Even in my "day" - mid '50s, most "stock" mouthpieces were straight bored. The true conical Buescher was always a special order.

Might also mention that reed "stiffness" is something you need to tailor to each of your individual instruments. Just because you use a 2.5 on one doesn't mean you shouldn't use something else on another. It's the "feel" and the "tone," not just the number.

Getting the "mouth-volume" and "lip control" coordinated - necessary for best pitch control and tone, may be a lot easier on the instrument that is pitched near your "singing voice," too.

John