OTTO LINK New York Tone Master (1940-1949)

Another giant leap forward for Otto Link was the "Tone Master" metal mouthpiece.  The "Tone Master" had a lot of similarities to it's predicessors, but is considered by many to be a superior piece in comparison to the "Four****" model. 

 

 

 

Charecteristics of Tone Master:

  • Ridge along top of mouthpiece for ligature
  • Facing stamp on bottom of table
  • "Otto Link Co.Inc New York, NY" machining on shank
  • Tone Master stamp on shank
  • Serial number on left side of the table

 

Once again it is very typical to find these mouthpieces in fairly closed facings, such as 3, 4, and 5, but they have been seen in original 7 and 8 facings.  The New York "Tone Master" mouthpieces tended to have a bit more edge and projection, and they are all around just more flexible than the Four**** models.  They were played by many of the famous artists of the day.  Some of these artists included:

Coleman Hawkins
Ben Webster
Lester Young
Benny Carter
Charlie Barnett 
Buddy Tate

This is where the first improvements made on the ligatures took place as well.  The plate that contacts the reed is much thinner, and allows for better vibration.  This is the first time that Otto Link also stamped its name on their ligs.  The ridge was also added to the top of the mouthpiece to help the lig stay more centered. 

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Another giant leap forward for Otto Link was the "Tone Master" metal mouthpiece.  The "Tone Master" had a lot of similarities to it's predicessors, but is considered by many to be a superior piece in comparison to the "Four****" model. 

 

 

 

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