I'm in the process of looking around for a custom mouthpiece, something i can play on for a good amount of time until I see the absolute need to get something else. I currently play on a Bach 5G megatone. its good, i love it (except it feel out of my pocket at a game and now has chunks taken out of it, so I need to get a new mouthpiece).

I have been told by my private teacher about Denis Wick mouthpieces. I also know about Greg Black and several others. What I need is someone of go to for (i'm guessing) a way to customize a mouthpiece that I want, not something that is trial and error, plus what is a brand that you are familiar with that has completely satisfied you?

Thanks

If you know what you want well enough to have someone custom make it for you, you're very fortunate. For most people, mouthpiece selection is trial and error. What is it you're looking for in a mouthpiece?

I'm looking for a set up with that will allow me to have a deep, smooth, vivid, bold tone. The current 5G satisfies part of that, but its not exactly what I have in mind. As far as trial and error, I understand that that can't really be avoided, but maybe there is a brand that can make it more precise...maybe

You still haven't said what you do have in mind. Where do you feel your current mpc is limiting you? My humble opinion on the subject...
1... rim size is more about comfort and fit for your dental/mouth structure
2... cup depth and shape will affect the tone more
3... back bore will affect tone and endurance
In that vein, I really like Doug Elliott mouthpieces, though he's not making anything at the moment until the work on his house is done. I also like that you can get lexan rims (since I play a LOT of cold weather gigs at my job). However, IIRC, there isn't much choice in cup shape, just depth.
If you're looking for one of those heavier mass pieces, he may not be the way to go.
Check out www.hornguys.com and read up on the Ferguson mouthpieces. I use one for my bass and have been really happy with it. Their descriptions are right on the money. They aren't custom, but I'm still not convinced you need a custom mouthpiece.
Just remember, the effect your mpc will have on your sound is miniscule compared to the effect you as a player will have. At the end of the day, when the honeymoon is over, you'll always sound like you.
(this comes from a guy with no real brand loyalty. I have four horns, all different brands, and three different brands of mouthpiece)
Good luck in your search.

You actually answered (for the most part) what I was wondering...
I really don't have anything against my mouthpiece, something more open, and heavier. I defiantly want something with a very smooth rim on it (like it your wearing chap stick--thats what I do when i play, otherwise it tears up my lips). Thats really what i want..and also one that I can interchange the parts on it, like if I want to different rim or cup

Well, while Doug isn't making mouthpieces at this time, you can look on his website
www.dougelliottmouthpieces.com for sizes, etc.
His mouthpieces and components come up for sale quite often on the tromboneforum classifieds.
He's the only one I know of that has so much interchangeable parts.
What you could do is, start with something close to a 5G maybe an XT102 rim, a G cup and a G8 shank.. should be close to what you are used to. Then, you can try different shanks and deeper/shallower cups as you may feel necessary.
If you are bent on a new one, Doug has said he should be back in business around the spring.
But even as much as I am a fan, what works well for me may not be the best for you. I still recommend trying a few out if possible. You know the approximate size you want, and some specs. It should help narrow your search.

it will be awhile, like by august or so, I'm just getting a head's up in brands that i can start researching into right now so when the time comes i'll be ready and very knowledgeable.

Since you've been through this before,
say if something isn't what you want, are you stuck with it, or will he take it back and exchange it with something that may be better?

He will certainly let you exchange as long as the stuff is in new condition. He's a very reasonable guy.
I took a lesson with him first so he could help me pick what was best for me. It worked out very well.

unfortunately i'm not able to travel, but I think I know who i'm going to now to get the mouthpiece

Thank you soo much