Golden Dragon "17C" trumpet mouthpiece - shallow cup, marching, gold plated

Description

Remember these?  The supplier seems to have changed, but the mouthpiece specs are the same - they've even improved in quality!
We finally found an interesting, decent-playing Chinese mouthpiece - it's relatively comfortable, smoothly finished, and has a smaller cup that helps the high register!
It's also a great candidate for marching band, as "
the kind of mouthpiece you could lose on the field at the farthest-away game
"...I can't remember who said that, but it applies to this cheap and cheerful model!
Anyone remember those Chinese copies of the Bach 3E Megatone trumpet mouthpiece?  The last time I saw one was ca. 2012, and I didn't buy it due to size - it wasn't even the correct depth!  They used to be on eBay but totally disappeared.  These gold-plated mouthpieces are more recent, and I think they're a much better attempt at a high note, shallow cup mouthpiece.
These are marked "17C"; that nomenclature and exterior blank refer to Rudy Muck 17C trumpet mouthpieces.
The Muck 17C of various eras was intended for high register work, with a small, shallow cup and large cushion rim.  Unfortunately we weren't able to compare the newest Muck design to this piece, but we noticed this Chinese 17C has a few quirks that differentiate it from the classic Muck concept.
They're great for producing a bright sound, and they can get really piercing in the upper register!  The size is a bit hard to determine - the boxes often have stickers stating "5D" [Bach specs?]*, but the round rim bite makes it harder to measure and compare.  We don't have scanning capabilities to create a cross section like Kanstul's mouthpiece comparator, either.
Instead, we set it between a Los Angeles Benge 6C [Bach type] and Schilke 13A - compared to the Schilke, this 17C is a hair deeper, rounder throat shoulder, rounder rim bite, and slightly smaller cup diameter.
Here are a few of the traits we noticed:
- these only come in gold plate [while it's not as thin, it can have nicks]
- the rim looks rather wide, but it's not a cushion rim like Rudy Muck mouthpieces
- the rim is rather round [with a very small flat spot often present in these Chinese pieces]
- the rim high point is near the middle, though it's marginally flatter than earlier ones
The cup looks rather small, and if you play a 1-1/2C it is, but it's not quite as small as some older Muck 17Cs.  The inner bite is very round and soft, so it's easy for the lips to fall in deeper and change the perceived width.
The rim isn't bad, though, and it's an improvement if you're coming off a Vincent Bach 7C.
It's not perfect, of course:  the lower register can be a little fuzzy [might just be me], and the round rim bite does inhibit articulation a little.  It's not a silver [or gold] bullet, but it gives you some different options than just a 5C or 3C.
These are good for marching band or pep band, and they're cheap enough to be easily replaced if lost or damaged.  Speaking of...b
uy more at once and save - this way, you already have a backup!
Keep in mind that the quality control for most Chinese mouthpieces isn't to the level of those made in Europe, Japan, or the United States.
Don't expect the mirror finish Yamaha or Lausmann produces:  t
ool marks that usually get buffed out are still visible.  The plating has some rougher spots.  Some of these have a few small pings due to factory handling, and the bag does impart a bit of wear on the fragile gold plating - we'll replace the bag.
The boxes themselves are sometimes destroyed from shipping.  However, we're selling these with the intent they'll be used in high-risk environments where they'll get heavy use.  If something happens, they're cheap to replace.
*
Several boxes were marked "EPC_WWI_001", one "I414921 [2 in circle] / PL200629-01967  B", another "78016262 / STK0178016262 / Made in China"
Most of the rest were "23010412 [Golden] / 5D.10.5.44 or 5D.15.1.55  200724 (or other lot number) / 2327043 / 210314  MADE IN CHINA / 2-3 or 7-9" - we're not sure what all those codes mean beyond internal factory use.
Oddly, the UPC 4894817986338 seems to be linked to these...
Sold as-is
, no returns, pay via PayPal
within 3 days
.  US shipping
free
-
caveat emptor
as we cannot take responsibility for any mishandling/loss on the part of the courier
at any point
- this is
FOB shipping point
.  By buying, you [the buyer] agree to the potential risk of the package not arriving due to courier mishap - be aware of these conditions.
Usually we get the item in the mail within 1-2 days.
Please note that shipping delays are occurring!
We'll insure the shipment
, as it could take ~an extra week in some cases.
International shipping note:  one of the few reliable methods right now is UPS Worldwide Expedited, but that's not perfect, either.  I can't get much lower rates than 0
after
taxes and eBay fees, so US-based relays are encouraged - delivery not guaranteed.  However, if you really want your item in 1 or 2 weeks [with insurance], that can be done for a price.
International shipping is non-refundable
.