Otto Link FL Double Ring 9 *Original* Restoration Study

Case Study in Vintage Otto Link Find & Restoration:

Here we have an excellent original surviving example of a Florida production Otto Link ‘double ring’ 9 facing.  This is probably a somewhat later model double ring as it has rhodium or nickel plate.  The early models had gold plate (which wore off rather easily).  The  nickel or rhodium does not wear off as easily but when it does it leaves scars in the brass as we see here. We will document the process of restoration as a study for those considering sourcing vintage mouthpieces from the wild world of mouthpiece unknowns.

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Otto Link FL USA 6* mint original

Here is a beautifully preserved original Otto Link Florida (USA) model tenor saxophone mouthpiece.  This comes complete with original box, ligature, and cap.  The facing is untouched and clean.  Most of the nickel or rhodium plating is intact and the piece has not been damaged.  It plays better than many originals from this period with a decisively bright and yet fat response.  6* is really an optimal size for these anyhow and playing at this size puts one in some of the best company with many historic Jazz figures playing in this range.  These middle of the road 6* (not huge) piece trend bright and compact which many of us wish for.  This is a very nice original package that are more often hard to find.

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Otto Link Transitional SHORT SHANK Double Ring Original 7!!

There is no more rare and amazing piece available; double ring table stamp 7, missing NY stamp, long biteplate apparent, with a Florida baffle finish?!?!  This has many aspects of both models.  Chamber appears exactly in the middle between NY and FL, slightly smaller than NY.  Baffle is higher than NY.  Table stamp is 7, tip size is around .095 and plays amazingly!  It’s got loads of power, depth to spare and extremely colorful.  Shockingly the facing is GREAT and it is extremely comfortable, responsive and beautiful.  I would never change this piece and I hope no one else does.  It is PHENOMENAL!

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Otto Link FL Early short shank Original .080 (5) stamped 3* with Orig. Lig.

Very nice condition original 5 early FL short shank model; this piece is factory stamped 3* but measures .080 (5).  The short shank model tends to have a rather high rolling baffle, which this does have as well.  This piece comes with original early FL ligature with the sturdy screw housing.  This piece will be good for those who can work the small sizes or is an excellent starting point for a custom setup.  That baffle is going to win!

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Otto Link FL Double Ring Marinated “Masterpiece” .098

Rarely available for sale, this is one my own “masterpiece” labeled FL double rings. I was using this myself for quite some time.  It is a prime blank FL piece that I set up to .098 which is quite an ideal size for these.  It has a rather long rolling baffle.  It plays with an optimum balance of crispness, speed, brightness, and spread.  It is on the bright side for double rings, exceptionally flexible and colorful.  The label does not lie. Those who know, know.

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Otto Link FL serialed 6* mint original package w/lig/box

Mint condition, with only some aging of the plating surface mainly on the table where someone left an old reed clamped on; this is an extremely rare find.  It is an original 6* facing and the size is as expected.  The entire piece is plated and nicely shiny.  Serialed early FL are basically the same as double ring, they play just as specially and are probably harder to find as production was very brief before the regular no USA’s.  This comes with the original box, cap and ligature as well.  The sound is fat, crisp and colorful.

 

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Otto Link Double Ring NY Original 6 .083 Bright & Fast!

Wonderful original New York first production ‘Super’ Tonemaster double ring.  This facing stamp is 6 which is already very hard to find, although early production did not have larger tip sizes aligning with current charts, this measures at .083 so almost a 5*.  Interestingly, this piece has a HUGE baffle in that would be more commonly found in Florida production, but really it’s higher than those are as well.  This piece plays really rather bright for any link, but very bright for a NY.  The chamber actually appears to be a bit smaller than most NY’s as well and it does play more compact.  That long shank is something I have not seen on these early ones either.  Each of these was hand finished so .. it’s a rarity.


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Otto Link FL Double Ring Marinated .102 Silky Smooth Resonance

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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