Conn 10M Tenor Mouthpieces

The Conn 10M (often called the "Naked Lady" due to its bell engraving) is a legendary vintage tenor saxophone known for its big, powerful, dark tone and excellent projection.

It pairs best with large-chamber mouthpieces to maintain good intonation and bring out its characteristic spread and warmth—small-chamber or high-baffle pieces can make it sound thin or sharp in tuning.

Recommended Mouthpieces

Popular modern and vintage-style recommendations include:

Otto Link (hard rubber Tone Edge or metal Super Tone Master, especially vintage Florida/NY models or modern Vintage reissues) — The most classic and frequently recommended pairing; provides a fat, versatile jazz sound.

Vandoran Jumbo Java T95 or V16 large-chamber models — Great for balanced tone and ease.

JodyJazz (HR*, Jet, or Giant) — Versatile and powerful on Conns.

10mfan (e.g., Robusto) — Boutique option loved for enhancing the 10M's vintage character.

Other strong contenders — Theo Wanne Durga, Ponzol M2, Mouthpiece Cafe Link copies, or GetASax resos.

Always try before buying if possible, as player embouchure and setup matter hugely.

Famous Saxophonists and Their Setups

Several jazz icons played the Conn 10M, often with large-chamber pieces:

Dexter Gordon → Played a Conn 10M for much of his early career (including Blue Note recordings); used a vintage Dukoff Hollywood (medium chamber, brighter edge) or occasionally vintage Otto Link.

Stan Getz → Used a Conn 10M early on before switching to Selmer; favored Otto Link Tone Edge hard rubber (often 5* tip).

Lester Young → Played Conn models including the 10M; associated with large-chamber setups for his airy tone (specific mouthpiece details vary, but Link-style preferred).

Coleman Hawkins and Benny Carter → Also known Conn 10M players, typically with vintage large-chamber pieces like early Links or Brilharts.

Modern players like Dave O'Higgins → Frequently use Conn 10Ms with boutique pieces like the 10mfan Robusto for a lush, classic sound.

The Otto Link remains the "go-to" historical match for that iconic Conn jazz voice. If you're chasing a specific era's sound (e.g., Dexter's edge), start there!