Helleburg 7b

[GhostlyBoy08]

is it good or bad for a high stepping band?

[Reptilian]

It most definitely is.

[Untersatz]

It's one of the best high steppin mouthpieces everr made!

[Biggs]

It is really best suited to cycling bands.

[ursatz]

Dead-serious advise here, no kidding....

I played a helleberg all throughout high school and college marching band. Both groups marched a high step Big 10 style. I didn't die or anything.

7b or regular... they both have the flat rim and sharp inner edge. It might hurt physically and/or mentally or might not.

In retrospect a more comfortable rim would have been better. I could definitely feel the impact of marching on the concert playing, but I think it was manageable and made like maybe two extra hairs grow on my chest (for a total of 5).

Just play what you're used to, seriously consider plastic in cold weather, and if it's killing you try something different. Those Kelly things are super cheap. I'm also willing to bet with the high stepping that your dental integrity will take a bigger beating than your obicularis oris. Also your lips from simple exposure to the elements. Find a favorite lip balm and buy a box of like 144 tubes (or maybe 2).

Again, play what you're used to. Try something different if you think it might help. It just might, or it probably won't.

[iiipopes]

The semi-flat rim is not universal. From time to time and year to year, the Cyborg will change the rim profile. The last one I saw had a semi-rounded rim much like any other mouthpiece.

So, like everything else in this world, it depends on the mouthpiece.

For marching band: Kelly. There are numerous threads on the forum that explain why.

[NCSUSousa]

I always thought the flat rim face on the Helleburg was better for marching. It doesn't put as much pressure on the outer lip as a rounder rim, so it slides easier. Not that the horn does alot of bouncing while marching, but it was certainly something I noticed while I had braces.

[iiipopes]

Kellys are a good alternative if you're worried about dropping them.

And playing in extreme heat
And playing in extreme cold
And playing for an organization which "must" have color-coordination
And so when they are dropped, the horn is not dented
And so when they are dropped, the mouthpiece is not dented
And when students are required to purchase a mouthpiece, it is only $32 retail, not @$100
And....

[GhostlyBoy08]

I was thinking of buying a kelly ss mouthpiece. i was on their site yesterday and i think their mouthpieces are pretty good