bariguy, I?ve two RPC mpcs for my tenors, one is a .115 tip opening with a slighly lowered buffle (I use it in my Blues/Fusion-Band) and a .125 (!) tip opening (to use with a BARITON-reed !!!). The last one was build for me by Ron Coelho on special request- Both are great sound- good projection, but no "chainsaw-sound"- it has a mellow core. Good subtone. I ?ve played metal mpcs (link, lawton) before. I?ve never thought in my wildest dreams that I will return to ebonit mpcs. But as I tried RPC, I was totally convinced. If you are interested: Ron is a very nice guy, he talked to me on the phone for hours to serve me right. Highly recommended. Only one slighly negative point: Ron works alone- if you want a custom build mpc you have to wait. Hope that will help you a bit...