[PorkpieHat]

I have an option to purchase an HR Otto Link Tone Edge refaced by one of two different refacers. Originally I was looking at a 6* Bob Carpenter reface however I was told the closest available to that size that is available is a 7. 6* (at least with the metal NYSTM Link I have) is still a challenge for me so I don't think I want to go up a size though a 7 is not that big a difference. It will take some time (as the mouthpiece would have to be sent off to Bob) but I do still have the option of a 6* Bob Carpenter refaced HR Link, I just gotta wait till it's done. The other option is a 6* refaced by Phil Engleman. The only considerable difference I was told was that Bob's reface has extra baffle in the chamber.

Not sure what the extra baffle in the chamber actually does tone wise on a modern HR Tone Edge and whether I'd find it complimentary. Essentially I just wanted a HR Tone Edge mouthpiece without manufacturing defects within my budget. Beyond that I generally like a piece to complement my Conn 10m, warm and dark but not tubby. For about $200 US I'm not looking for anything unrealistically good for that price range, since I can grab the Phil refaced Link right now in the tip opening I want that may be the way to go. Just wondering if it's worth the wait for the 6* Carpenter reface, just get the 7, or go for the Phil refaced one.

These are the new model of Tone Edge HR so again not looking for magic but just a good mouthpiece I can afford right now that perhaps a little easier to play than the Otto Link NY STM I have. Any advice appreciated.

 

[Nefertiti]

I have an option to purchase an HR Otto Link Tone Edge refaced by one of two different refacers. Originally I was looking at a 6* Bob Carpenter reface however I was told the closest available to that size that is available is a 7. 6* (at least with the metal NYSTM Link I have) is still a challenge for me so I don't think I want to go up a size though a 7 is not that big a difference. It will take some time (as the mouthpiece would have to be sent off to Bob) but I do still have the option of a 6* Bob Carpenter refaced HR Link, I just gotta wait till it's done. The other option is a 6* refaced by Phil Engleman. The only considerable difference I was told was that Bob's reface has extra baffle in the chamber.

Not sure what the extra baffle in the chamber actually does tone wise on a modern HR Tone Edge and whether I'd find it complimentary. Essentially I just wanted a HR Tone Edge mouthpiece without manufacturing defects within my budget. Beyond that I generally like a piece to complement my Conn 10m, warm and dark but not tubby. For about $200 US I'm not looking for anything unrealistically good for that price range, since I can grab the Phil refaced Link right now in the tip opening I want that may be the way to go. Just wondering if it's worth the wait for the 6* Carpenter reface, just get the 7, or go for the Phil refaced one.

These are the new model of Tone Edge HR so again not looking for magic but just a good mouthpiece I can afford right now that perhaps a little easier to play than the Otto Link NY STM I have. Any advice appreciated.

If your just looking for a good mouthpiece and not magic, my sense is that either of the pieces with be a good piece. Just make a decision and go with that. Anonymous people on a forum can't answer this question for you. Talk to the refacers and go with your gut.

 

[Dr G]

I have an option to purchase an HR Otto Link Tone Edge refaced by one of two different refacers. Originally I was looking at a 6* Bob Carpenter reface however I was told the closest available to that size that is available is a 7. 6* (at least with the metal NYSTM Link I have) is still a challenge for me so I don't think I want to go up a size though a 7 is not that big a difference. It will take some time (as the mouthpiece would have to be sent off to Bob) but I do still have the option of a 6* Bob Carpenter refaced HR Link, I just gotta wait till it's done. The other option is a 6* refaced by Phil Engleman. The only considerable difference I was told was that Bob's reface has extra baffle in the chamber.

Not sure what the extra baffle in the chamber actually does tone wise on a modern HR Tone Edge and whether I'd find it complimentary. Essentially I just wanted a HR Tone Edge mouthpiece without manufacturing defects within my budget. Beyond that I generally like a piece to complement my Conn 10m, warm and dark but not tubby. For about $200 US I'm not looking for anything unrealistically good for that price range, since I can grab the Phil refaced Link right now in the tip opening I want that may be the way to go. Just wondering if it's worth the wait for the 6* Carpenter reface, just get the 7, or go for the Phil refaced one.

These are the new model of Tone Edge HR so again not looking for magic but just a good mouthpiece I can afford right now that perhaps a little easier to play than the Otto Link NY STM I have. Any advice appreciated.

Adding baffle tends to make a piece brighter. Will you be able to return either piece if you find that it doesn't work for you?

 

[PorkpieHat]

Adding baffle tends to make a piece brighter. Will you be able to return either piece if you find that it doesn't work for you?

I guess my main curiosity was if anyone has played on one of the Bob Carpenter Tone Edge pieces. I believe I can return if not suitable so there is always that. As far as brightness I suppose it's subjective as to whether it's complimentary to the current TE mouthpieces or not.

 

[Dr G]

I guess my main curiosity was if anyone has played on one of the Bob Carpenter Tone Edge pieces. I believe I can return if not suitable so there is always that. As far as brightness I suppose it's subjective as to whether it's complimentary to the current TE mouthpieces or not.

It will also depend on your horn and whether your tendency is to blow bright or dark. For instance, I tend to blow to the brighter side of a piece, so my sound on the same equipment that you play will be brighter. Then there is the question of how well the sound you play matches what you want to hear. And the quest continues either until you find the piece that lets you achieve the sound you want, or you learn to accept what you have and make the most of it.

If your main interest is whether anyone has played Bob's work, you should put that in subject line.

Happy questing!

P.S. Reeds will respond differently on varying mouthpieces as well. :shock:

P.P.S. The "correct" answer is buy both of them, and commit to spending some time to dial in the sound of each. Then make a choice of which plays better for you, and sell the other.

 

[dctwells]

FWIW I play a metal Otto Link NY 7* that Bob refaced and out an epoxy baffle in. It is a phenomenal piece, not not overly bright on my 271,xxx Conn 10M and lots of richness and overtones from top to bottom.

Mine plays with some healthy resistance to push against so you may want to stay in your comfort zone when choosing a tip opening.

Phil also does tremendous work .... in addition to a refaced Link you should check out his Intrepid!

 

[PorkpieHat]

Thanks for the input. I decided to try the Phil refaced Tone Edge 6* as it was readily available and more in my comfort zone as far as tip size. I suppose you don't know until you try so at least I can evaluate from there.

 

[Grumps]

Never buy refaced mouthpieces that don't come directly from the one who altered them. They're the toughest pieces to unload if you can't return them.

 

[Dr G]

Never buy refaced mouthpieces that don't come directly from the one who altered them. They're the toughest pieces to unload if you can't return them.

That's a pretty broad and unsupported statement.

It could be true in the instance of a newly refaced vintage Link that is grossly overpriced, but certainly less true in the case of a used piece that has been corrected and balanced, and is sold at a fair price. The former is guaranteed to lose money, whereas the latter is break even if resold at market.

 

[Sigmund451]

Mine wont be tubby but it will likely be darker than Bobs.

 

[PorkpieHat]

Mine wont be tubby but it will likely be darker than Bobs.

This one is from Sax Alley. I started looking for a refaced HR Tone Edge 6* which was more in my budget than a number of quality HR similar mouthpieces which were much more expensive. The Bob Carpenter one was listed on their website but I was told they didn't have in a 6* and then mentioned they did have one refaced by Phil in stock. I opted for the Phil refaced one as originally I just wanted a decent playing HR Tone Edge that wouldn't break the bank. At any rate hopefully it'll be shipped soon and I can try it out.