Mel I have had a Ottolink metal stm 7* for long time then switched to hard rubber 10m fan merlot, now i am tyring Vandoren v16 T7L. really pleased with it so easy blowing with the large chamber, lig is a BG Duo very loud and stable. The price of the M/P was half the price of the merlot but happy with it.
Thanks for asking happy new year to you.