student tubas and euphoniums

[MackBrass]

I know a lot of school systems do not like to shop on the used market, so if they want new, I would recommend contacting Tom at MACK Brass. He is not only a great guy to work with, but he does his best to make sure he has parts in case anything goes wrong or needs to be fixed on his horns. Made by JinBao, just as Wessex is, he might have some threading problems with the pistons, but I don't think there will be many other options if the school has a limited budget and wants new.

Threading issues were never really a problem with what we carry. We have sold well over 1600 euphs and the few times
we encountered an issue, it was easily fixed with a replacement valve cap. I don't carry any piston BBb tubas so i cant speak for those models but JinBao does make a very nice valve.

[Wyvern]

Five years ago when Wessex Tubas started, valve cap threads were a big issue, but as time has gone on this has been sorted and the last batch we checked, over 200 horns, there was not a single valve threading issue.

As well as checking at factory, we then oil valves and check thread again before shipping and even have custom chasing tools (rarely used) to re-do the thread if there is an issue such as damage from cross-threading.

Regarding Bloke's comment above, I can't say I have noticed any difference in the reliability of threads on lacquered and silver-plated horns.

The TB330 Junior BBb tuba is a really good playing student horn. We have sold quite a lot, with only good comments
http://www.wessex-tubas.com/product/tb330/

For school orders Wessex Tubas will give increasing discount for quantity. Contact me for specific quote at Jonathan@Wessex-Tubas.com" target="_blank

[Scubatuba]

Wessex and Mack Brass comp euphs and 3/4 tubas are FAR better players for less than half the price.

Hmmm. For some reason this sounds biased to me. So you've played the Bessons or do you just sell the mackbrass and wessex?

[Three Valves]

Just worked on yet another newly purchased well-known Chinese stenciled tuba. 3 weeks-ish old at the time. The valve caps were nearly impossible to get on and off. New owner was not amused. Bought it for his middle schooler.

Matched the best cap to each casing, stamped each cap with its corresponding number, and then gently lapped them together as possible. They now work if extreme care is taken. Had to charge him for the time it took.

Glad I didn't sell it to him.

Could you have advised him to seek compensation from the re-seller to have it covered under warranty??

[pgym]

Wessex and Mack Brass comp euphs and 3/4 tubas are FAR better players for less than half the price.

Hmmm. For some reason this sounds biased to me.

Maybe it's because you get paid to sell Besson.

So you've played the Bessons or do you just sell the mackbrass and wessex?

Damn straight, I've played them. Dozens to times. And EVERY time I've done a DOUBLE BLIND test of Bessons against another brand, the Bessons lose.

And unlike you, I don't make money hawking instruments.

Bias? Thy name is Scubatuba.