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Schilke CLE Mouthpiece
Posted: Thu Jul 02, 2026 2:03 pm
by JCTuba67
A colleague of mine recommended me to try the Schilke CLE mouthpiece. I’ve been playing a Conn Helleberg I got in 1971 but it’s near the end of its life and I’m wanting to explore other options.
I’d be curious and would appreciate input about this piece and if anyone is using it etc. I have one on order. Thanks.
Re: Schilke CLE Mouthpiece
Posted: Thu Jul 02, 2026 4:57 pm
by Porky
I’ve heard of this piece and tried it once. They fixed the issues with the weird bite the Schilke Helleberg II has from what I remember.
The specs of it is very close to the Conn Large Helleberg that you’re playing on currently with a tighter throat. That could be the only negative is that it’s not quite as open or free blowing as the Conn Helleberg.
Re: Schilke CLE Mouthpiece
Posted: Thu Jul 02, 2026 5:02 pm
by JCTuba67
Porky wrote: Thu Jul 02, 2026 4:57 pm
I’ve heard of this piece and tried it once. They fixed the issues with the weird bite the Schilke Helleberg II has from what I remember.
The specs of it is very close to the Conn Large Helleberg that you’re playing on currently with a tighter throat. That could be the only negative is that it’s not quite as open or free blowing as the Conn Helleberg.
Thanks for the information.
The Conn I have when Greg Black measured it was 33.42mm rim and 8.4 throat/backbore.
The only other mouthpiece from my research that’s close to this is the Sidey SSH and Classic but those are impossible to find. Someone also mentioned The BT-H Helleberg but I’d like try it before buying it. His helleberg looks even larger than the Original.
Re: Schilke CLE Mouthpiece
Posted: Thu Jul 02, 2026 11:34 pm
by dsfinley
You could always send your Helleberg off to get refurbished.
Re: Schilke CLE Mouthpiece
Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2026 5:42 am
by the elephant
I have an SHII CLE that I use a lot. It is an excellent mouthpiece. It is like my various Conn Hellebergs, but a little tighter in the throat, as stated above, with the corresponding improvement in low-register response and upper-register stability. The intonation characteristics are very good. The OP says he has one on order. He will be pleased with it.
Re: Schilke CLE Mouthpiece
Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2026 6:47 am
by Pauvog1
I tried one once, it was a nice mouthpiece. If you like that style of MP, it will likely feel like an upgrade from the 120s.
If you want to be sentimental, there are several options out there for refinishing & restoring your old MP as well.
Re: Schilke CLE Mouthpiece
Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2026 8:56 am
by JCTuba67
Pauvog1 wrote: Fri Jul 03, 2026 6:47 am
I tried one once, it was a nice mouthpiece. If you like that style of MP, it will likely feel like an upgrade from the 120s.
If you want to be sentimental, there are several options out there for refinishing & restoring your old MP as well.
Do you have any recommendations? I’m cautious to ship it off because I worry it may get lost or I won’t get it back. I’ve played on this exact mouthpiece and the 7B version for 55 years.
I appreciate everyone’s feedback thank you.
Re: Schilke CLE Mouthpiece
Posted: Sat Jul 04, 2026 9:31 am
by Pauvog1
JCTuba67 wrote: Fri Jul 03, 2026 8:56 am
Pauvog1 wrote: Fri Jul 03, 2026 6:47 am
I tried one once, it was a nice mouthpiece. If you like that style of MP, it will likely feel like an upgrade from the 120s.
If you want to be sentimental, there are several options out there for refinishing & restoring your old MP as well.
Do you have any recommendations? I’m cautious to ship it off because I worry it may get lost or I won’t get it back. I’ve played on this exact mouthpiece and the 7B version for 55 years.
I appreciate everyone’s feedback thank you.
Many years ago, I had a couple mouthpieces replayed at Dillon music. Not sure if they still do that service, worth a phone call next week for sure. I remember the service was pretty fast and good quality (this was maybe 15+ years ago).
Also, Greg Black offers the service:
https://gregblackmouthpieces.com/produc ... mouthpiece
They offer Gold plating too, if that is more to your liking.
Warburton also does this:
https://warburton-usa.com/pages/custom- ... ating-fees
I'm sure others do as well.
Other folks like Jim New (and Warburton, and probably many others too), can make a replica of your old one of you want. That might be a another option.
Re: Schilke CLE Mouthpiece
Posted: Sat Jul 04, 2026 9:34 am
by Pauvog1
Pauvog1 wrote: Sat Jul 04, 2026 9:31 am
JCTuba67 wrote: Fri Jul 03, 2026 8:56 am
Pauvog1 wrote: Fri Jul 03, 2026 6:47 am
I tried one once, it was a nice mouthpiece. If you like that style of MP, it will likely feel like an upgrade from the 120s.
If you want to be sentimental, there are several options out there for refinishing & restoring your old MP as well.
Do you have any recommendations? I’m cautious to ship it off because I worry it may get lost or I won’t get it back. I’ve played on this exact mouthpiece and the 7B version for 55 years.
I appreciate everyone’s feedback thank you.
Many years ago, I had a couple mouthpieces replayed at Dillon music. Not sure if they still do that service, worth a phone call next week for sure. I remember the service was pretty fast and good quality (this was maybe 15+ years ago).
Also, Greg Black offers the service:
https://gregblackmouthpieces.com/produc ... mouthpiece
They offer Gold plating too, if that is more to your liking.
Warburton also does this:
https://warburton-usa.com/pages/custom- ... ating-fees
I'm sure others do as well.
Other folks like Jim New (and Warburton, and probably many others too), can make a replica of your old one of you want. That might be a another option.
All that being said, the Schilke might be a better mouthpiece than a typical/standard Conn 120s, if you like that style. It was for me anyway (admittedly, I'm not a fan of Helleberg rims at all).
Re: Schilke CLE Mouthpiece
Posted: Sat Jul 04, 2026 9:35 am
by Pauvog1
Dillon Music has a used Schilke In this style on the website now, if that is helpful.