It’s a fair and honest question—and one we take seriously.

For over 100 years, JJ Babbitt earned a reputation for exceptional, handcrafted mouthpieces. But over the past 20+ years, we also earned a reputation for inconsistency. While some of the greatest mouthpieces in the world came out of our workshop during that time, the truth is that quality control and consistency weren’t always what they should have been. Truthfully, there was a great deal of organizational “drift”, and that happened for many reasons. Something not uncommon for an organization that’s been around as long as we have, but inexcusable nonetheless.

Conversations in the saxophone community often reflect this history, and we understand the specific criticisms players share—like side rails that aren’t visually consistent, tip rails with uneven thickness, and tip rails that don’t perfectly align with the reed’s curve. These concerns aren’t without merit, and we take full responsibility.

Today, JJ Babbitt is operating with a renewed purpose. Our focus is not just on producing mouthpieces but on setting a new standard—one worthy of the Meyer, Otto Link, and Hite names. Every mouthpiece we create is 100% handmade, without a single automated step. Each piece is forged, brazed, annealed, milled, mixed, molded, vulcanized, shaped, and finished by hand. This level of craftsmanship has allowed us to create some of the greatest mouthpieces in the world, but it also requires an unwavering commitment to consistency. That’s something we’ve redoubled our efforts to achieve.

Each piece now undergoes hands-on quality control at every stage, driven by the same dedication that built our reputation. Tolerances are tighter, dimensional standards are higher, and the entire process is held to new levels of rigor. While handcrafted pieces will always have slight variations—that’s the nature of artisan work—these variations should enhance, not hinder, the player’s experience.

Handcrafted mouthpieces are intentionally created with artistry and individuality in mind—not as uniform, mass-produced pieces of automation. They’re designed to resonate with the unique voice of each musician. That’s the beauty of the artisan journey. Every musician is unique, and their mouthpiece should be too—not just one of thousands of identical designs, because no player is an exact copy of another. You sound like you—and your mouthpiece should help you express that.

This renewed era of JJ Babbitt didn’t begin yesterday—it’s been in place for several years, marked by continual refinement and improvement. While we’re proud of the strides we’ve made and the pieces we’ve created during this time, our dedication to excellence means that every mouthpiece leaving our workshop today reflects the best of our heritage and the advancements we’re achieving.

But this isn’t just a change in process; it’s a change in heart. The finest tools and processes mean little without the dedication to use them with purpose and precision. Even the best resources fall short if they lack the hands and heart to wield them with true intent. That’s where our focus lies: putting everything we have into each piece, ensuring it upholds the legacy musicians have trusted for over a century.

The feedback we’re hearing from musicians about the pieces coming out of our workshop in this season has been nothing short of phenomenal. It’s clear to us we’re on the right path again, and we couldn’t be more excited about the direction we’re heading.

We honor the trust musicians place in us with every mouthpiece, knowing each piece carries a heritage of excellence. JJ Babbitt is proud of what we’re crafting today, and we believe musicians will feel the difference. We invite you to experience the renewed JJ Babbitt—a brand committed to its best self once again.

Since Steve Rorie, a 50+ year music industry veteran, took ownership of JJ Babbitt in 2021, and his son Trace Rorie became President in 2023, the company has undergone significant brand revitalization—a process that continues today. Musicians may have noticed a fresh look, feel, voice, and vibe, signaling the start of a new chapter. While honoring our legacy, we’ve long recognized the need to evolve, and we’re excited to write the next chapter.

Modern marketing—updated graphics, compelling copy, dynamic video content, building relationships with artists and musicians, and intentional social media engagement—helps tell our story. But without exceptional mouthpiece quality, all of that would ring hollow. Our transformation isn’t just external; it’s an internal shift in how and why we craft our mouthpieces. We’re thrilled for what’s ahead. Follow us on social media to be part of this storied legacy and the exciting new chapter we’re creating.

We fully acknowledge that there was truth to this critique in the past. For too long, JJ Babbitt’s inattention to detail in this area led to inconsistent tip openings, which affected the trust musicians placed in our products. We didn’t respond to feedback as we should have, and it was a flaw in our approach.

However, in this new season, starting in 2020 and continuing today, we’ve radically tightened our processes and tolerances. We’ve implemented precise methods to ensure far greater consistency across our mouthpieces, without losing the handcrafted individuality that sets them apart. This commitment to transparency and quality has been at the heart of our transformation.

If you haven’t tried a Meyer or Otto Link mouthpiece recently, we invite you to experience the improvements firsthand—we believe you’ll notice the difference.

What some might see as a flaw is actually a feature. Both the Meyer brothers and Otto Link believed that a slightly concave table—referred to as a “belly”—creates a better seal between the reed and the mouthpiece, enhancing tone quality and responsiveness. This hallmark of our handcrafted process continues at JJ Babbitt today.

The line you see is not a flaw but a signature feature of our manufacturing process. Metal Otto Link mouthpieces are forged from two halves, then brazed together—a proprietary method dating back to Otto Link himself. This seam, or 'witness line,' is the result of joining the two halves, contributing to the unique tonal qualities of our mouthpieces.

Absolutely, yes. While players may or may not prefer the tonal differences that result from our process, there is no denying that the differences are there, and they are intentional. The material and the process set our mouthpieces apart, contributing to the warmth and depth of tone that define Meyer and Otto Link. There’s a bit more detail about that on our Handcrafting Page if you want to learn more. Competitors may replicate dimensions, but they can’t capture the full character shaped by our unique methods and materials.

Absolutely. The natural rubber we use is sourced from the same organic origins as they always have been. While regulatory changes have altered some processing elements, our rubber retains its quality. The handcrafted blending and post-mold vulcanization are features of our process that ensure the same quality mouthpieces we’ve always produced.

Yes, it does. Brazing not only joins the two halves of the mouthpiece but also anneals the brass, causing metallurgical changes at the molecular level. This process enhances the tonal warmth and creates a unique playing personality that sets our mouthpieces apart from CNC-manufactured mouthpieces made from metal bar stock. The combination of this handcrafted technique and metallurgical precision contributes to the rich, resonant sound that defines our metal mouthpieces.

Not at all. Our handcrafted process is still a defining feature, carried forward from generation to generation. Our mouthpieces are made the way they’ve always been made, with the passion, intentionality, skill, and craftsmanship of our people being the key ingredients.

We’ve always believed that high-quality mouthpieces should be within reach for as many musicians as possible. Achieving great sound shouldn’t be dependent on the depth of your wallet. In the broader world, handcrafted work typically demands a higher price point, and while we could adjust our pricing because of this, we choose not to. Our handcrafted process allows us to offer exceptional pieces at an accessible price point. While other brands have inflated their prices considerably, Meyer and Otto Link have remained a great value for players.

Absolutely. Since the Rorie Family took over in 2021, connecting with musicians, artists, and educators has not only become a top priority—it’s a hallmark of what we love. We actively listen to feedback and closely watch musical and playing trends to ensure we’re serving the community in meaningful ways. To be a part of this community, you can follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube—links to our social channels are located at the top and bottom of this website. You can also reach out to us any time at info@jjbabbit.com.

Yes, and we’ve embraced this desire in several of our mouthpieces. We recommend trying the Meyer Bros Connoisseur Series or the new Otto Link LA hard rubber Tenor. Both are designed for greater projection and brightness, without losing the nuanced tone Meyer and Otto Link are known for.

Yes, although we’ve rebranded it as the Otto Link Vintage. The Vintage retains all the core features that made the Slant Signature so legendary—a dark, buttery-smooth tone for tenor players seeking a rich sound.

Yes! What was once unavailable is now a valuable feature of our service. We offer refacing for Meyer or Otto Link mouthpieces through the JJ Babbitt Custom Shop, which operates seasonally. For more details, visit the JJ Babbitt Custom Shop page on this website.

Absolutely! We love having musicians visit the workshop to witness our handcrafting process up close. Visitors consistently leave with a deep sense of admiration for the craftsmanship and a greater appreciation for how we’ve preserved time-honored mouthpiece crafting techniques while embracing modern technology. You can also play-test our latest models. It’s an experience every mouthpiece enthusiast shouldn’t miss. While we don’t sell directly, we can coordinate your purchase with your preferred retailer.

The baffle shape and size are key features that control the airflow and directly influence the mouthpiece’s sound. Higher, convex baffles act like ramps, creating a brighter, more projected sound. Lower or scooped baffles, on the other hand, produce a darker, mellower tone. While some may see the baffle design as rigid, it’s actually tailored for different playing styles, and your embouchure and oral cavity play a role in the overall experience.

Vulcanization transforms a soft, flexible rubber piece into the durable, dense mouthpiece musicians expect from Meyer and Otto Link. This process is crucial to ensuring the richness and consistency of our mouthpieces, across both vintage and modern eras.

Over time, exposure to sunlight, humidity, and cleaning methods can cause variations in color. Each mouthpiece ages differently, depending on the natural variations in the rubber and how it has been maintained.