ASTuba wrote:This is just my two cents worth, but if I were the owner of an original Helleberg and getting it restored, I wouldn't want the satin plate on it. I think it looks sharp, but an antique collectible mouthpiece like this should be in its original condition.
Hey Andy, Its okay, most folks don't know it, but the satin finish
was used on the earl originals as was bright. I tend to use the satin because it helps completely diffuse or eliminate imperfections that would be impossible to hide in a bright finish. It is also a signature style I am known for that helps identify my work (not that a lot of Techs do this kind of stuff).
Rick Denney wrote: I'm a little uncomfortable with the choice of implanting an entirely different shank, with the knurled ring not present on the original.
As you should be Rick; I would be as well. Not entirely differant, only the outside. The before image harold posted is a little misleading. See the above image where it is shown next to my original. The mouthpiece did originally have the knurled section. It had been turned down and a piece of brass slipped over and lead soldered in place. The added on brass was poorly fitted and crudely tapered. At the time they removed about a half inch from the length of the shank so to fit an Eb or F. My job in restoring the mouthpiece required the removal of the old soldered on material as well as the old solder, I turned down the remaining original shank just enough to allow for the new material to be closely and properly fitted.
I did cut the little remaining of the waist back to the bowl in order to achieve a neat and clean fit with the new material. By doing so, I was able to hid the silver brazed joint completely.
I made no alteration to the existing internal dimensions of the shank, back-bore or cup. The new exterior material was then machined to the same dimensions as the original design called for. So, as you can see, the end result is a mouthpiece that you would be hard pressed to tell it was ever in such a poor state as it was.
The old "vintage" CONN-HELLEBERG mouthpieces have become so valuable and highly sought after that it is very important they be restored as close to original as possible. Doing so is a combination of technical skill with a bit of artistic flair. Its a lot of fun and a real challenge seeing how close you can hit the mark.
Daniel C. Oberloh
Oberloh Woodwind and Brass Works
Saving the world, one horn at a time...
smiles all around.
