OTTO LINK Early Babbitt Large Font STM (1974-1979)

Otto Link moved once again in 1974 to Elkhart, Indiana when it was bought out by J.J. Babbitt where it remains today.  The result was the vintage "Early Babbitt" Super Tone Master mouthpieces.  These are considered to be the last great vintage mouthpieces that were manufactured by Otto Link.  To the naked eye these mouthpieces seem almost identical to current production STMs, but they are actually very different.

 

Charecteristics of Early Babbitt Super Tone Masters:

  • Tight fit on neck explained below
  • Larger facing stamp

 

The facing stamp changed to a much larger font on the "Early Babbitt" models in comparison to the "Florida" vintage pieces.  These mouthpieces also had a smaller bore design in comparison to the "Florida" vintage Super Tone Masters.  Because of this there is a noticeable difference in the way "Early Babbitt" and "Florida" vintage mouthpieces fit on necks.  "Early Babbitt" mouthpieces are always quite a bit more snug on the neck than "Florida" STMs.

 

The baffle changed once again to more of a step baffle, producing a brighter sound, with even more projection.  "Early Babbitt" Otto Links are often considered by many players to be kind of the unsung heroes of the vintage Link family.  If you can find a really good "Early Babbitt" it might be better than a lot of "Florida" and "New York" vintage pieces. 

 

Otto Link also changed their ligatures once again, making the top screw much larger.

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Otto Link moved once again in 1974 to Elkhart, Indiana when it was bought out by J.J. Babbitt where it remains today.  The result was the vintage "Early Babbitt" Super Tone Master mouthpieces.  These are considered to be the last great vintage mouthpieces that were manufactured by Otto ...   [more]

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