Wessex Wyvern
Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2016 11:46 pm
Delivery of the Wyvern was last Wednesday and since then I have been putting it through its paces. So far I've used in a professional brass choir for several rehearsals with an upcoming performance on Sunday. Also in a rather select symphonic band also on that same Sunday.
I'm very happy with the instrument, and without going into a diatribe of hyperbole, I can honestly say that it is "quite the tuba." Those of you who have read some of my posts understand that for the past 3 years I've been sort of an advocate for the CC BAT. Yes, the BMB that I own is a remarkable instrument with a great sound. However, like most BATs it has intonation quirks that tend to become frustrating. But we like BATS for the magnificent presence they offer, so we grumble and keep using them. The Wessex Wyvern is a 5/4 horn with an immense and rather deep sound. In some respects it does mimic the BAT, but not quite as much gravitas. This particular Wyvern has a shimmer to the sound and a very easy response, quite unlike similar instruments from other distributers that happen to have similar specs. This may be due to the hardening of the bell. I'm not sure if they are using cryogenics or Electro Magnetic Pulse, but there is a wonderful feel from behind the bell that reminds me of some of the older workhorse tubas that have made the rounds. Intonation is better than any other tuba that I have owned or played, but it is not perfect - close to it - but not perfect.
Last evening in a symphonic band rehearsal, I got a comment from another very fine tubaist, after I had played a simple passage at the "pp" level. He thought it to be just about the finest tuba sound he ever heard. The biggest treat for me though is the intonation. I have not really needed to use any special fingerings. That is a real treat as so many horns have terribly flat 5th partials and sharp 6ths and also rather "wonky" 3rds and 4th. I believe mine is the first prodution model in the "States" and another was recently purchase in the UK for use in the Simon Bolivar Orchestra in Venezuela. The tuba also has a rather quick response on the front part of the sound, whether it is PP or FF. The finish of the instrument is bright silver and in my book at least, is flawless. The valves are lightning fast with fairly light springs, I'm thinking something a tiny bit stronger would help the new valves a bit as they break in. The tolerances must be very tight as from time to time there is some sticking. The tuning slides present a minor problem as both the inner and outer slide are nickel. While this is certainly an asset in quality, they are very difficult to lap in with the old "Brasso" treatment. After 30 minutes on the 1st valve slide, there was no apparent lapping actually happening that would give the slide a smooth and quick pull and push. This is certainly not a deal breaker. Actually, the slides need little or no pull so it is almost a moot issue. However I do want all the features of the tuba fully functional. I'd like to come back to TubeNet in a month or so with an update. There is usually a honeymoon period with a new instrument, and then reality sets in when we find there is just another set of quirks and wonky notes. I'm hoping the long-term reality of this instrument matches the honeymoon. For around 5K it just might be the equivalent of a 20 to 40K horn. If you get a chance to try one of these at a conference sometime, I would be interest in learning your thoughts.
I'm very happy with the instrument, and without going into a diatribe of hyperbole, I can honestly say that it is "quite the tuba." Those of you who have read some of my posts understand that for the past 3 years I've been sort of an advocate for the CC BAT. Yes, the BMB that I own is a remarkable instrument with a great sound. However, like most BATs it has intonation quirks that tend to become frustrating. But we like BATS for the magnificent presence they offer, so we grumble and keep using them. The Wessex Wyvern is a 5/4 horn with an immense and rather deep sound. In some respects it does mimic the BAT, but not quite as much gravitas. This particular Wyvern has a shimmer to the sound and a very easy response, quite unlike similar instruments from other distributers that happen to have similar specs. This may be due to the hardening of the bell. I'm not sure if they are using cryogenics or Electro Magnetic Pulse, but there is a wonderful feel from behind the bell that reminds me of some of the older workhorse tubas that have made the rounds. Intonation is better than any other tuba that I have owned or played, but it is not perfect - close to it - but not perfect.
Last evening in a symphonic band rehearsal, I got a comment from another very fine tubaist, after I had played a simple passage at the "pp" level. He thought it to be just about the finest tuba sound he ever heard. The biggest treat for me though is the intonation. I have not really needed to use any special fingerings. That is a real treat as so many horns have terribly flat 5th partials and sharp 6ths and also rather "wonky" 3rds and 4th. I believe mine is the first prodution model in the "States" and another was recently purchase in the UK for use in the Simon Bolivar Orchestra in Venezuela. The tuba also has a rather quick response on the front part of the sound, whether it is PP or FF. The finish of the instrument is bright silver and in my book at least, is flawless. The valves are lightning fast with fairly light springs, I'm thinking something a tiny bit stronger would help the new valves a bit as they break in. The tolerances must be very tight as from time to time there is some sticking. The tuning slides present a minor problem as both the inner and outer slide are nickel. While this is certainly an asset in quality, they are very difficult to lap in with the old "Brasso" treatment. After 30 minutes on the 1st valve slide, there was no apparent lapping actually happening that would give the slide a smooth and quick pull and push. This is certainly not a deal breaker. Actually, the slides need little or no pull so it is almost a moot issue. However I do want all the features of the tuba fully functional. I'd like to come back to TubeNet in a month or so with an update. There is usually a honeymoon period with a new instrument, and then reality sets in when we find there is just another set of quirks and wonky notes. I'm hoping the long-term reality of this instrument matches the honeymoon. For around 5K it just might be the equivalent of a 20 to 40K horn. If you get a chance to try one of these at a conference sometime, I would be interest in learning your thoughts.