|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 55
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 55 |
Has anyone tried the Otto Link Vintage series hard rubber mouthpeces? I`ve beeu using a Dukoff M7 metal for 27 years. Now that I`m an old f**t (73) there are the physical changes. I no longer have to battle loud drummers,B3 Organs,and playing in big bands,etc.
I am playing in smaller rooms for 50 or less people. I use a Roland B330 amp (30lbs,and stereo), and MP3`s. Mainly playing standards and 50`s,60`s pop.I also double on Clarinet and Flute.I`m looking for a hard rubber mouthpiece that will give me a darker,breathlier(spelling?) tone,with a little edge.Any suggestions much appreciated.
Thanks
Chuck
Chuck
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,449
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,449 |
Hi Chuck. I'm much more a trumpet/flugelhorn player but I double on soprano sax and flutes for audience shock value. I have a Mark VI tenor and use a VanDoren metal tenor mouthpiece with that. I've played rubber and metal Otto Link 6 and 6* on the tenor and found surprisingly little difference in metal versus rubber. When you say you want a little 'edge', I think that means metal, but 'darker' means rubber. But again, a player can get a mellow & dark or bright & edgy sound out of either material. Breathier means larger aperture with perhaps a harder reed, going for a Coleman Hawkins sound? I'm ten years younger than you, but I understand about supplying all that air. Interestingly, I find the metal mouthpieces easier to blow, and therefore requiring slightly less air support. That could just be me, though.
FYI, in the woodwinds, I primarily play a Yamaha soprano with a Yanagisawa 5 metal mouthpiece.
Best of luck!
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 55
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 55 |
Thank you for your input Matt.I`ve gotten a lot of informantion on the fourms over the years.I also double Clarinet,Flute,and soprano on gigs.You might be interested since you play soprano too. I play a Rudy Weidof (not sure about spelling)Busher striaght soprano that was made in either the late 20`s or early 30`s. It`s heavy horn brass with I believe a chrome finish.I bought out of an estate in 67,and had it repaded once in all these years. Anyway thank you,and I enjoy your music and fourm posts. Keeo Swingin` Chuck 
Chuck
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Chuck, check your PM inbox.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,449
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,449 |
Oh my, those old Buescher saxes sound so nice! But they really are like herding cats: impossible to play without lipping every other note. My friend from whom I got the Selmer tenor also played a 1920-vintage Conn soprano, same thing. Heavy, very hefty. Glorious sound but too much fighting to play in tune. My hat's off to you if you can handle those.
Here's one you'll enjoy. I just did a sideman recording gig arranging horn tracks for a singer-songwriter. I wrote a unison line for flugelhorn and soprano sax, and nailed it pitch-wise - two of the more difficult instruments to play in tune (but my two favorites).
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 55
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 55 |
replied to your PM hope you recieved it.
Chuck
Chuck
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 55
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 55 |
Matt!
Aggreed on intonation,but once you really put in the time to practice and learn the nuances of the instrument it becomes eaiser. When I was with the Miller band Lenny Hambro the lead alto player,and band manger played an old Martin and sounded great. That gig kept me busy,I was playing Bari,Alto,Clar,Bs. Clar,and Flute.The old Miller medleys "Something Old,Something New,etc. would keep me hopping.I`ll let you guess what the most requested song was.Did a couple of tours with Les Elgart,lead Alto,and the ride Tenor chair.Very unique sound and style;last of the Big Bands with a reconizable style.
Take care,and stay warm.
Chuck
Chuck
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,449
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,449 |
Oh goodness, you are a serious musician. That's a very nice credential!
Chuck, here's a short story you might enjoy. As you know, I am a flugelhorn player. I picked up flute in college when the other music majors needed a piece played and no one played flute. Thirty years later, I was regularly the guest artist in an area college jazz ensemble, on lead trumpet. One summer, the director called up and asked if I would play again, but there was a catch: he needed me on tenor sax. I told him I never played sax. He said "no problem, I'll give you one over the summer".
So I learned the school's beat-up Bundy, worked my way up to an Otto Link 6, and played lead tenor that fall. I then bought the soprano about 12 years ago, and I use it when my trumpet chops get tired. Along the way, I picked up a Yamaha WX5, and on one show I played the lead trumpet book, the flute book, and the acoustic bass book using the Yamaha!
In case you ever ran into some of the tenor players I worked with, Andy Haig (who had the Mark VI I now have) and Leo Russo were the best. I was also the trumpet player for Nick Brignola, Grammy-winning bari player and Woody Herman alum - a real burner.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,471
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,471 |
I have an old 1925 silver plate King Alto that has intonation issues, but the voice of an angel. My old early serial number Mark VI also had challenging intonation issues. Mark VII sounded worse, but played in tune. H.Couf was reasonable, and the Grassi better. My new MacSax classic has the best intonation of any sax I've owned (but I haven't owned that many). I suppose the manufacturing techniques of saxes in regards to intonation have improved over the years. The only Link hard rubber mouthpiece I've ever played is a 6 and it gives me a Getz-like tone. But I don't use it because I play a lot of rock and blues (jazz doesn't put enough food on the table). I use a Link metal (tone master 8 with NY chamber) to get a darker Texas Tenor sound. In general, the bigger the tip opening and chamber, the darker it will sound, and the softer reed you will need. The problem with mouthpieces is that you can't easily try them out before buying one. Woodwind & Brasswind used to let you do so years ago (before being purchased by Guitar Center) but you had to pay a sterilization charge if you returned it. I don't know if they still do that or not. You can find a lot about mouthpieces by going to the Sax On The Web forum http://forum.saxontheweb.net/forum.php but be aware, mouthpieces are almost a fetish item (or worse a religious cult item) among some sax players so expect a very lively discussion if you ask there. If you think PC vs. Mac discussions are lively, you ain't read nothin' yet  Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton  Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,471
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,471 |
And amazingly no matter what horn he played, even the Grafton, his tone still sounded like Bird.
Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
I've known a scant few other sax players who could pick up and play just about any horn, any mouthpiece, and get the true Tempered Scale out of the things, and every one of them also had their own tone or sound as well.
Used to enjoy playing with Ned Gould up in Pittsburgh in the early 80's when we both were a lot younger, Ned had this old C Melody sax that he used like a Soprano. Silver plated horn, nobody else could play it with good intonation. But Ned could. Ned could make Grover Washington Jr. tunes of the era sound wonderful, on that tiny little C Melody sax from another era.
Ned ended up playing in Harry Connick's bigband. Unique player, unique sound. Never afraid to experiment. Sense of humor, IMO one of the most important aspects of our craft, never take yourself too seriously, but be dead serious about the music. I hope I didn't damage him too badly with my Rhodes playing, heh. Ned, Me, and a guy we named, "Joe Blow" on Bass, backing up The Marcels doowop singers, playin' weddings, jammin' at the drop of a hat...
Lost contact with young Mr. Gould and next thing I know I see him on TV with Harry Connick Jr. Go Ned!
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,460
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,460 |
It's always fun to see an old friend in an unsuspected place.
I'll second the 'Go Ned'.
I recently saw a girl I went to school with (French Horn player back then) was singing backups with Bob Seger.
So I Googled her, and found out a lot of cool things have happened to her since our high school days.
She attended my grandmothers funeral a few years back (maybe 3 years or so).
I had no idea of the circle she was currently working in or I'd have asked more questions!
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,751
Posts795,794
Members39,951
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean