The material the moutpiece is made of is far less important than the tip opening, length of the lay, baffle and chamber. A metal selmer soloist (if you can find one) is FAR darker than a rubber link. A metal link is FAR darker than a rubber Berg Larsen 110/0 SMS. Try a bunch of mouthpieces. As far as the opinion that metal mouthpieces are harder to play I don't believe that is true. If a mouthpiece is hard to play it is because there is something wrong with it other than the material it is made of. If you are looking for some middle of the road suggestions that aren't high end price wise. Soprano S80- Selmer (facing e- g) Alto Meyer (5-7) Tenor Otto Link (7-8) Bari Berg Larsen 130/0 M These are very commonly used pieces on the various instruments in my experience.