century originals while benefiting from modern manufacturing consistency.

Design and Materials

The mouthpiece is constructed from bell metal bronze, a material chosen for its resonance and durability. It is finished with a 24k gold plating, which provides a classic aesthetic and prevents the oxidation of the underlying bronze.

The 5* specification refers to the tip opening, measured at 0.085 inches. This narrow opening requires less air to vibrate the reed compared to larger openings, which facilitates a 'locked-in' feel for intonation and allows the player to navigate the altissimo and upper registers with less physical effort.

Sonic Character

The Florida edition is designed to balance three primary tonal attributes: richness, edge, and projection. While metal mouthpieces are often associated with brightness, the Otto Link Florida retains a complex, dark core typical of vintage jazz records, while the 'edge' allows the sound to cut through an ensemble.

Because of the 5* tip opening, the sound character is focused and controlled. It is particularly effective for players who prioritise technical accuracy and a traditional jazz aesthetic over the sheer volume of a wider-opening 'power' mouthpiece.

Target Audience

This mouthpiece is primarily aimed at professional jazz saxophonists and advanced students who seek the specific response of a vintage Otto Link. Its narrow tip opening makes it an excellent choice for:

Players transitioning from hard rubber to metal mouthpieces.
Technical performers who require stable intonation across the full range of the saxophone.
Musicians who prefer using harder reeds, such as the D'Addario Organic Select Jazz 4H or Vandoren Java series, to achieve resistance.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to modern mass-produced Otto Link Super Tone Masters, the Florida edition offers a more refined internal geometry intended to mimic 1950s specifications. While contemporary alternatives like the JodyJazz Super Jet focus on maximum volume and brightness, the Florida 5* is more conservative, prioritising tonal colour and flexibility.

For players who find the 0.085" opening too restrictive, other boutique brands or different tip openings within the Otto Link range may be necessary, but few offer the specific historical lineage associated with the JJ Babbitt anniversary models.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the tip opening of the Otto Link Florida 5*?: The 5* model has a tip opening of 0.085 inches. This is considered a relatively narrow opening for a tenor saxophone mouthpiece, offering greater control.
What material is this mouthpiece made from?: It is crafted from bronze and plated with a layer of 24k gold. This combination is chosen for its durability and its contribution to a resonant, rich sound.
Why was the Florida edition created?: It was issued to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the JJ Babbitt Company. It serves as a tribute to the highly valued Otto Link 'Florida' models produced in the 1950s.
How does the 5* opening affect playability?: The narrow opening provides 'locked-in' intonation and makes the upper registers easier to access. It typically requires less breath support than wider openings but may offer less maximum volume.
Is a ligature included with the mouthpiece?: While specific retail bundles vary, Otto Link metal mouthpieces traditionally include a metal ligature and cap. However, some players prefer aftermarket options like the Rovner 3RL for different response characteristics.
Where are Otto Link mouthpieces manufactured?: Otto Link mouthpieces have been produced in the USA since the early 1930s. The JJ Babbitt Company continues this manufacturing tradition today.
What type of reeds work best with this mouthpiece?: Jazz-oriented reeds are typically recommended. Examples include the D'Addario Organic Select Jazz (Filed or Unfiled) and Vandoren Java series.
What is the sound profile of the Otto Link Florida?: It is described as having a blend of richness, edge, and projection. It aims to capture the classic vintage jazz sound that is both warm and capable of cutting through a mix.
Is this mouthpiece suitable for beginners?: While the 5* opening is manageable, the Florida edition is a professional-grade commemorative tool priced around £421. It is generally intended for advanced players who understand how to control a metal mouthpiece.
How does it differ from a standard Super Tone Master?: The Florida edition features specific internal dimensions and a 24k gold finish designed to replicate 1950s vintage models, whereas standard Super Tone Masters follow contemporary design specifications.
Does the 24k gold plating affect the sound?: Plating primarily affects the feel, durability, and aesthetics of the mouthpiece. The core sound is largely determined by the bronze material and the internal chamber geometry.
Can this mouthpiece be used for classical music?: While it is primarily a jazz mouthpiece, the 5* opening provides enough control for some classical applications. However, most classical players prefer hard rubber mouthpieces with different chamber designs.