Today, I am excited to review the Les Becs d’Autan Florida Slant model tenor saxophone mouthpiece in a 7* tip opening. I have already reviewed the Les Becs d’Autan Florida tenor saxophone mouthpiece, the Les Becs d’Autan MB1 Pilgrimage tenor saxophone mouthpiece and the Les Becs d’Autan MB1 tenor saxophone mouthpiece. All of these tenor saxophone mouthpieces were exceptional, so I’m also excited to review the Les Becs d’Autan Florida Slant tenor saxophone mouthpiece, which is inspired by the 1950–60s Otto Link Florida Slant “no-USA” Tone Edge hard rubber tenor saxophone mouthpiece.
Les Becs D’Autan Florida Slant Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece
The Les Becs d’Autan Florida Slant tenor saxophone mouthpiece looked beautiful upon opening the box. The mouthpiece was well protected in the packaging it made the journey from France to the USA in.
The LBD Florida Slant tenor mouthpiece comes in black ebonite or in black and green marbled ebonite. I chose the black and green marbled ebonite Les Becs d’Autan Florida Slant tenor saxophone mouthpiece to review today because of it’s beautiful marbled look which I loved. I also chose this black and green marbled design because it is unique and will make finding the Les Becs d’Autan Florida Slant mouthpiece so much easier amongst my dozens of black hard rubber tenor sax mouthpieces in my mouthpiece drawer.
The Les Becs d’Autan Florida Slant tenor saxophone mouthpiece looks fabulous with the black and green marbled ebonite. The tip rails and side rails look thin, even and precise. The tip rail curve is different in shape than the reed tip curves of my BSS and Rigotti Gold tenor saxophone reeds that I used on this mouthpiece because the outside edges of the mouthpiece tip rail curve down quicker than the outside edges of the BSS and Rigotti Gold reed tip shapes. Regardless of this fact, I detected no issues in regard to mouthpiece suction (when performing the mouthpiece suction test) or in reed response.
The mouthpiece table looks flat and even and the window looks similar if not exactly the same shape and size as an Otto Link Slant Signature tenor saxophone mouthpiece window.
The mouthpiece side rails are scooped out slightly as they lead to the large sized chamber which is typical for Florida Slant Signature Otto Link tenor saxophone mouthpieces. The roof of the chamber underneath the table is of medium thickness.
Les Becs D’Autan Florida Slant Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece
The Les Becs d’Autan Florida Slant tenor sax mouthpiece baffle has a noticeable rollover line that you can see when you look at the baffle in the right light (You can see it in the photo below). This type of rollover baffle is similar in shape and size to the Les Becs d’Autan Florida metal mouthpiece (inspired by a Florida no-USA metal Otto Link tenor sax mouthpiece) that I reviewed earlier this year.
One specific Otto Link Slant Signature characteristic that I don’t see in the Les Becs d’Autan Florida Slant tenor saxophone mouthpiece is the clamshell baffle that Otto Link Slant Signature tenor sax mouthpieces are known for. Below, is a photo of my Otto Link Early Babbitt tenor sax mouthpiece that I have been told was made from the Otto Link Slant Signature mold but Otto Link started putting a straight signature on them to transition to the Early Babbitt model. You can clearly see how the Otto Link EB (Slant mold) on the left has that signature clam shell baffle and the Les Becs d’Autan Florida Slant tenor saxophone mouthpiece on the right does not.
Les Becs D’Autan Florida Slant Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece next to a later Otto Link Early Babbitt (Slant Signature Mold) Mouthpiece
I emailed Philippe at Les Becs d’Autan and asked him about this:
“Philippe, One question as I work on the review. Otto Link Slant Signature tenor saxophone mouthpieces are pretty well known for their clam shell baffles. I don’t see a clam shell baffle on the Les Becs d’Autan Florida Slant mouthpiece. Did the no-USA versions not have a clam shell baffle? Or did you design the baffle on your LBD Florida Slant differently? Thanks for any information you can give regarding this, Steve”
Philippe at Les Becs d’Autan answered with this email:
“Hello Steve,
Your question is very interesting!
The Tone Edge Florida Slant had three major periods, which can be « modestly » summarized as follows:
– No-USA “1950” Slant Signature< : These mouthpieces had virtually no baffle, or a very low one, a huge chamber, and a very dark sound.
– No-USA “1955” Slant Signature< : These mouthpieces had a small rollover baffle, similar to the STM Florida no-USA model from the same period, as did their chamber. Sometimes, the Slant’s baffle was even slightly higher than the STM’s. They could be adjusted differently, but did not have a clam shape. (This is the version I used for my Slant Florida model – Les Becs d’Autan). The sound was very balanced.
– USA “1967” Slant Signature< : These mouthpieces had a narrower chamber, a higher and clam-shaped baffle. The sound was more focused, powerful, and bright. The first Early Babbitt mouthpieces still had this design.”
*I also just found this important bit of info on Theo Wanne’s Mouthpiece Museum page that seems to match what Philippe wrote me above:
1950 FLORIDA TONE EDGE ‘NO USA SLANT SIGNATURE SIZE STAMP ON TABLE’ MOUTHPIECES:
“The first Otto Link Florida Rubber TONE EDGE mouthpieces had Otto Link written at a 45 degree angle across the back of the mouthpiece, invoking the name Slant Signature Otto Links. The first versions had the tip opening stamp on the table. The shank was rounder and they had a slightly larger chamber than the later Florida models. It had a larger chamber and lower baffle than the later models with the tip opening on the side. Hence it had a darker sound closer to the New York models. This first version was only made up to a 6. Though they also made a H.S. (Hawkins Special) that measured out to a 6 and a J.A. (Joe Allard) version that measured to 6*. Joseph Allard was a professor at the Juilliard School of Music.”
1955+ FLORIDA TONE EDGE ‘SLANT SIGNATURE’ MOUTHPIECES – TIP SIZE ON THE SIDE:
“The second version of ‘SLANT SIGNATURE’ mouthpiece had a squarer shank, and had the tip size on the side of the mouthpiece. These were made standard up to a 9 and had a lot more baffle material in them. The No USA version had a roll-over baffle similar to its metal brother, however, perhaps even higher, and are considered the most desirable of the slant links along with the later USA ‘Slant Signature’ version. I am not sure of the date when these first started to be made, but my ‘best guess’ is after the move to Florida in 1955 up to around 1965.”
1967 SLANT SIGNATURE TONE EDGE – USA:
“This version of the Slant Signature Tone Edge added USA to the shank. Like the second generation No-USA version it had lots of extra baffle material, great projection, and the tip size on the side of the body. Larger tip openings started hitting the market this time as well; these were made up to a size 9.”
I think, from this description, that the Les Becs d’Autan Florida Slant tenor saxophone mouthpiece is inspired by the 1955+ No-USA Florida Slant Signature Otto Link tenor saxophone mouthpiece described in red above. – Thanks for the clarity, Theo Wanne!
Les Becs D’Autan Florida Slant Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece
Here is how the Les Becs d’Autan website eloquently describes the new Florida Slant model tenor saxophone mouthpiece:
“Rediscover the breath of the 1960s with a jazz sax mouthpiece that combines history, craftsmanship, and modern precision. The Florida Slant is our passionate tribute to one of the most legendary mouthpieces in the history of the tenor saxophone: the Otto Link Tone Edge Florida “Slant.” Handmade in France with premium marbled ebonite, this mouthpiece delivers warmth, projection, and expressive freedom for today’s jazz saxophonists.
Originally manufactured in the early 1960s, the Otto Link Florida Slant earned its name from the slanted brand engraving. Renowned for its balance of warmth, projection, and lyricism, it quickly became a reference for tenor saxophone players worldwide. This iconic design shaped the sound of giants such as Stan Getz and continues to inspire modern saxophonists like Mark Turner. Its broad, lyrical sound and ability to respond to nuance made it a classic among tenor jazz sax mouthpiece enthusiasts. From the velvet tone of Getz’s ballads to the purity and clarity of Turner’s modern jazz, the Florida Slant has left its mark on generations. Recreating this mouthpiece means reviving a living part of jazz history.
The Florida Slant is available in traditional black or a unique marbled green-and-black finish. The marbled ebonite not only enhances aesthetics but also provides a more complex, warmer sound profile. Each piece of ebonite is unique, making every mouthpiece a one-of-a-kind creation. Unlike standard hard rubber, we use the world’s highest-quality German ebonite. Its density, stability, and acoustic properties give the Florida Slant a richer timbre, better projection, and long-lasting durability.
The Florida Slant leans toward a warm, woody, and lyrical sound, while still retaining the projection and edge required for energetic solos. Whether you’re playing smooth jazz ballads or pushing through a big band section, this mouthpiece adapts with ease. The chamber design shares similarities with the Florida Metal, resulting in a broad, textured sound with natural harmonics. The difference lies in its warmer, more vocal color thanks to ebonite. Capable of infinite nuances, the Florida Slant moves seamlessly from soft subtone playing to powerful projection in fast bebop or fusion settings. This custom ebonite jazz saxophone mouthpiece is versatile enough to cover multiple styles: smooth lyrical jazz, expressive bebop, or even more classical woodwind contexts.
One of the most striking qualities is its ease of play. The mouthpiece feels “free-blowing” and natural, allowing players to focus on music rather than technique. Whether you play in small jazz clubs or on large stages, this tenor jazz sax mouthpiece offers both projection and control, adapting to your environment. From low subtone to altissimo, the Florida Slant remains homogeneous and balanced. Its intonation is stable across the full range of the instrument. Projection, articulation, and airflow have been refined to meet the demands of today’s players. The response is immediate and expressive, echoing the classic “Brecker-like” approach to tone and phrasing.
This is not just a reproduction — it’s a jazz sax mouthpiece designed to respect history while delivering the precision and reliability of modern manufacturing. Each mouthpiece is traditionally hand-finished, inspected, and play-tested by Philippe in our French workshop. This guarantees the highest level of finish, consistency, and playability.
The Florida Slant is more than just a mouthpiece: it is a historic design reborn for the modern saxophonist. With its premium ebonite saxophone mouthpiece construction, hand-finishing, and expressive versatility, it stands as one of the finest jazz sax mouthpieces available today. Treat yourself to an exceptional musical experience and rediscover the magic of the Florida Slant — a timeless tenor jazz sax mouthpiece crafted with passion in France”-Les Becs d’Autan website
Les Becs D’Autan Florida Slant Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece
The Les Becs d’Autan Florida Slant tenor saxophone mouthpiece played great for me with the first saxophone reed I put on it. I used a BSS (Boston Sax Shop) #3 Black Box tenor saxophone reed on the LBD Florida Slant mouthpiece that played perfectly. When I write “played perfectly”, I mean that it played easily with just the right amount of good resistance to blow against. The saxophone reed felt neither too hard, nor too soft but just perfect.
My initial impression was that I would describe the Les Becs d’Autan Florida Slant tenor sax mouthpiece as leaning to the darker and warmer side of the tone spectrum but with a tad of brightness and buzz mixed into the mix. The tone sounded rich with complex overtones and character.
Les Becs D’Autan Florida Slant Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece
I would say that the Les Becs d’Autan Florida Slant tenor saxophone mouthpiece sounds incredible on jazz ballads and jazz standards, it can be so warm and lush sounding with the foo foo sub-tone sounding so beautiful. The tone is round and rich sounding while also having a character and complexity that holds your interest as a player and a listener.
I would describe the tone of the Les Becs d’Autan Florida Slant tenor saxophone mouthpiece as having a dryer more spread sound to the tone. The LBD description earlier in this review described the tone as “warm, woody and lyrical” and I do agree with that description.
For me, that term “woody” implies a saxophone sound that has a dark leaning, warm, dry, and rich tone, with fewer bright overtones. It implies a sound that has body and depth, often associated with a traditional tenor saxophone sound, as opposed to a bright, edgy, or metallic tone. I think the quality that brings to mind “woody” the most for me, is that dryness in the tone. It’s like you can hear the woody cane resonating in the tone you are hearing.
Stan Getz is commonly mentioned as a tenor player that played an Otto Link Slant tenor saxophone mouthpiece and I can hear some of that same dryness and spread I hear in the Les Becs d’Autan Florida Slant tenor saxophone mouthpiece in Stan Getz’s tenor sax tone when I listen to his recordings. It’s a tenor saxophone tone that is very beautiful and full of rich overtones and abundant character that sounds incredible on jazz standards and bossa novas.
Les Becs D’Autan Florida Slant Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece
The Les Becs d’Autan Florida Slant really sounded terrific on the fast lines. The tone was smooth and connected and the lines just flowed together even while using jazz articulation. At the 2:38 mark of the first sound clip, I play my usual fast articulation line that I play on all my mouthpiece clips and the LBD Florida Slant performed well. I was able to play those repeated articulated notes quickly and the line still felt connected and smooth to my ears.
My other test for jazz articulation on a mouthpiece is to play Donna Lee. On the first sound clip, I play it at the 1:32 mark and the lines sound smooth and flowing even though I am articulating the offbeats throughout the lines.
Les Becs D’Autan Florida Slant Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece
I found the Les Becs d’Autan Florida Slant tenor saxophone mouthpiece to give me a similar volume as I would typically get from a great Florida Slant Otto Link tenor sax mouthpiece. On my volume scale, a great Otto Link Slant style tenor saxophone mouthpiece usually gives my a 7-7 1/2 out of 10 for volume. This is certainly enough volume for a jazz setting but coupled with the darker and warmer tone, I wouldn’t pick the Les Becs d’Autan Florida Slant mouthpiece for your outrageously loud bar gig this Friday night…..
Along those lines, I will say that my experience with Otto Link Slant Signature mouthpieces is limited to my EB Otto Link tenor sax mouthpiece that I am told is basically a Slant because it was made from the Otto Link Slant Signature mold. When I play that mouthpiece, I get a huge sound in the practice room and wherever I play it BUT, for me it is a more spread tone. It fills up the whole room and is probably the biggest sounding mouthpiece I have played as far as a big sound goes BUT, that spread sound that goes to every corner of the room when playing solo has always let me down when playing in a really loud setting. Why? Because I am competing with electronic instruments.
In my mind, that spread sound of a hard rubber Otto Link Slant Signature style tenor saxophone mouthpiece disperses throughout the room whereas a focused sound goes straight at the microphone and then comes straight back at my ears through the monitor. These are just my impressions as a player and not based on any scientific studies or data. For the life of me, I don’t know how Mark Turner (Slant), Seamus Blake (Otto Link Reso Chamber) and Joshua Redman (Slant) did it or do it in the loud environments they have played in. *I would love to hear from any or all of those guys reflecting on their experiences with their mouthpieces in loud playing situations…….. It would be a great blog article!!!
Les Becs D’Autan Florida Slant Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece
The intonation on the Les Becs d’Autan Florida Slant tenor saxophone mouthpiece was excellent and the tone was even and smooth throughout the range of the saxophone when playing fast jazz lines.
The altissimo register was great and all the notes in that higher register responded as expected. I didn’t have any issues at all playing in the altissimo range but I will say that after recently reviewing the Les Becs d’Autan MB1 and MB1 Pilgrimage tenor saxophone mouthpieces, I didn’t get anywhere near the volume or brightness that I got on those MB1 mouthpieces out of the Les Becs d’Autan Florida Slant tenor saxophone mouthpiece. That is to be expected though, as they are different mouthpieces with different goals in mind. The Les Becs d’Autan MB1 mouthpieces have high baffles and are meant to be powerful and bright. The Les Becs d’Autan Florid Slant is meant to be darker and warmer in tone. They are tools created for different uses……
One of the best aspects of playing the Les Becs d’Autan Florida Slant tenor saxophone mouthpiece for me was the low notes. I just felt like they were so rich, warm and complex sounding that I really just enjoyed sitting on those low notes while playing. This, in my mind, is a key characteristic of a great playing Otto Link Slant Signature style tenor saxophone mouthpiece. Those hearty, full of character low notes that just vibrate and ring around the room whether played at full volume or at a sultry sub-tone.
Les Becs D’Autan Florida Slant Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece
I’ve included two sound clips of the Les Becs d’Autan Florida Slant tenor saxophone mouthpiece for you to check out. The first sound clip was recorded with a BSS (Boston Sax Shop) #3 Black Box tenor saxophone reed. I recorded a clip of my usual lines and licks I play in every mouthpiece review for the first sound clip so you can compare the lines to other mouthpiece clips here on my website.
The second sound clip was recorded with the same reed and is more of an R&B altissimo style clip with reverb added that I try to add to all of my mouthpiece reviews so you can hear what the mouthpiece sounds like in that altissimo range and in that genre of music.
Les Becs D’Autan Florida Slant Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece
In my opinion, the Les Becs d’Autan Florida Slant 7* tenor saxophone mouthpiece is a great tenor sax mouthpiece for those of you looking for a tenor saxophone mouthpiece that is inspired by a vintage No-USA Florida Slant Otto Link tenor saxophone mouthpiece. You would expect a mouthpiece like this to be warm, rich, complex and full of vibrant character and the Les Becs d’Autan delivers on all of those expectations.
An original, vintage No-USA Slant Otto Link tenor saxophone mouthpiece is hard to find, and when you do find one online, they are incredibly expensive, so having an option to buy an excellent mouthpiece along the same lines as a No-USA Slant Otto Link at a much more affordable price is amazing.
The body and design of this mouthpiece is in the Otto Link style but the true test is how the Les Becs d’Autan Florida Slant tenor saxophone mouthpiece performs for the player. You have heard tenor sax players claim that there is nothing better than a great playing Otto Link Slant Signature tenor sax mouthpiece and in my mind this is the goal of the Les Becs d’Autan Florida Slant tenor saxophone mouthpiece. It is a beautifully crafted tenor sax mouthpiece that dares to capture some of that amazing vintage Otto Link Slant Signature quality even though it doesn’t have the Otto Link name engraved on it.
Phillippe at Les Becs d’Autan did an absolutely incredible job creating this tenor saxophone mouthpiece. His artistry and craftsmanship are evident from his work. I am looking forward to seeing more of his mouthpiece work in the future.
If you like the sound and look of the Les Becs d’Autan Florida Slant 7* tenor saxophone mouthpiece, you can find them at the Les Becs d’Autan website.
If you try a Les Becs d’Autan Florida Slant tenor saxophone mouthpiece or have any thoughts, comments or questions on this review, I would love to hear what you think in the comments below. Thanks, Steve
Les Becs D’Autan Florida Slant Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece-Boston Sax Shop 3 Black Box Reed
Les Becs D’Autan Florida Slant Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece-Boston Sax Shop 3 Black Box Reed-Altissimo Clip with Reverb Added
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