How to Make an Otto Link Mouthpiece Play Brighter
For more than 50 years, the Otto Link saxophone mouthpieces have been coveted sax accessories for many players. Though this brand of mouthpiece comes in many makes and models, new and old and designed for many different timbres and styles, there are times when the sound of the mouthpiece you have is just a little too dark. Fortunately, there are several ways to brighten the sound you get with your Otto Link.
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Instructions
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How to Make an Otto Link Mouthpiece Play Brighter
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Fit your mouthpiece with a more flexible ligature. A wire mesh ligature, such as the Olegature, or a leather ligature might work. These types of ligatures can help you play brighter because they allow for greater adjustment. To make the sound brighter, tighten the screw that's closer to your mouth more than you tighten the one that's farther away.
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2
Use a different reed with your mouthpiece. Replacing a cane mouthpiece with a plastic reed is a reliable way to brighten the sound as is switching to a thicker cane reed. You can also experiment with various types of reeds designated for jazz (both leading brands, Vandoren and Rico, make a variety of professional jazz reeds), because many of these will brighten the sound.
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Attach a different neck to your mouthpiece. Each saxophone neck has a unique sound, especially when combined with other equipment. Unfortunately, there's no reliable way to know which necks will brighten your sound without trying them out, but most instrument stores will be happy to let you try out new necks with your saxophone and mouthpiece before trying them.
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Adjust your embouchure. You can get your mouthpiece and horn to produce a brighter sound if you adjust the way you play. Try raising your tongue, and if that's not enough, adjust the shape of your oral cavity. To do this, think of how you change and tighten the shape of your mouth and throat to make your voice sound more nasal, as the same techniques will affect your saxophone's sound.
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