The inner rim size is fairly narrow, for enhanced flexibility in every range, while the semi-flat rim contour gives tonal clarity. The V-shaped cup adds security to the high range while the open throat size allows rich full-bodied tone in any dynamic. Though it’s a fact little known outside professional circles, Yamaha has been producing special custom-made mouthpieces for hundreds of the world’s top players at our R&D Ateliers for many many years. These artists were not satisfied with any commercial models available. They came to Yamaha because they had confidence that if anyone had the skill needed to create their own ‘dream’ mouthpiece, it was Yamaha. The players knew from the experience gained in their long careers exactly the kind of sound and response they wanted, and our technicians knew from their long experience in crafting instruments how to deliver it.More and more colleagues and students of these top players began to ask Yamaha for copies of the mouthpieces, so it was decided to offer a select lineup of them in a Signature Series. Now others can share in the results of this great cooperative effort between artist and artisan.