SteelyDan

Though this is a bit off topic I think it's related. I recently acquired a new production Bac 3C; interestingly it feels VERY different from the 3C I've had since HS. The rim contour and the bite are much more comfortable. So much so, in fact, that I've decided to keep it as a backup.

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Why are we so obsessed with bore size? Are we trying to compensate for something?

stchasking

Good for you.
You may have found the reason people complain about inconsistent Bach mouth pieces. Perhaps Bach has made the modern version more comfortable as you point out. I remember Bach saying that a sharp inner rim is required for articulation. Perhaps in the contemporary world the marketing people at Bach have decided the old man made uncomfortable mouthpieces and it was time for a change.

You have opened a can or worms. You will probably get a lot of mouthpiece bashing replies that are no longer valid. Modern, computerized, turning centers have made the mouthpiece a work of art. Consistent in every dimension, but not necessarily the same as one cut by a human 80 years ago.

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"I was performing professionally at age 17 and have never had a real job." Allen Vizzutti

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rowuk

It may be fun to think that we know something, but fact is that the Kanstul Comparator really does not help us pick mouthpieces. It may reinforce a prejudice or opinion and as few of us are mouthpiece designers, the results that we interpret can be completely off base. The physical sizes of various mouthpieces are not scalable to other brands!!!!!!!!!!!

The first myth that I will address is comparing the old mouthpiece with a new one.
Even if the maschining is 100% both will feel very different! Why? The minute scratches on the rim actually hold water on the old mouthpiece. The interface to the chops is much different if I have a smooth, freshly plated surface or not. Many perceive this smoothness to be more comfortable, others just the opposite!
The second major difference is the temper and mass of the brass. The material on an old mouthpiece has had time to "relax" even if it is made from EXACTLY the same alloy.
Third difference is wear - especially on the shank.
4th is the backbore. Even if we use the same tool, we cannot guarantee over time that the backbore tool is pushed in exactly the same amount. Even small differences in backbore VOLUME can cause very noticable changes in the playing characteristics!
Last but not least is the quality of the plating. Some surfaces feel "slipprier" and that makes the mouthpiece "feel" bigger. Even a mil more silver can change the interface!

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Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.