What is the specific tip opening of the Otto Link Super Tone Master Metal 5?

The Metal 5 model features a narrow tip opening of 0.065 inches. This measurement is designed to provide greater control and easier access to the saxophone's upper register.

What finish is used on the Super Tone Master mouthpiece?

This mouthpiece features a 24k gold-plated finish. This plating adds a beautiful colour to the appearance and contributes to the classic vintage tone of the unit.

Is this mouthpiece suitable for beginners?

While the 0.065" tip opening is manageable, the Super Tone Master is a professional-grade metal mouthpiece. It is generally recommended for advancing students or professionals rather than absolute beginners who might start with a Yamaha 5C.

Which famous jazz musicians have used Otto Link mouthpieces?

Otto Link mouthpieces have been used by numerous legends, including John Coltrane, Dexter Gordon, and Hank Mobley. Their use helped define the sound of jazz saxophone since the 1930s.

What genre of music is this mouthpiece best suited for?

The Super Tone Master is ideal for big band, jazz, and ensemble playing. Its ability to blend with a section or cut through for a solo makes it highly versatile for various jazz styles.

How does the metal construction affect the sound compared to ebonite?

The metal construction typically provides more projection and a slightly brighter 'cut' than ebonite. It allows for the 'blistering solo' capability mentioned by the manufacturer while retaining a vintage warmth.

Does this mouthpiece help with intonation?

Yes, the manufacturer specifies that the narrow 0.065" tip opening provides 'extremely locked-in intonation.' This makes it a reliable choice for technical and precise playing.

What reeds are recommended for use with an alto saxophone?

While reed choice is personal, popular options for alto sax include D'Addario Organic Select Jazz Filed 4M reeds. For tenor saxophone equivalents, players often use Vandoren Java or D'Addario Organic Select Jazz Unfiled reeds.

Can this mouthpiece be used for soloing in a loud band?

Yes, the design is specifically intended to deliver enough projection to cut through an energetic ensemble during solos. Its dynamic capabilities allow it to be heard clearly over other instruments.

How long has Otto Link been producing mouthpieces?

Otto Link mouthpieces entered production in the 1930s. They have remained a favourite among professional woodwind players for nearly a century.

Is a ligature included with the Super Tone Master?

The Super Tone Master typically includes its own ligature and cap. However, some players choose to upgrade to specialized options like a Vandoren Cuir Leather ligature for a different response.

Gear article

Otto Link Super Tone Master Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece (Metal 5)

The Otto Link Super Tone Master is a professional-grade metal alto saxophone mouthpiece known for its classic big band character and vintage tonal profile. Featuring a 24k gold-plated finish and a precise 0.065" tip opening, it is designed for musicians seeking a balance of technical accuracy and dynamic projection.

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History and Heritage

Otto Link mouthpieces have established a significant legacy in the woodwind world, having been a preferred choice for professional musicians since their introduction in the 1930s. The brand is synonymous with the development of the modern jazz sound, having been utilised by legendary figures such as John Coltrane, Hank Mobley, and Dexter Gordon. The Super Tone Master represents a continuation of this heritage, maintaining the design principles that defined the 'Link sound' during the golden era of jazz.

Design and Specifications

The Super Tone Master for Alto Saxophone is constructed from metal and finished with a 24k gold plating, which contributes to both its aesthetic appeal and its specific resonance. The '5' facing features a narrow tip opening of 0.065 inches. This specific measurement is engineered to provide easier access to the altissimo and upper registers, while ensuring the intonation remains 'locked-in' and stable across the full range of the instrument. The design is particularly conducive to precise, technical passages where control is paramount.

Tonal Character and Performance

Often described as the quintessential big band mouthpiece, the Super Tone Master offers a versatile sonic palette. It provides a vintage tone that can be warm and blending when performing within an energetic ensemble, yet possesses the necessary projection to cut through for solo performances. The metal construction and internal geometry allow for excellent dynamic range, transitioning from soft, lyrical passages to 'blistering' solos without losing tonal integrity.

Target Audience and Comparison

This mouthpiece is primarily suited for intermediate to professional players who require a traditional jazz aesthetic. The 0.065" tip opening makes it an excellent choice for players who prefer a more resistant feel or those moving from a classical background into jazz, as it is less demanding than wider openings like the JodyJazz Super Jet. When compared to plastic alternatives like the Yamaha 5C, the Super Tone Master offers significantly more projection and a richer harmonic profile, justified by its professional price point of approximately £237.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the specific tip opening of the Otto Link Super Tone Master Metal 5?: The Metal 5 model features a narrow tip opening of 0.065 inches. This measurement is designed to provide greater control and easier access to the saxophone's upper register.
What finish is used on the Super Tone Master mouthpiece?: This mouthpiece features a 24k gold-plated finish. This plating adds a beautiful colour to the appearance and contributes to the classic vintage tone of the unit.
Is this mouthpiece suitable for beginners?: While the 0.065" tip opening is manageable, the Super Tone Master is a professional-grade metal mouthpiece. It is generally recommended for advancing students or professionals rather than absolute beginners who might start with a Yamaha 5C.
Which famous jazz musicians have used Otto Link mouthpieces?: Otto Link mouthpieces have been used by numerous legends, including John Coltrane, Dexter Gordon, and Hank Mobley. Their use helped define the sound of jazz saxophone since the 1930s.
What genre of music is this mouthpiece best suited for?: The Super Tone Master is ideal for big band, jazz, and ensemble playing. Its ability to blend with a section or cut through for a solo makes it highly versatile for various jazz styles.
How does the metal construction affect the sound compared to ebonite?: The metal construction typically provides more projection and a slightly brighter 'cut' than ebonite. It allows for the 'blistering solo' capability mentioned by the manufacturer while retaining a vintage warmth.
What is the typical price range for this model in the UK?: The typical retail price for the Otto Link Super Tone Master Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece Metal 5 is approximately £237.
Does this mouthpiece help with intonation?: Yes, the manufacturer specifies that the narrow 0.065" tip opening provides 'extremely locked-in intonation.' This makes it a reliable choice for technical and precise playing.
What reeds are recommended for use with an alto saxophone?: While reed choice is personal, popular options for alto sax include D'Addario Organic Select Jazz Filed 4M reeds. For tenor saxophone equivalents, players often use Vandoren Java or D'Addario Organic Select Jazz Unfiled reeds.
Can this mouthpiece be used for soloing in a loud band?: Yes, the design is specifically intended to deliver enough projection to cut through an energetic ensemble during solos. Its dynamic capabilities allow it to be heard clearly over other instruments.
How long has Otto Link been producing mouthpieces?: Otto Link mouthpieces entered production in the 1930s. They have remained a favourite among professional woodwind players for nearly a century.
Is a ligature included with the Super Tone Master?: The Super Tone Master typically includes its own ligature and cap. However, some players choose to upgrade to specialized options like a Vandoren Cuir Leather ligature for a different response.