I have a new HR 7* on the way in for soprano. One of the best mouthpieces I found for my late Taiwan 'tipped-bell' soprano was a current era Link 7* metal, but when I heard it on a recording I was mortified at the metallic sound. Now, years later, I realize that I didn't know what I had - a mouthpiece that tuned up on a flat-playing soprano and played very well in tune while delivering a powerful low end and easy-playing palms. I think I could have dealt with the tone with a reed/ligature change. So now I have a Chinese tipped-bell that's just as flat but the mouthpiece I've been using just doesn't make it with this horn. So, I ordered a new Link HR. I also have one of those silver-plated Chinese mouthpieces that actually plays fairly well on it so I should be good with one of these or the other.
Some features I need that are addressed by the Chinese mouthpiece: larger shank bore to more easily go on the cork, which is already paper thin, and a longer internal bore with no restriction to be able to get sharp enough to make it work. If the new Link is deficient in either way, it will simply go back without playing as it would be useless to me. At that point I'd probably try another metal Link assuming I can't get the Chinese one tamed to my liking.
I might even decide at some point that the Chinese soprano is simply not good enough, and that might make me break down and finally get a real one.
Some features I need that are addressed by the Chinese mouthpiece: larger shank bore to more easily go on the cork, which is already paper thin, and a longer internal bore with no restriction to be able to get sharp enough to make it work. If the new Link is deficient in either way, it will simply go back without playing as it would be useless to me. At that point I'd probably try another metal Link assuming I can't get the Chinese one tamed to my liking.
I might even decide at some point that the Chinese soprano is simply not good enough, and that might make me break down and finally get a real one.