Chris Olka model mouthpieces

[bberlien]

After playing on the new Chris Olka model mouthpieces for the past month, I felt it was time to post about them. Chris' new mouthpiece design is definitely in the same family with the Schilke Helleberg II and Laskey 30H. Compared to the Schilke, it's a little larger, but still retains the classic color and clarity expected from a Helleberg-style mouthpiece. Personally, I've used a Schilke II for the last 14 years for all of my CC tuba playing. Chris' new design affords me greater control over the timbre and volume in the low register, and has MUCH more dynamic headroom than the Schilke II (for me).


L to R: Olka-CB1 Euro shank, Olka-CB1 American shank

I strongly recommend that anyone using a Helleberg-style mouthpiece consider one of these. They're only available through Dillon Music, and sell for $125 - in both Euro and American shanks (see above). As usual, Matt and Davin are great resources, and provided me with excellent (and extremely prompt) service.

Ben Berlien
Seattle, WA

[skeath]

What can you tell us about the contour of the rim? Flat, rounded, semi-flat? What about the bite (inner edge)?

Thanks,

SK

[bberlien]

Since Chris posts here from time to time, I'd prefer to let him answer about the specifics of his design. I guess I'd say the rim is semi-flat. It's slightly more rounded than the Laskey or Schilke mouthpieces, though not really any wider - the contour is different and does not have the (infamous to some) Schilke II "bite" on the inner edge of the rim.

[skeath]

does not have the (infamous to some) Schilke II "bite" on the inner edge of the rim.

Enough said. Thanks.

SK

[Chris Olka]

Thanks for the kind words and free PR Ben.

To answer skeath's question, there is in fact a pronounced bite on the Dillon CB-1 but it is located in a different place than the Schilke II rim. If I had to characterize the difference between the two it would be as follows:

The Schilke II rim has a rather sharp high point on the rim located outside of the point where the rim transitions to the cup. This creates the perception that the cup is wider than it actually is. This is neither good or bad, just a matter of personal preference. I played on this mouthpiece for over 10 years and think very highly of the design.

The Dillon CB-1 has a sharp well defined bite located precisely at the point where the rim transitions to the cup. I feel that this helps with clear articulation and a resonant sound while also being comfortable for long playing sessions.

I played the Schilke II exclusively for the entire time I worked at Walt Disney World (7 years). We played a minimum of 7 shows a day including a parade and regularly played extra work before or after our shifts which amounted to as much as 12+hours of playing. I always felt bruised and beat up after days like these. The rim of the Dillon CB-1 is a design I've been playing on now for around 14 years and I think it retains all of the positive aspects of the Schilke design while being more comfortable for long playing sessions. Of course, this is just my personal preference.

The cups and backbores of the two are quite different, though similar in design philosophy. If that makes any sense.

I already have a design for a sharp, flat, narrow, rim to go on this cup if there is enough interest in it. If there is interest in this, I would suggest calling or emailing Dillon's and letting Matt or Steve know. They are always interested in putting product out that the players want.

Again, thanks for the interest as well as the positive review from Ben.

Best regards,
Chris Olka
Seattle Symphony
Seattle Opera

[skeath]

Thanks for that explanation. The Shilke II was designed by Scott Laskey (I think), and was the prototype design for the Laskey mouthpieces. It is true that those do not have a pronounced bite, but a roll-off from the rim to the cup. I didn't like that, but when I flattened the rim somewhat on a Laskey 30F, it mitigated that roll-off, and it turned into (IMHO) a spectacular F tuba mouthpiece.

I have done the same on a 30H, with very positive results (I can't not tinker with things), and will be getting a 30G any day now.

I think the CB-1 with a flatter rim would likely be a very nice mouthpiece, for those of us who like that feel. I'm interested in following this issue.

SK

[Colelmore]

I have been playing on a Chris olka cb2 American shank for about half a year on my miraphone bb tuba. I love the mouthpiece it gives me a much bigger rounder tone than my previous Bach and blessing 24aws . I went to state solo and ensemble and made region band on this mouthpiece. I am a 10th grader that has been playing since 6th grade.

[Chris Olka]

Thanks for posting! Glad to hear you like it. Good luck and continued success. Keep it up.