Makers of Handcrafted

Artisan Mouthpieces since 1919

Who We Are

Black and white photo collage of JJ Babbitt craftsmen and women, showcasing the artisans behind the handcrafted saxophone and clarinet mouthpieces.

At the JJ Babbitt Company, our mission goes beyond simply crafting world-class mouthpieces for clarinets and saxophones. We are driven by a deep love for music and profound respect for the legendary musicians who have brought it to life—icons like John Coltrane, Coleman Hawkins, Ben Webster, Stan Getz, Sonny Rollins, Cannonball Adderley, and Charlie Parker, who all played on our Otto Link or Meyer mouthpieces. Founded in 1919 by Jesse James Babbitt, our legacy of family ownership continues into its second century under the leadership of Steve and Debbie Rorie, and now their son Trace Rorie.

At the heart of JJ Babbitt, it’s not just about the mouthpieces—it’s about the people. Our team of dedicated craftsmen and women share a passion for their art, for each other, and for the musicians who inspire them. Every piece represents hours of collaboration, attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to perfection.

Rooted in Elkhart, Indiana—a city once known as "The Band Instrument Capital of the World"—we continue to leave our mark on the musical world, not only through the legends of the past but through the modern icons who still choose our mouthpieces today. Together, we create something that resonates.

Saxophonist performing for an attentive crowd on a city street, capturing the connection between music and listeners.

Why We Do What We Do

At JJ Babbitt, we believe that music is a universal language that inspires, connects, and elevates the human experience. Our purpose is to empower musicians at every level, from students just beginning their musical journey to world-renowned professionals shaping the sound of entire generations. We take pride in knowing that our mouthpieces are part of the creative process that brings joy, expression, and meaning to lives around the world.

Our company is built on the belief that behind every note is a musician, and behind every musician is a story. Our "why" is rooted in our passion for supporting those stories by providing mouthpieces that enable musicians to perform at their best, embracing the craftsmanship that honors their artistry. We are inspired daily by the musicians we serve and the transformative power of music itself.

Close-up of a JJ Babbitt craftsperson shaping a mouthpiece by hand, demonstrating meticulous, artisan craftsmanship.

How We Do It

In 2024, JJ Babbitt is setting a new benchmark in craftsmanship, built on a commitment to excellence and a dedication to transparency. In our 100+ year history, we’ve experienced our share of highs and lows—something that’s natural in a multi-generational endeavor like ours. Within the walls of our workshop, we’ve crafted some of the finest mouthpieces in the world. Yet, there have also been seasons of drift, times when our standards didn’t fully reflect the excellence we’re capable of. Today, we’re driven by a renewed purpose, ensuring every mouthpiece embodies the quality musicians expect and deserve. This is the JJ Babbitt of now, and we’re proud to uphold a legacy redefined by craftsmanship and dedication.

In an industry increasingly dominated by CNC (computer numerical control) manufacturing, JJ Babbitt is dedicated to a different path. Our mouthpieces are crafted by hand, preserving the artistry and nuance that come only through human touch. Every curve, facing, and finish is the work of artisans with a deep understanding of what makes each piece resonate.

After more than a century of crafting mouthpieces, and in our stewardship of names Otto Link, Meyer, and Hite, our legacy isn’t measured by numbers alone but by the quality of experience each mouthpiece delivers. Today’s JJ Babbitt is built on a promise to honor the musician’s voice, creating mouthpieces that are as much an extension of the soul as they are an instrument of performance. We are here to serve the artistry of musicians with a renewed commitment that defines who we are now and where we are going.

  • Close-up of a Meyer Bros. saxophone mouthpiece, highlighting the classic Meyer design and craftsmanship known for rich, versatile tone quality.

    Meyer

  • Close-up of an Otto Link Florida V Super Tone Master saxophone mouthpiece, showcasing its iconic gold finish and engraved branding.

    Otto Link

  • Close-up of a Premiere by Hite student clarinet mouthpiece with cork fitting, designed for beginner and intermediate players.

    Hite

Explore

Inside the Craft: A JJ Babbitt Conversation

Get an insider’s glimpse into JJ Babbitt with an authentic and transparent conversation that brings our history, handcrafted process, and dedication to life. From the rich nuances of Meyer and Otto Link to the distinct qualities of Hite, explore the specifics and subtle differences that give each mouthpiece its own unique character in sound. Often copied across the industry, but never truly replicated, our mouthpieces embody a craftsmanship that others can only strive to imitate. Find out why.

peeps.png
Vintage black and white photo of the original founding members of JJ Babbitt in 1919, showcasing the company’s rich legacy in mouthpiece craftsmanship.

For over 100 years, JJ Babbitt has been shaping the voices of musicians with mouthpieces that blend tradition with innovation. From our roots in a small Indiana garage to the global stage, we've crafted the tools that help artists discover their unique sound. Explore our journey of artistry, passion, and the relentless pursuit of musical excellence.

Legends of Music

Discover the artistry of timeless icons who shaped music history with Otto Link, Meyer, and Hite mouthpieces.

Suit up with the same iconic names that shape your sound. From Meyer to Otto Link to Hite, our exclusive apparel and accessories let you wear the legacy. Whether you’re hitting the stage or just want to rock your favorite pieces in everyday life, we’ve got you covered. Take the legends with you wherever you go.

Otto Link corduroy hat featuring the Otto Link logo and 'EST. 1930,' blending style with the brand’s jazz heritage.
Meyer Bros. t-shirt featuring 'Saxophone Mouthpieces EST. 1916,' celebrating the heritage of the iconic Meyer brand.
Coffee mug featuring 'Otto Link Saxophone Mouthpieces, Since 1930,' paying tribute to the brand’s long-standing jazz heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions' text with 'FAQ' in bold red, styled as cut-out newspaper clippings for the FAQs page.

Have a question? We’re here to help.

JJ Babbitt Custom Shop logo with 'EST. 2024,' representing the launch of personalized Meyer, Otto Link, and Hite mouthpiece services.

Looking to refine your Meyer or Otto Link mouthpiece to suit your exact playing style? Our Custom Shop is the place for expert refacing and rework of your mouthpiece.

Custom Private Label and OEM Mouthpieces

At JJ Babbitt, we understand that precision and craftsmanship are critical for creating mouthpieces that meet the specific needs of instrument manufacturers and individual artists. For over a century, we have been trusted by some of the world’s largest and most respected instrument manufacturers to craft mouthpieces that not only meet their technical specifications but also elevate the performance of the musicians who use them.

Trusted by the World’s Leading Instrument Manufacturers
For decades, our mouthpieces have been the choice of major instrument manufacturers who rely on our craftsmanship to complete their instruments. From students just starting their musical journey to professionals performing on the world’s biggest stages, JJ Babbitt’s private label and OEM mouthpieces are synonymous with quality and performance.

Interested in Private Label or OEM Work?
If you are interested in partnering with JJ Babbitt to develop custom mouthpieces or explore our private label and OEM solutions, we invite you to reach out. Whether you’re a company seeking to elevate your instruments or an individual musician looking to create a signature line,we’re ready to help make your vision a reality.

  • Our commitment to handcrafted excellence sets us apart. In an industry where many turn to CNC (computer numerical control) operations for mass production, we stand firm in our belief that true quality comes from hands-on craftsmanship. Each mouthpiece we create is meticulously crafted by skilled artisans who understand the intricacies of sound, design, and performance. This attention to detail allows us to produce mouthpieces that embody both precision and artistry—resulting in pieces that deliver exceptional performance across all playing levels.

    Whether you’re looking to develop a custom line of mouthpieces under your own brand through private labeling or seeking an experienced partner to supply mouthpieces as part of an OEM relationship, JJ Babbitt provides tailor-made solutions. We collaborate closely with you to ensure that every mouthpiece we create is crafted to the highest standards of performance, tone, and reliability. Our expertise allows you to bring your vision to life, knowing you have a partner committed to quality at every step.

    • Consultation – We begin by understanding your specific needs and goals, whether you’re an instrument manufacturer, a retailer, or a professional musician looking to design your own custom line.

    • Design and Development – Working with our skilled team, we develop custom mouthpieces that meet your technical and aesthetic requirements.

    • Handcrafted Production – Every mouthpiece is crafted by hand, ensuring that it meets our high standards for precision and performance. This process sets us apart from mass-produced CNC operations.

    • Quality Assurance – Each mouthpiece undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it delivers the tonal quality, consistency, and reliability required by the musicians who will play them.

Get in touch.

Interested in working with us on designing your perfect private label mouthpiece? Click the button below, fill out some info, and a member of our team will be in touch to discuss how we can collaborate on your custom project.

Can’t find what you’re looking for?