The balance of carefully designed and produced dimensions and facings gives J & D Hite mouthpieces their extreme flexibility, superior intonation patterns and comfort throughout the entire range of the instrument, at all dynamic levels. Clarinet mouthpieces do not come with ligatures. The Hite Artist Bb clarinet mouthpiece is best known for its superior intonation patterns and comfort throughout the entire range of the instrument. The balance of carefully designed and produced dimensions and facings gives the Hite Artist mouthpieces their extreme flexibility. The "D" model mouthpiece is the original (ca. 1980) Hite interior design, which is closely aligned with the traditional classic orchestral facing. The mouthpiece balances well with a Vandoren No. 4 or Vandoren V-12 No. 31/2 reed (or comparable). Compared to the "M41" model, which has the identical facing, the "D" internal dimensions tend to produce a darker, rounder tonal character. The "J" model Bb clarinet mouthpiece is the best choice for players who prefer a somewhat softer Vandoren No. 3-type reed and are more comfortable with greater amplitude of reed vibration at the tip. This model may prove to be more comfortable for higher elevation locales and is usually the model preferred by saxophonists who are doubling on clarinet.