Helleberg 7B and 120 differences

[Bbfoghorn]

Seeking wisdom. I have used a Helleberg on my Besson Sov for years, love the articulation. I've read in the past there is a 7B and a 120. I don't know which one I have as it isn't marked. Is there any way to tell which I have? Does anyone know the difference between the two? Foggy

[tbonesullivan]

If it's not marked, that would usually make it the 120. It should just say HELLEBERG. The 7B is marked 7B.

The main difference is that the 7B has a narrower cup, and a wider throat. When I was trying out Tubas, the 7B worked a lot better in the Eb and F tubas than it did in the CC and BBb tubas.

[Matt Good]

To me, the 7B is pretty much the same as the original “H” Conn Helleberg that appeared in the 1901 Conn catalog. The 120s is larger. I have a bunch of both of the 7B and the regular Helleberg 120s and an “H”. They are all good mouthpieces.

What I’m curious about is the “7B” designation and what it means. Was this Gus Helleberg’s apartment number? I would appreciate any knowledge on this subject.

[bisontuba]

Was this Gus Helleberg’s apartment number?

[Alex C]

Perhaps measurements will help.

mouthpiece.........Diameter mm......Diameter inches......Depth......Rim width.....Throat
7B Helleberg........31.5..................1.240".................MD..........8.3mm........8.5mm
120S Helleberg.....32.5..................1.279"..................MD.........7.3mm.........8.1mm

You can find the measurements for almost any mouthpiece online.