Here's an interesting one.
I generally ehr toward free blowing V-shaped mouthpieces with roundish rims, similar to the CG Personal model
(and yes, before we start the pendagogical warfare, I acknowledge that there are multiple ways to achieve success and you don't need his method or equipment to get there). Anyways, as I had plateaued somewhat in my practice routine, I've looked to equipment to see if I can make some good changes. I've been looking for a less chop taxing, more free blowing mouthpiece than my former Warburton 3XD/KT, which is still sticking around though for the especially dark sound.
As time would have it, I found both a less chop-taxing and more free blowing mouthpiece in a mysterious package. Around my house, I had a
Jet-Tone 7MD sitting around which previously I thought to be a dud. I had used it a couple of times in the past, even in a church, and received compliments on my sound (how???), but it just didn't completely work. Fast Forward to now, and suddenly this mouthpiece has a very comfy round rim, nice medium convex V cup, what I estimate to be around a 25 throat even though the specs say 27, and a nice medium backbore which balances well. The sound has its own unique flare to it while maintaining the depth of sound I'm used to, great for playing lead trumpet, and suddenly I feel like I have solid control over my high G's and I can really progress again.Who would have thought that I of all people would ever consider a Jet-Tone, let alone play one?
I guess the moral of the story is that life rafts come in the most unexpected packages sometimes.
Peace!
[edit: Intro to Human Communications 101 is in store for me next]