Has anyone played, or own one of the Wessex Excelsior BBb Compensating tubas? I am seriously considering pre-ordering one in silver plate, but sure wish I could play one first.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Wessex Excelsior BBb Tuba reviews?
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SouthernOhio53
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Dan Tuba
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Re: Wessex Excelsior BBb Tuba reviews?
I have played the Wessex Excelsior a couple of times at conferences... back when we had those 
I really liked the way they played. Good intonation, fairly responsive all the way down through the 4th valve. The ergonomics are great compared to some of the other compensating BBb tubas that I have played in brass band over the years.
FWIW, I purchased a Wessex XL a few months ago, and it's been great
I really liked the way they played. Good intonation, fairly responsive all the way down through the 4th valve. The ergonomics are great compared to some of the other compensating BBb tubas that I have played in brass band over the years.
FWIW, I purchased a Wessex XL a few months ago, and it's been great
Conn 25J
Holton 3+1 "Monster" EEb
Wessex XL
Giddings and Kelly Mouthpieces
Holton 3+1 "Monster" EEb
Wessex XL
Giddings and Kelly Mouthpieces
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Andrew
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Re: Wessex Excelsior BBb Tuba reviews?
A year ago I was looking for a BBb for a large concert band, preferably a British-style 3 + 1 compensator, and scoured the net for (rare) reviews/experiences. Daniel Ridder demos its low range convincingly https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3y9tO3qAUo. I went down to Wessex's showroom where Jonathan Hodgetts let me have a good blow on an Excelsior and the newer/larger Leviathan
In concept the Excelsior should work. It's a large-boned but compact BBb with similarities to a Courtois 182 or a 1920s Hawkes Profundo. However I personally found its response too unstable and unpredictable and wondered if the very long mouthpipe is the cause. The Leviathan though is a much more predictable blow and it has a 'standard' length of mouthpipe. However my circumstances changed and I didn't proceed with any purchase
In concept the Excelsior should work. It's a large-boned but compact BBb with similarities to a Courtois 182 or a 1920s Hawkes Profundo. However I personally found its response too unstable and unpredictable and wondered if the very long mouthpipe is the cause. The Leviathan though is a much more predictable blow and it has a 'standard' length of mouthpipe. However my circumstances changed and I didn't proceed with any purchase