MoonBeam is an extremely faithful reproduction and optimization of the best vintage Florida Otto Link I’ve found in over 30 years of hunting, studying and optimizing vintage Links.  This particular piece is a very early Florida model 7* with a serial number.  These early serialed pieces are nearly identical to Florida ‘double ring’ models in the chamber area but trend higher in the floor and baffle areas.  In the end it is always the setup itself which makes the majority of the response as well, and early Florida had a great formula, though greatly handicapped by inconsistency in symmetry and errors in facing curve.  When they had things right they were amazing, but many, including this piece were challenged.

I have had this particular piece for quite some years, as I received it rolling around in the case of a 115k minty MK VI tenor and was shocked at how perfect it was.  When I played it I was equally impressed as in terms of character and response it is far above most others.  It is in fact the best I have every played for this model period, but it is slightly challenging due to what I found was significant asymmetry in facing curve between the two sides, and between tip rail and table.  It is very impressive that the piece has SUCH a great feel and sound even with its challenges.  I’ve played it on and off for many years but never fully committed to the slanted facing.  I have never dared to touch it and alter such a beautiful original piece of history either, waiting for this opportunity to non-destructively improve it.

Having mapped this with x-ray tomography we are carefully reproducing the blank with facing and geometric symmetry applied in the modeling phase while retaining all the original inner configuration of chamber, floor, and baffle.  Having studied and restored many thousands of vintage Links I apply the original Florida style facing and finish by hand, optimize and play test each one.  The native size is around .105.  I expect to be able to offer these in .100-.110 with some more options on the custom side. These will be in production within a month (approximately).  Get ready to try the absolute best, needle in a haystack optimal serialed Florida.