Derf

Thanks for the responses, everyone. I realize that I am probably asking questions that will only really affect me as I develop my lip. I'm not trying to depend on the equipment more than on me; in fact, the main reason I want a new mouthpiece is simply that the one I got with the trumpet is a bit dinged up. I just figured that if the mouthpiece made as big a difference as I've read it does, I might as well go ahead and start with the one that will end up giving me the sound I want. Also, since I'm a low brass player, I'm used to the bigger mouthpieces and to using more lip play. What I need to work on is a tighter embouchure for a better range (I've got just over two octaves now, so there's a ways to go).