Otto Link (Super tone master no:7) metal mpc for the Tenor. For a beginner or not?

[swede_peter]

In your opinion: yes, no, comments? :?

/Pete.

[saxmanglen]

That piece is right at 0.100 as far as facing size goes. That's pretty much in the middle of the road for tenor. With a reed in a strenghth that blows comfortable for you it should give you plenty of flexibility for jazz playing. So, I guess that's a yes.........

[swede_peter]

That piece is right at 0.100 as far as facing size goes. That's pretty much in the middle of the road for tenor. With a reed in a strenghth that blows comfortable for you it should give you plenty of flexibility for jazz playing. So, I guess that's a yes.........

I really apreciate your input. I have begining to realize that its a lot of nice and experienced hornplayers here on Sotw. Thanks again. :)

/Pete.

[gary]

I don't know why not.

Personally, I played a Meyer 6M (#6) for about a year and then a Link #6 for another couple of years before I moved to 100 opening.

[BayviewSax]

No!!!!!

STMs are great, but for a beginner? The Metal Link is one of the harder to control (IMHO) and they don't project as well as some other pieces which could lead to some overblowing. The beginning student needs to learn how to control his/her embouchure before taking on a piece like that.

I despise Meyer mouthpieces, but they make a lot more sense for a beginner.

[John N]

I use an STM 7* on my Yamaha YTS-62 and I really like it.

I'm not sure whether you would class me as a beginner or not.
I played clarinet in school and then didn't do anything until I bought the sax about four years ago.
It hasn't been played that much but I'm trying to put some serious time in with it now.

I find it harder work than the standard Yamaha mouthpiece but I much prefer the sound of the Link.

I started using Vandoren V16 no.2 reeds but had problems getting decent high notes. Now I'm using no.3's and that has helped. V16s are softer than standard Vandorens so a no.3 is between a 2 and 2.5 regular strength I think.

I get the odd squeak out of it but I'm getting better with that and it's worth it for the sound improvement.

Since you have been fortunate enough to get a Link, I would use it. If you come up against any problems that you can't resolve then consider something else.

EDIT: I'm not overly impressed by the ligature with the Link though. Maybe it's just me but it doesn't seem like such a great system. If anyone has any suggestions for replacing it then that would be useful.

[DirkW]

I would suggest sticking to .075" to .085" tip opening for the first year or two, as it will be much easier to control. I also suggest gradually increase the hardness of the reeds until you're playing a Vandorin 3.5 (blue box) or LaVoz MH. Once you can play that setup comfortably, you will have ample control to play the more open tipped mouthpieces.

[saxmanglen]

Perhaps I should qualifiy my statements above.

I've read your other posts and, If I understand corectly, you've been playing 2 years or more. Also, I believe your instructor had given you the piece to use.

I would not recomend this piece for a new sax player just starting out. I did say what I did based on information I gathered from some of your other posts. Your not a newbie on the sax!

Keep on blowin'.

Glen

[swede_peter]

Perhaps I should qualifiy my statements above.

Your not a newbie on the sax!


Glen

I hope i will always feel like a newbie. Cause everyday i learn something new i realize theres a LOT left to learn.. :D

Thanks for all your input, you are theee best! ;)

/Pete.