I've recently started clarinet lessons and I've got an old (1960s) Selmer Signet Special clarinet and a new Vandoren M13 Lyre mouthpiece. I've started playing Legere synthetic reeds and wondering if I have the best strength (and wondering about the mouthpiece but currently planning to hold on to what I have for a while).
In looking at other Legere reeds, they have four cuts: Classic, Signature, German, and European. I have one European and it seems very wide for my mouthpiece.
I'm currently using a Classic cut but it seems like the Signature cuts are an update of the Classics that might be better. What really confuses me is the German cut. They say they are for German-style mouthpieces. I suspect if I had a German style mouthpiece I would know, but Vandoren doesn't list what "style" their mouthpieces are (as far as I can tell). I've also seen some mention of French-style mouthpieces, and it's not clear if that's the only other type besides German or if there are three types or more.
I suspect the (in)famous Buffet Crampon R13 is the archetype for anything French-style, so whatever Buffet is making is probably French-style, but how do I know? Is there an American style perhaps? Vandoren says the M13, M15, etc. mouthpieces are designed for American clarinets, which I think means meant for A 440 instead of 442, but I don't know if that explains why the European cut reed is so wide on the M13 mouthpiece or not.
So perhaps this question is a little more rambling than it is clear and focused. In short, what. is the difference between French style and German style mouthpieces, are there any other styles, and is there a way to tell what style a mouthpiece is if the manufacturer doesn't say?