Here we have an apex example of the Florida Double Ring with my custom setup.  This was one of my personal players until I moved to a slightly smaller size.  I did it for myself in a batch of only TWO and the other was for Josh Redman.  They are setup with the same facing, very similar but each piece has its unique character and response.  Absolutely every fine optimization has been done to this piece.  It is playing at the top of its capability and efficiency.

The FL model has a slightly smaller chamber than NY models, and also it seems, a slightly smaller chamber than No USA models. This piece has the expected focus and center of the Double Ring model, a significant moderate baffle providing a bit of bounce and shimmering buzz on top of a very smooth and pretty warmth. The tip size sits at .102 with very fine side and tip rail contours; this piece is a lyrical weapon that lives all the way up to the FL Double Ring hype.

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Here is an early model Otto Link Double Ring, made in New York sporting the early extremely long biteplate. These being about one step after the Tonemaster tend to have a fairly large chamber as well creating a thick, wide sound.  This one, however does not appear to have the absolutely huge chamber.  At least visually it appears not so big, sort of trending (a little) towards the Florida models.  This piece has had an active life showing some surface wear from handling.

The table facing stamp is not showing but I am guessing it was not a large size to start. Someone has refaced this to .090 (6 facing) and by the appearance I’d guess it was done more than 30 years ago, and by some old school hand and done very well.  It plays exceptionally well at this size with both fat and significant bright qualities on a complex warm tone expected of these models. This is not a piece to open further, it is just excellent as it is. I would suggest it could benefit from a bit of minor adjustment or cleanup if anything at all.  I very much enjoyed playing it and was surprised.

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Nice old early Brilhart “streamline” with original 3 band ligature.  This piece could use a little clean up at the tip and would be a great player.  The streamline is a nice smaller size profile to play on, and these ligatures have quite a following as well. The Streamline is probably the hardest Brilhart to find.

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RIA baritone 6 original.  This is a very rare and well made piece with a dedicated following.  crafted off of the Berg Larsen design approach these have a lot of power and precision.  They are really very hard to find and were generally made to a very high standard. They made these out of a number of different metals including aluminum, but I believe this one is stainless steel. Good luck finding another.

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Mid-early FL Link 11* huge custom order facing in all original condition. This piece has been played, shows some normal wear but is in very good unaltered condition.  It is beyond my scale for size.  I have not played it, likely a very good player by the appearance. Continue reading →

Otto Link later FL (USA) model at an extremely rare custom order tip size of 12*.  That’s a BIG PIECE, and the tip measurement is off my scale.  It was gently adjusted by Kirill Poudavoff and replated, tip rail and baffle contour are original. Continue reading →

Very rare and unique round chambered (later model) Dukoff Hollywood for alto.  This has had a bit of optimization done on it, but I don’t know the specifics.  These are quite hard to fid if even possible these days.

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This is (obviously) a very rare, sought after and special hand made piece by Freddie Gregory.  The size is, well, huge for soprano.  It’s a beautiful piece of craftsmanship.

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Here is a very interesting piece; clearly a late Florida mouthpiece but finished at Babbitt with the denim table milling (that FL Link did not use).  So this was likely leftover FL stock that Babbitt bought and then finished in house.  This would often be referred to as ‘early Babbitt” but the facing font is small, stamped in Florida, not the large font Babbitt used.  oddly, the tip and baffle finish appear very much Florida style, sharp and fine with a rather extensive higher flat shelf baffle..

This piece is a master player; bright, crisp, very fast and compact.  Really special player measuring at .0925 (approx.) for me.

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Rare old Lelandais tenor piece S5 facing all original.  This appears to be cut from the popular Chedevelle or generic European blank of the day, but with a unique large scooped out chamber for a fat Link-like sound. Tip measures .073 for me.

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