Hey Laeta,
I've always used a C*, and most of my students, too. I'm not a big fan of buying $300 mpc "fads" that come and go. I've had major issues with Selmer lately though. I send back 3 out of 4 mouthpiece that we order for my school, because they're just not made well and don't play right. So... I've been trying different stuff.
I used a custom JD HITE all the way through college on my low-C Selmer and it was awesome. I recently started using a Vandoren B44 after dropping my C* on tile. I now have my students get a B44 if they are pressed for cash ($70). It plays quite well and is very well made. I just recently bought a FOBES BBb contrabass mouthpiece for a trial, and it is awesome, Muuuuch better than my Selmer C*. I might purchase a FOBES bass clar mpc if I can find the cash. He plays low clarinet himself. I'd recommend asking him which one of his mouthpieces would be best for you. He responded to my emails very quickly. I also know a few people playing HAWKINS bass mouthpieces that swear by them, and I agree they play great. They both use Zinner mpc Blanks, so it
Places like Weinermusic.com do mouthpiece trials where you can play test several and as long as you don't scratch it they'll take back the ones you don't want.
Ligatures - I use a cheap, inverted Bonade metal lig, but I don't have a problem with Rovners. HAWKINS recommends the Rovner Eddie Daniels II for his mouthpieces, never tried it, but I'm sure its pretty good. I've played a Vandoren Optimum and was not dissatisfied, but I couldn't justify the high cost. Rovners are great on Contra.
http://www7.mailordercentral.com/frederichweinerinc/privacy.asp
http://www.clarkwfobes.com/NEW%20-%20home%20page.html
http://www.richardhawkinsmouthpiece.com/
I hope that ramble was not a waste of your time! Good luck to you and let us know what you find.. Go Bass Clar!
