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I have a gig coming up. One of the pieces is Ein Deutches Requiem by Brahms. Although the piece would definitely fit the F tuba, I am having to playing it on my Miraphone 186. I decided to experiment with mouthpieces to see which one sounded best and gave me the cleanest and lightest articulation. I went through 8 different mouthpieces before I came to the mouthpiece I purchased in high school, the Schilke Helleberg. It was hands down the best fit for me for this situation. I haven't used that piece since my freshman year in college. I don't know why I ever set it aside!

If you wanted a shallower cup Schilke could make you an "F" model. Normally the F has the Helleberg II rim but I had them make me one with the regular Helleberg rim so they would have the CNC lathe data which would save a few$$.

I find it very handy if I want a lighter/brighter sound or for a lot of higher range work on a King 1241.

That's great information to know, Ken. By the way, it was quite a contest between my Sellmansberger Solo and the Helleberg. I was surprised but on that particular day, I was just more secure on the Schilke.

I've never tried the Schilke Helleberg --- how does it compare to the Conn? By the way - congrats on playing the Brahms. Glorious piece of music!

jeopardymaster wrote:I've never tried the Schilke Helleberg --- how does it compare to the Conn?

It's a dog - I have a sort of grubby one laying around if anyone wants it (but of course, now that it's famous, it's going to cost you!) It isn't particularly like the Conn Helleberg in any obvious way. The closest match for me is Denis Wick 2L - rim, cup profile, size - but actually the cup diameter is a hair smaller. The profile here is somewhat funnel shaped towards the bottom, but more straight sided at the top (i.e., next to the rim.) I should get a real Helleberg some day, but my clone anyway has a more entirely funnel shaped profile, not just at the bottom - which makes for a smaller cup volume, I suppose, given the same diameter at the top (but the Conn diameter is larger.)

The Helleberg II is a different mouthpiece. I've never seen one.