Wessex Leviathan

[Davidus1]

That is what I am saying, the Wessex EU site has only 12 BBb tubas in the BBb tuba collection, the levithian not being along them.

Please have a look again - I think I have solved. I will confirm showing when I am back in the UK on Monday. The Leviathan shows up from my current location of China.

In any case Wessex is just about to roll out unified website for the whole world - which will hopefully end such issues in the future.

Thank you for the info Jonathan!

[TubaBeage]

I can only find it on the products pages (which are alphabetical).

But here is a link direct to it...

https://uk.wessex-tubas.com/products/bb ... 3875243066" target="_blank

[TheGoyWonder]

Hmm. In America NABBA (the main brass band contest) is on a very live stage over a huge orchestra pit so there's a natural bass boost.
And the rest of the time, you have 4 out of 28 players as tubas. 1 in 7. Pretty well covered.

[Tubacube]

I have missing in action for a few years but reading the tube net.
Just got a Leviathan last week, I have been told it is the first one in the US.
I have worked in the past (2000-2019) with Kanstul doing product development and trade shows.
Ask me anything you would like.

[Tubacube]

I have had the Leviathan for about three rehearsals with Brass Band and Wind Symphony.
If you have played the BBb Grand, the BBb Prokofiev, a lot of that goodness transfers the to the Leviathan. An interesting change is that the bell of the Leviathan is 19”. That puts it in between the Prokofiev at 20” and the Chicago Presence at 18”. The Leviathan weighs in at 27 lbs ( my Holton 340 weighs in at 30lbs and my 5/4 Martin weighs in at 31 lbs) big blanket of sound without having to be loud. Giant valve buttons the size of half dollar coins actually feel good. This beast of a tuba takes about 10-12 minutes to warm up but is worth the wait. Very even response from low to height. Big surprise is how easy this instrument sings in the upper register. The instrument I have is the hydraulic formed version, the hand hammered version should be even better. Apart from initial set up, pulling and pushing slides is minimal based on standard Wind Band/Brass Band material.
You know you have a good instrument when it compels you to play it again and again. It is that good. Some good advise- don’t use a Hercules tuba stand, it is too small and can put dents in the bottom bow. Any other questions? Just ask!

[Davidus1]

I have had the Leviathan for about three rehearsals with Brass Band and Wind Symphony.
If you have played the BBb Grand, the BBb Prokofiev, a lot of that goodness transfers the to the Leviathan. An interesting change is that the bell of the Leviathan is 19”. That puts it in between the Prokofiev at 20” and the Chicago Presence at 18”. The Leviathan weighs in at 27 lbs ( my Holton 340 weighs in at 30lbs and my 5/4 Martin weighs in at 31 lbs) big blanket of sound without having to be loud. Giant valve buttons the size of half dollar coins actually feel good. This beast of a tuba takes about 10-12 minutes to warm up but is worth the wait. Very even response from low to height. Big surprise is how easy this instrument sings in the upper register. The instrument I have is the hydraulic formed version, the hand hammered version should be even better. Apart from initial set up, pulling and pushing slides is minimal based on standard Wind Band/Brass Band material.
You know you have a good instrument when it compels you to play it again and again. It is that good. Some good advise- don’t use a Hercules tuba stand, it is too small and can put dents in the bottom bow. Any other questions? Just ask!

Thank you very much. Great to hear that you like the horn. Much appreciate the information.

[Tubacube]

Some more observations:
Take advantage of those strap mounts - a rifle sling/strap from the local sporting goods, or a luggage store should do. I find that it keeps the weight off your valve hand allowing it to move faster. Also it allows for faster page turns for your left hand.
Also it comes with a hard molded case with twist locks and out board mounted wheels that not only prevent wobbling but are user replaceable from your local skateboard shop!
On a tuba this large a saddle stand or throne type stand is helpful.

[Tigerreydelaselva]

That is what I am saying, the Wessex EU site has only 12 BBb tubas in the BBb tuba collection, the levithian not being along them.

But In my mind...it has more variation about BBb tubas than Yamaha

[Steve Marcus]

You know you have a good instrument when it compels you to play it again and again. It is that good.

I've had the opportunity to play only the prototype. It was a joy to play. Neither Howard nor I are large/tall men, but the big horn is very comfortable to play with a proper stand; reaching the 4th valve is easy.

Howard, you seem so relaxed while producing a gentle, super-warm sound on the Leviathan playing trad jazz on YouTube!

[Wyvern]

maybe it's typical of compensating BBb tubas, but did anyone else find the compensating range to be a little stuffy, especially lower than Low D? Or am I the only one?

Mark, I think it is a matter of what you are accustomed to play. The low register on these needs more supporting that those that don’t play large compensated BBb are inclined to give. I was having trouble with play testing one at factory, then Chuck Nickles gave me some advice to give it more air and it worked well then.

[GC]

I was startled looking at the Wessex pages and seeing that the Champion 3+1 compensating Eb is gone.

[UDELBR]

I was startled looking at the Wessex pages and seeing that the Champion 3+1 compensating Eb is gone.

I'm still seeing it: https://wessex-tubas.com/collections/eb ... pion-te560

[Wyvern]

I was startled looking at the Wessex pages and seeing that the Champion 3+1 compensating Eb is gone.

I'm still seeing it: https://wessex-tubas.com/collections/eb ... pion-te560

There have been some updates taking place this week. You may have seen the new currency selector on website, so for example Canadians can now see prices in Canadian dollars. GC, It is possible you checked while site was being updated and as a result the Champion was not easy to find. Sorry to cause you concern!

While posting, I will point out several horns are currently at reduced sale price (including the 6/4 CC’s), to help customers if you want to purchase and learn new horn during shelter.

I hope you are all keeping well? I am sorry Wessex can’t be exhibiting at the regional ITEC’s in the current difficult period. You all keep safe, and hope to see you later in the year.

[GC]

Thanks. For a little while it was showing 8 Eb's and the Champion was gone, but it's now back and the item count is 9.

[Tubacube]

Thank you Steve Marcus for the very kind words! Just for fun I tried the Leviathan in a jazz setting, a little unconventional for a 6/4 . Hope this post works:
https://youtu.be/h9-m9nhOn_Q" target="_blank
Howard Miyata aka tubacube

[loose tubas]

I bought one of these monsters on Friday. It's beautifully made, huge and wonderful to play. I'm an EEb player normally, but wanted something with real deep presence ; I've tried a few BBb tubas and struggled to make a decent sound, but the Leviathan is in a different class.
Wholeheartedly recommend you try it, then you'll buy it!