{"id":65222,"date":"2019-08-30T16:17:03","date_gmt":"2019-08-30T20:17:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.neffmusic.com\/blog\/?p=65222"},"modified":"2022-11-15T16:01:37","modified_gmt":"2022-11-15T21:01:37","slug":"retro-revival-tru-slant-tenor-saxophone-mouthpiece-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.neffmusic.com\/blog\/2019\/08\/retro-revival-tru-slant-tenor-saxophone-mouthpiece-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Retro Revival Tru-Slant Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Review"},"content":{"rendered":"

Today, I am reviewing another Retro Revival tenor saxophone mouthpiece called the Tru-Slant.\u00a0 This is a tenor sax mouthpiece modeled after the Otto Link Slant Signature hard rubber tenor saxophone mouthpieces from the 60’s. These tenor saxophone mouthpieces are made by Joel Peskin (iReedMan) and Bob Sheppard at Retro Revival. In the past I have reviewed a few of the other Retro Revival sax mouthpiece models such as the Super D Florida tenor saxophone mouthpiece<\/a>, the Super D New York tenor sax mouthpiece<\/a> and the New Yorker alto saxophone mouthpiece<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Joel and Bob have started a company called Retro Revival in which they produce replicas of great vintage saxophone mouthpieces from the past. \u00a0 When Joel started the company they started with two sax mouthpieces. \u00a0The New Yorker alto sax mouthpiece<\/a> which is an exact copy of a New York Meyer Bros mouthpiece (that I reviewed last year) and the other was a metal tenor mouthpiece called the “Super D<\/a>“,which is advertised as a replica of a great double ring Otto Link tenor mouthpiece.\u00a0 As of the writing of this review they now have seventeen different saxophone mouthpiece models available on their website<\/a>.\u00a0 Wow!\u00a0 They have been busy!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Retro Revival Tru-Slant Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece<\/span><\/p>\n

For any of you that visit Ebay regularly, you probably know that finding an Otto Link Slant Signature tenor saxophone mouthpiece in good condition can be a costly endeavor. These saxophone mouthpieces can cost in the ballpark of 1200-2500 dollars depending on what condition it is in. \u00a0I think we would all be thankful if someone came up with a less costly alternative where we could get a mouthpiece of the same quality and playability without going broke. \u00a0The aim of these Retro Revival saxophone mouthpieces is just that!<\/p>\n

Leading up to the creation of the Tru-Slant tenor sax mouthpiece, Joel says that Bob and he played through their collection of Slant Signature hard rubber Otto Links to find the absolute best one.\u00a0 Although this sounds like an arduous process, they came to an agreement about which Slant Signature to copy and then play tested each trial run to make sure it was what they were looking for.\u00a0 Both Joel Peskin and Bob Sheppard are great sax players in their own right so they knew what they were looking for.\u00a0 What they finally produced is the Tru-Slant tenor saxophone mouthpiece that I am reviewing today.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Retro Revival Tru-Slant Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece<\/span><\/p>\n

The Tru-Slant tenor saxophone mouthpiece came well packaged in a sturdy black cardboard tubing.\u00a0 The mouthpiece was in a velvet bag inside the tubing and was well protected.\u00a0 The tube itself was well packaged and protected in the shipping box it came in.<\/p>\n

The first thing I did when I took it out of the box was to compare it to my Otto Link Straight Signature (Slant Blank) tenor mouthpiece.\u00a0 This is an Early Babbitt Straight Signature model with a large font tip opening number on the side.\u00a0 I have been told that these were made from the Slant Signature molds so they are basically a Slant Signature physically although they have a straight signature on them.<\/p>\n

The two mouthpieces look very similar in shape when comparing side to side. The Otto Link has a slightly longer mid section and the beak profile looks a bit steeper than the Tru-Slant.\u00a0 They look to be a similar circumference but the Otto Link ahas a slightly wider rear circumference.<\/p>\n

The inside of both mouthpieces looks remarkably similar.\u00a0 They both have that “Slant” clam shell baffle.\u00a0 Both baffles look to rollover in the same place. Both baffles look to descend into the chamber at the same angle when comparing by eye. The bore looks to be very close to the same size on both mouthpieces. The side rails are scooped out on both and look almost identical in shape.<\/p>\n

The only slight difference that I see is that the baffle of the Retro Revival Tru Slant has what looks like two manufacturing lines that run down the length of the baffle and descend inward towards each other into the baffle.\u00a0 Although the Otto Link Slant blank I have does not have these lines, if you ignore the lines and just look at the actual shape of the baffle, sidewalls and chamber, they look very similar.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Retro Revival Tru-Slant Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece<\/span><\/p>\n

Here’s a quote from the\u00a0 Retro Revival website<\/a> about the Retro Revival Tru Slant tenor saxophone mouthpiece:<\/p>\n

Introducing the \u201cTrue Slant\u201d our newest replica from Retro Revival. The Otto Link \u201cTone Edge\u201d\u00a0Slant Signature\u00a0tenor mouthpiece is one of the most sought after vintage tenor mouthpiece\u2019s and now Retro Revival has brought it back to life. Like all of our Retro Revival replica\u2019s, the \u201cTrue Slant\u201d is CnC milled and\u00a0Precision\u00a0Finished from the highest quality German bar rubber. This mouthpiece is a joy to play; articulate, colorful, the real thing ! We made sure our \u201cTrue Slant\u201d has all the special qualities of an original Tone Edge \u201cSlant Signature”.<\/em><\/p>\n

The history of the Tone Edge spans decades. In the late 1950’s when Otto Link created the “Tone Edge” back in New York, it quickly became the gold standard for the greatest players. The original Tone Edge made in New York had a larger chamber, closer tip openings, only available up to #6 which was stamped on the table. After Otto Link moved to Florida changes took place. ( The tip size stamped on the right side of the table and the Otto Link logo engraved on a 45 degree angle)\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

This signature angle became the identifying feature that people now refer to as a \u201cSlant Signature\u201d. This Florida model had a higher rollover baffle and tip sizes were available from 5 to 9. This Florida version of the Tone Edge was a true masterpiece and was very popular for many years. When Otto Link re-located to Elkhart IN with their remaining mouthpiece blanks and tooling, the Tone Edge remained excellent for some time, but something happened to the quality and playability. The “Tone Edge” lost its mojo, most likely due to quality control and changes in manufacturing. Our \u201dTrue-Slant” is a recreation of the best version of the \u201cSlant\u201d from the good old days. We went through pains taking efforts, play testing many versions of the Tone Edge from our combined collections. We feel very confident that our \u201cTrue-Slant\u201d is the best replica on the market, offering tip openings ranging from 6-8*. Of course, each and every Retro Revival mouthpiece is play tested to our highest standards.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

So, if you\u2019ve been searching high and low for a \u201cTone Edge,\u00a0Slant Signature\u201d that really performs from the softest\u00a0PPP\u00a0dynamic to the loudest\u00a0FFF\u00a0 dynamic in the flip of a millisecond with effortless altissimo, our \u201cTrue Slant\u201d is what you\u2019ve been searching for.\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Retro Revival Tru-Slant Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece<\/strong><\/p>\n

With caring precision, the process of replication starts with hand drawings, precisely measuring every parameter, translating these numbers into computer code to produce 3D images, then CNC milled in one piece from the highest quality bar brass. Each mouthpiece is then hand faced, and most importantly play tested before polishing.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0At Retro Revival, our cumulative life experience as top professionals in the LA studio\u2019s and concert stages around the globe has informed our passion for great equipment. Having practical insight into the variables and complexities of mouthpiece set ups has been a constant learning process. Even from a young age, searching, comparing and experimenting with mouthpieces, reeds and ligatures, trying to emulate the beautiful sounds of our hero’s on the records, this fascination with personal sound production and approach still continues. Informed by the demands of the gig and always paying close attention to great players with beautiful tone, Retro Revival is a natural extension to our musical path\u2019s. There is a good reason why the greatest Legends of jazz and contemporary music played Links, Meyers, Bergs, etc.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

It is our intention to earn your trust by offering the real deal. No hype, exaggerated claims and cliche sales gimmickry. Our intended goal is to offer affordable vintage replica mouthpieces that we would actually use and love to play ! \u00a0To our highest standards, we are committed to play testing every mouthpiece, and with great pride, we are confident that sax players from every age and level of experience will feel and hear the special qualities of all of our sax mouthpiece.”<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Retro Revival Tru-Slant Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece<\/strong><\/p>\n

This Retro Revival Tru-Slant tenor sax mouthpiece has an 8 tip opening which is a .110.\u00a0 It played very well for me with a Rigotti Gold 3 Light reed as well as a Rigotti Gold 2 1\/2 Strong reed.\u00a0 The 2 1\/2 Rigotti reeds felt a little soft for my preference but some people might like the sound and playability of a softer saxophone reed so I included a sound clip of each for you to check out.<\/p>\n

The 3 Light Rigotti reed had a husky thick tone to it that had a lot of character and texture to the tone.\u00a0 The intonation was great and the tone was even throughout the range of the horn.\u00a0 The Rigotti 2 1\/2 Strong reed seemed less complex than the tone of the 3 Light reed to my ears.\u00a0 It is almost like the harder reed provided more overtones and layers to the sound.\u00a0 I did like the altissimo with the softer Rigotti 2 1\/2 Strong reed though (you can hear this at the 2:06 mark of the 2 1\/2 reed sound clip)<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Retro Revival Tru-Slant Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece<\/strong><\/p>\n

Like my Otto Link EB Slant Blank tenor mouthpiece, I probably wouldn’t take the Retro Revival Tru-Slant out to a really loud R&B or rock gig just because I find that in those situation I need a brighter more focused sound to cut through the loud mix but the Tru-Slant would be a killer mouthpiece for jazz gigs or medium loud gigs of all kinds.<\/p>\n

I have discussed how it looks very similar to my Otto Link EB Slant Blank mouthpiece above but I think it sounds similar also.\u00a0 I played the Tru-Slant and my EB Otto Link side by side and they sounded fairly similar in tone to my ears.\u00a0 When using the same reed on both mouthpieces the EB Otto Link was slightly brighter I think that is primarily because the EB Otto Link mouthpiece is a 7* and the Retro Revival Tru-Slant is an 8 tip opening.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Retro Revival Tru-Slant Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece<\/strong><\/p>\n

Both sound clips below have similar elements in each clip.\u00a0 If you go back and forth between the clips where I play the same lines, I think you can hear the difference between the reeds I chose for each clip.\u00a0 I start out both clips with the A section to “I Hear a Rhapsody” so if you want to compare the tone difference because of the reeds you can compare that melody to get an idea.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Retro Revival Tru-Slant Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Retro Revival Tru-Slant tenor saxophone mouthpiece is a great playing mouthpiece! \u00a0It has a depth of character and rich thickness to the tone that makes it sound great for jazz playing. \u00a0If you read this review, listen to the clips and decide the Tru-Slant tenor mouthpiece is worth a try, you can purchase one on the Retro Revival website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Congratulations to Joel Peskin and Bob Sheppard for making an excellent well crafted mouthpiece reminiscent of a great vintage Otto Link Slant Signature tone master tenor saxophone mouthpiece! Great Job!<\/p>\n

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below and if you get a Retro Revival Tru-Slant tenor saxophone mouthpiece be sure to come back and let us know what you think below……..Thanks!!<\/p>\nhttps:\/\/cdn.neffmusic.com\/2019\/Tru-Slant.mp3<\/a><\/audio>\n

Retro Revival Tru-Slant Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece-Rigotti Gold 3 Light Reed Reed<\/strong><\/p>\nhttps:\/\/cdn.neffmusic.com\/2019\/Tru-SlantSoftReed.mp3<\/a><\/audio>\n

Retro Revival Tru-Slant Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece-Rigotti Gold 2 1\/2 Strong Reed<\/strong><\/p>\n

Disclosure: I received the sample mouthpiece reviewed above for free in the hope that I would try it and perhaps review it on my blog. Regardless, I only review sax mouthpieces that I enjoy playing and believe will be good for other saxophone players to try also. Steve<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Today, I am reviewing another Retro Revival tenor saxophone mouthpiece called the Tru-Slant.\u00a0 This is a tenor sax mouthpiece modeled after the Otto Link Slant Signature hard rubber tenor saxophone mouthpieces from the 60’s. These tenor saxophone mouthpieces are made by Joel Peskin (iReedMan) and Bob Sheppard at Retro Revival. In the past I have […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":63,"featured_media":82079,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[487,1121,45],"tags":[156,1506,658,117,1697,265,1882],"class_list":{"0":"post-65222","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-mouthpiece-reviews","8":"category-tenor-low-baffle-reviews","9":"category-tenor-mouthpieces","10":"tag-otto-link","11":"tag-retro-revival","12":"tag-review","13":"tag-sax-mouthpiece","14":"tag-slant","15":"tag-tenor-saxophone","16":"tag-tru-slant","17":"entry"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neffmusic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65222","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neffmusic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neffmusic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neffmusic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/63"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neffmusic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=65222"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.neffmusic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65222\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neffmusic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/82079"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neffmusic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=65222"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neffmusic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=65222"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neffmusic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=65222"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}