The NY HR Link is pretty dark, at least to my ears, but they are getting really hard to find in original condition (and "modern" tip openings as well) - an original 7 went for $700 on SaxQuest.com not to long ago. The Florida Slant Sig HR Links have wonderful projection, but again, the price is getting out of this world. Also, the Reso Chamber Links are gorgeous if you find a good one, but again, it's hard to find one in original condition (almost all of the Resos that I've seen have been in #4 tip openings, and they were still going from $350-450!). I had an early babbitt HR Link, but it felt pretty bright for me, but again, every Link is different, this one had A LOT of baffle material in it. I would suggest trying out one of Doc Tenney's HR Links (current model) that SaxQuest.com is selling - they're just as dark as a NY HR Link - real dark, full, plenty of projection, but a fraction of the cost of a vintage Link these days.
Also, Bob Ackerman has been making copies of vintage mouthpieces lately that are really worth checking out. A lot of players in the NYC area have been buying them (a friend of mine just bought 2 of the HR Link copies) - some have been using them as their main mpc, some have bought them as a back-up piece. Theo Wanne also sells a mpc that is like a Reso Chamber (Vibrator Sound Wave) - I have one and it's incredible - huge chamber, dark sound, made from great rubber. I guess what I'm trying to say is that there are plenty of alternatives out there for the "vintage Link" sound without breaking the bank and causing your wife to divorce you... :lol:

 

I agree with JS's suggestion to try the Tenney HR Link. This piece, matched with an FL lig, is the best playing, easiest to control combo I have ever used. It's really something special if you like the Link sound.

 

JS & retread,

Thanks for the info.

JS,
Any chance you can equate the NY Link, Florida Link and Early Babitt to a Berg baffle Number. Would they all be 3's or higher? Or, do you think any would fit into the 2 area or lower?

 

I have a HR link that has a straight signature on it but I've been told it's a Florida. Made in between the slants and early babbitts. I have no idea if this is fact or not but the thing wails. Great big fat tone but with some nice highs to the sound. Not stuffy at all. I've always wanted to get a slant but JVW told me this piece is great so I'm sticking with it. Very easy to play. I usually play this piece on small jazz work. I have a duo tonight I'm looking forward to playing it on. I've heard the great thing with early babbitt's is the baffle is higher so if it's too bright you can have it reduced and worked with. Good Luck with the search.

 

Nefertiti - i have one similar to yours....some debate whether its an early babbit or between the florida and early babbit. Mine has the straight signature, little concave baffle, narrower body and the number might be a little bigger than the current ones. Its a 7 that was worked on by Theo Wanne.

Much brighter and better response than any link I've played..... I've just been playing this with a FL lig against the ESP 120 which i got. It's not quite as clear or loud (with spoiler), but has a smooth as butter response, great projection, fat solid tone........ and its just sooooo easy to play! like putting on an old pair of shoes

Have you tried yours with a FL lig - opens it up a bit, maybe brightens a little too - very nice!

 

I just picked up a Lost wax HR Ackerman. Its a .108 tip that I got from a fellow SOTWer. Its very nice plays dark with even response all through the range . Nice volume .It reminds me of a Joe Henderson tone when I play it. I just got it so I need to play it a while but they are an alternative to a vintage Link.

 

I have a narrow body Link as well, a really wonderful easy-blowing piece. I think I'm going to have it opened up a bit (it's a 5*) if I keep it.