CHI JCS Helleberg Tuba Mouthpiece

Big, Burly Helleberg Sound

The CHI Brass JS Helleberg is a U.S.-made precision reproduction of a mouthpiece that belonged to Arnold Jacobs.

• The original mouthpiece was modified with a rounded bottom cup and a less severe rim edge.
• Arnold Jacobs made similar modifications to many mouthpieces, though most were eventually passed on to his students. This particular mouthpiece, however, was one he retained.

The JS Helleberg is significantly larger than many traditional Helleberg designs, making it especially effective for large York-style CC tubas.

While there is no documented evidence of how frequently—or whether—Jacobs used this specific mouthpiece in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, CHI Brass makes no claims about its use in particular performances. However, players who tested the original regarded it as exceptional, inspiring the creation of this CHI reproduction.

Performance Characteristics

• Produces a broad, powerful sound with substantial fundamental in the low register.
• Retains a singing quality in the upper range.
• An excellent choice for players seeking a larger Helleberg mouthpiece with significant tonal weight and breadth.

Sound Characteristics

• Big, burly sound
• Strong fundamental
• Powerful low register
• Broad tonal character
• Singing upper register
• Excellent projection
• Substantial orchestral presence

Recommended For

Ideal Applications

• Symphony Orchestra
• Wind Ensemble
• Large Ensemble Performance

Ideal Instruments

• Large CC Tuba
• 5/4 and 6/4 CC Tubas
• York-style CC Tubas
• Large BBb Tubas

Specifications

• Overall Length: 3.753"
• Maximum OD: 1.868" / 47.4472 mm
• ID at 0.060": 1.318" / 33.47 mm
• Throat: 0.330" / 8.382 mm
• Standard Shank: 0.530"
• A Shank: 0.525"
• Euro Shank: 0.540"

CHI Brass JS Helleberg Heavyweight

The JS Helleberg Heavyweight merges the internal design of the standard JS Helleberg with the CHI heavyweight shell.

It retains:

• The large inner diameter
• A substantial low-register fundamental
• A broad tonal character

Additionally, it provides extra stability and density to the sound.

Recommended For

This mouthpiece is ideal for players seeking the largest, most substantial Helleberg-style sound in the CHI line. It is particularly suited for use with large 5/4 and 6/4 CC and BBb tubas.

Specifications

The internal specifications match those of the standard JS Helleberg:

• Overall Length: 3.753"
• ID at 0.060": 1.318" / 33.47 mm
• Throat: 0.330" / 8.382 mm
• Standard Shank: 0.530"
• A Shank: 0.525"
• Euro Shank: 0.540"