Our Story
Over 100 Years of Serving Musicians, One Hand-Crafted Mouthpiece at a Time
For over a century, JJ Babbitt has been at the intersection of tradition and innovation, shaping the sound of jazz, bebop, blues, and beyond.
That humble garage, the birthplace of our legacy, still stands today, a monument to small beginnings leading to great achievements. Through the trials of the Great Depression and World War II, JJ Babbitt’s entrepreneurial spirit remained unbroken, pushing forward to create a legacy of excellence that still defines us today. Even in its earliest days, the JJ Babbitt Company was more than just a business—it was a community of craftsmen dedicated to their art. This passion laid the groundwork for what would become a world-renowned mouthpiece manufacturer.
Humble Beginnings
Our journey began in 1919 when Jesse James Babbitt, a former Buescher Band Instruments employee, and his brother Rollie set up shop in a two-stall garage in Elkhart, Indiana. Armed with a simple yet innovative idea—a better mouthpiece for B-flat clarinets—Jesse quickly caught the attention of the Holton Company, leading to a pivotal deal that marked the birth of JJ Babbitt. With just five craftsmen and a dog named Chopper as their mascot, the team was fueled by a vision to create mouthpieces that could bring a musician’s voice to life.
As the company grew, so did its ambitions. With a reputation for quality craftsmanship and a dedication to innovation, JJ Babbitt soon expanded beyond its roots, venturing into saxophone mouthpieces and establishing itself as the industry leader. This evolution was driven by a simple belief that every musician deserves a tool that not only performs but inspires. That belief continues to guide us as we push the boundaries of what’s possible, honoring our heritage while embracing the future of music.
Innovations and Expansions: From Meyer Bros. to Otto Link.
As the company evolved, a turning point came in the 1970s when JJ Babbitt expanded its horizons by acquiring two of the most prestigious names in the mouthpiece industry: Meyer Bros. in 1971 and Otto Link in 1977. These acquisitions were transformative, allowing us to carry forward the legacy of these iconic brands while blending them into our own tradition of excellence. With Meyer Bros., we took over a brand synonymous with rich, warm tones beloved by alto saxophonists. In Otto Link, we inherited a name that shaped the sound of tenor saxophones and became the gold standard for jazz legends.
These acquisitions weren't merely business decisions; they were acts of stewardship, preserving the craftsmanship and innovative spirit of Meyer and Otto Link. When we took on the responsibility of these legendary brands, we made a promise to respect and carry forward their legacies with the same dedication that had made them iconic. It wasn’t just about keeping these brands alive; it was about embracing our role as custodians of their sound, ensuring that their distinct qualities continue to inspire musicians around the world.
Our commitment to these storied names goes beyond just replicating the past. We understand that Meyer and Otto Link are more than just mouthpieces; they are integral to the history of jazz and the foundation of countless musical journeys. By preserving the essence of what makes these mouthpieces extraordinary, while integrating modern advancements, we are bridging the gap between tradition and innovation.
This sense of responsibility to steward these brands well into the future guides every step we take. We are dedicated to honoring their craftsmanship while pushing the boundaries of what these mouthpieces can achieve for the next generation of artists. This balance of respect for tradition and forward-looking innovation is what allows Meyer and Otto Link to continue to play a part in defining the sound of modern music, just as they always have.
Expanding the Legacy: The Acquisition of J&D Hite.
In 2005, JJ Babbitt expanded its legacy by acquiring David Hite, Inc. of Estero, Florida. This partnership was a natural evolution of a relationship that began decades earlier when David Hite, a renowned clarinetist, and teacher, dedicated his life to developing superior clarinet mouthpieces. Alongside his wife, Jean Hite, he founded the J&D Hite Mouthpiece Company in the 1980s, creating both professional and student mouthpieces that earned international recognition for their precision and quality.
The acquisition of Hite was about more than just adding another brand to our portfolio; it was about embracing a lineage of excellence that perfectly aligned with JJ Babbitt's values. With Hite's models now produced in our Elkhart facility, we’ve ensured that the innovative designs he pioneered continue to inspire and enhance the abilities of musicians worldwide. This blend of tradition and modern craftsmanship remains at the core of our mission as we look to the future.
Stewarding Meyer, Otto Link, and Hite into the Future
Bringing Meyer, Otto Link, and Hite into the JJ Babbitt family wasn’t merely a business decision; it was an act of stewardship, embraced with humility and reverence for the legacy these brands represent. We recognized from the start that these names carried a history far greater than ourselves—a legacy that shaped the sound of jazz and inspired countless musicians across the globe. While we haven’t always held that responsibility as perfectly as we would have liked, we’ve learned from those moments, using them as a catalyst to deepen our commitment and reignite our passion for honoring these iconic brands.
Today, our focus is not just on preserving these legendary sounds but on nurturing and evolving them with the care they deserve. We understand that we are custodians of not just products, but of traditions that have touched the lives of both virtuosos and emerging artists alike. Balancing reverence for tradition with a relentless pursuit of innovation, we craft mouthpieces that resonate with both the soul of the past and the needs of today’s diverse musical landscape. Our commitment is to uphold the artistry that Meyer, Otto Link, and Hite have stood for, shaping a future that honors their spirit while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for the next generation of musicians.
Shaping the Sound of Legends: Coltrane, Adderley, Brecker, and Beyond
The sound of JJ Babbitt mouthpieces has shaped the voice of countless legends in music. Otto Link mouthpieces became the choice of jazz giants like John Coltrane, Dexter Gordon, Sonny Rollins, Stan Getz, and Michael Brecker, who all carved their iconic tones with our designs. Meanwhile, Meyer mouthpieces earned a special place in the hearts of alto saxophonists like Cannonball Adderley, Phil Woods, and Paul Desmond, whose warm, expressive tones have become synonymous with the very essence of jazz. These artists didn't just play our mouthpieces; they used them to define the sound of entire musical genres. Our dedication to producing mouthpieces that blend rich, warm tonal quality with brilliant projection continues to inspire musicians to push their creative boundaries.
JJ Babbitt is not just a name on a product; it’s a legacy that echoes through the work of the most innovative musicians across the globe. We don’t merely create mouthpieces; we craft tools that become part of a musician’s journey to find their unique voice.
Our future is built on the foundation of our past, and we honor the craftsmanship and expertise that has defined JJ Babbitt for over a century. Moving forward, we are embracing new possibilities and exploring ways to incorporate technology that aligns with our handcrafted approach. Our focus will be on evolving our products with the demands of modern musicians while staying true to the legacy that shaped the sounds of jazz legends like John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley, and Michael Brecker.
In the coming years, JJ Babbitt will expand its horizons. We aim to reach new markets, embrace emerging music styles, and support the next generation of woodwind artists. Our commitment to education will deepen as we partner with schools and music programs, providing resources and expertise to nurture budding talent.
Our journey forward is not just about mouthpieces; it’s about shaping the sound of tomorrow and empowering artists to find their unique voice. We believe in the power of community, and as we look to the future, we are more than a company; we are part of a global music family. We will continue to listen to musicians, value their feedback, and evolve our products to meet their needs.
With every mouthpiece we craft, we aim to inspire artists to push their creative boundaries, explore new sonic territories, and ultimately connect through the universal language of music. As we embark on this new chapter, we invite you to join us in this symphony of innovation, tradition, and passion—together, shaping the future of music, one note at a time.
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