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I'm almost ready to be tuba shopping and am attracted to the Wessex Eb Solo. I'm sure the bore size will work for me, but am worried about the reach to the 4th valve. I comfortably play a Sterling 3+1 euph but found a standard size Besson 3+1 too much of a reach. Is there anybody out there who can give me a comparison between the three "reaches?" euph 3+1, Eb solo 3+1, standard Besson 3+1?

Wessex Solo is the same tuba as their regular 19" bell Eb, just with a smaller bell so the reach to 4th will be identical. Wessex have a very small 3+1 Eb in prototype form modelled after an old B&H design. I expect that will be on the market very soon and has good potential. Jonathan put a note about it on the sponsor's page here...

I confirm that the reach to the 4th valve on the Solo Eb is the same as larger bell Eb - 19" from mouthpiece to 4th valve.

Our new ¾ size Bombino Eb may be just what you need. That will be available May/June. Here is picture to give you idea with comparison with size of euphonium and full size Champion Eb.

Hi!

I just measured for fun my euphonium and Wessex solo. The Solo would be roughly 20 cm (10") wider than a euphonium. However, when I play them there's not much difference in my posture. I keep the tuba pretty tight against my body and the euphonium on a "pillow" on my left leg and have some space between the horn and the owner, som my left arm stretches about the same, actually. If you normally play the euphonium with the horn tight against you body you might want something smaller. I have been very happy with my Wessex Solo! // Martin

Thanks. The reason why I ask is that I'm sure that my arms are way shorter than most tuba players' arms. I wasn't able to comfortably reach a standard Besson 3+1. Also I think I had read about the upcoming Bambino and that is the one I was interested in, not the Solo.

While we are on the subject of English tubas, let me first begin by saying I find most of their ways charming. However, why do they insist on covering everything in silver??

I mean, we call our currency "green backs" but we don't go around letting our tubas turn green or encouraging such a thing.

And what's up with Eb??

And the upright valve arrangement??

And that crazy forth valve??

I'd still prefer it with front valves, but that's a cool little horn! Jonathan, how about a version in F/a classic comp F clone?

Bob Kolada wrote:I'd still prefer it with front valves, but that's a cool little horn! Jonathan, how about a version in F/a classic comp F clone?

+1 on that. You just would need a prime example to take measurements from... Say... Tucker Jolly's Besson? Arguably the best example... Ever.

I would not rule out a compensated F, but need to get access to good example to compare with Bombino and see if they share components.

The bugle we may be similar, but you couldn't use the exact same valve block. The compensating loops would need to be shortened.

I just bought a Solo Eb from Wessex and love the ergonomics of the horn. I play a Besson Sovereign euphonium, so the 3+1 approach feels quite natural to me. I'm also stunned by the depth of the sound and the low range. I'm using my PT-66 and it just opens the horn completely up. Very impressive!

I queried the local tuba studio, which used to be very heavy on Eb, if anyone had a Besson 3+1 that I could re-check the ergonomics on. He said no one is currently playing Eb, so I guess the focus of the studio has changed. I have reservations about getting a clone of such an ancient design, because my experience with older designs is that they have horrid intonation, with the bugle being quite far form being in tune with itself.

I'm about 5'5" and female, primarily play euphonium, and I've had my Solo since October. Ergonomics were a major factor in choosing the Solo; for me it's no less comfortable than my (Meinl Weston) euphonium.

This weekend mine is on loan to a visiting pro, but I should have it back Monday or Tuesday and would be happy to measure the tuba (and my left arm, I guess ) and take pictures if you'd like.

MaryAnn wrote:I have reservations about getting a clone of such an ancient design, because my experience with older designs is that they have horrid intonation, with the bugle being quite far form being in tune with itself.

If you are talking about the new Bombino, it intonation is pretty good. I played it with band on Sunday and had no tuning problems.