[TJS]

I am currently playing a hr rubber link 5* and really want to try a 6. I was wondering if anybody has compared a hr link to a metal one on soprano in the same facing.

Thanks.

 

[bruce bailey]

Years ago. I found the STM to be too icy compared to the HR. I find the metal Links best for tenor and hate them for Alto. I used a FL slant HR for a long time but now use a Selmer Super Session for soprano. So far the Link is still my favorite on tenor.

 

[mountainman]

Years ago. I found the STM to be too icy compared to the HR. I find the metal Links best for tenor and hate them for Alto. I used a FL slant HR for a long time but now use a Selmer Super Session for soprano. So far the Link is still my favorite on tenor.

I concurr. The metal link was too bright for my taste. I have played the HR Link 6* and now play 8* on soprano . Love the metal Link NY on tenor , but NOT on alto.

 

[MojoBari]

Metal and HR Links are cousins but different designs. On sop sax, I wonder if they are even related.

 

[CONN-hunter]

Metal Link in curved or straight soprano

I suppose that the darker sound of a curved soprano in comparison to a straight soprano would compensate the "brightness" of the link metal MPC.
in other words, ...

a curved vintage Soprano and a Link metal could be a good match.

Some members don´t hear differences in the timbre of straight vs Curved, some others hear it so I would expect different meanings about.

I would let make a custom work in the Chamber of a modern STM link sop MPC to do it larger and let make tipps and rails "perfect" in 0,0005 for better playability. Baffle would still original.

 

[blackfrancis]

I play both and while they each have their merits, I too wonder if they're related. Very different designs, very different characters. And they both work well on vintage stuff.

 

[Dave Dolson]

I've had STM Link soprano pieces in 6*, 7*, and 8* (still have the 7* and 8*). I recently sold a Tone Edge Link soprano in 6* (as I recall). There was a huge difference for me between the STM and the Tone Edge. DAVE

 

[MM]

I also "hate" the STM on alto but was pleasantly suprised to discover that is pretty good on soprano. Like Dave D said, they project more than the Tone Edge...think Dave Liebman rather than (ugh) Kenny G. I think the STM is a good mpc for big band or intense jazz combo playing. The new ones I've tried played well out of the box.

CONN-hunter, are you saying you had a modern STM customized, or are just advising it? If so how did it turn out?