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I own a Schilke helleberg II and the conn. I find the schilke to have a bit more resonance and color. Schilke also feels a bit more flexible when sluring. I feel however that it messes with my intonation a bit, especially in the higher register.

The first production Schilke "Helleberg" was not the outside shape of the Helleberg as we know it. It was a copy of Jakes usual mp and the rim and cup had been copied onto a standard Schilke blank using a tracer lathe and did not carry a "Helleberg" designation. The production cutter was made using the first tracing as a pattern. I am not certain -without checking - but think it was the 67.

Around 65 Conn produced the 7-B Helleberg which was shaped much more like the original.

Until fairly recently I had an original which I got from Harvey which had been with one of Helleberg's personal instruments, a small Conn 4v CC with detatchable upright bell and gold plated. The more recent Schilke Helleberg I have is pretty near identical to that original in outward appearance. The original had a slightly flatter rim with a bit more bite but very nearly identical inner and outer rim size. Unfortunately the original "disappeared" in a move about 3 years ago.

Interestingly, one of the first modern Helleberg reproductions was done by Cuesnon in the early 60's. ( I bought one at the shop at Interlochen in 64.) Jake tried the one I had and he felt it was a very good "copy" of his except that it had a slightly small shank. I got a 7-B when the rim on my Cuesnon got badly dinged (the perils of marching band practice on gravel grounds) and had the shank turned down to match the Cuesnon as it fit the slightly tight receiver of my King better.

There have been many variations in original Conns - reportedly due to the cutter having gone dull and being inaccurately re ground etc. I sometimes wonder how many of the "exact" copies of Jake's mp really are and even which one they are a 'copy' of.