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Hi,

I was curious if anyone who either owns or has played the Wessex Wisconsin tuba would share their thoughts on it. How does it play. Are there any issues with intonation, etc.? Very interested in opinions. Thanks.

I had the opportunity to try the Wessex Wisconsin at the Army conference. It was "Ok." I would consider it a 4/4+ sized tuba. The sound was kinda dull and it did sport some rather interesting intonation tendencies. I didn't find it to be very agile or nimble either. Overall, just "ok." IMHO, the Luzern is a much better tuba.

Is this a Mira 1291 copy? Or am I thinking of something else?

arpthark wrote:Is this a Mira 1291 copy? Or am I thinking of something else?

The Michigan is the 1291 copy. Not sure if the Wisconsin is really a direct copy of anything. I can see what look like influences from different models but it doesn't look like it's a direct copy.

Dan Tuba wrote:I had the opportunity to try the Wessex Wisconsin at the Army conference. It was "Ok." I would consider it a 4/4+ sized tuba. The sound was kinda dull and it did sport some rather interesting intonation tendencies. I didn't find it to be very agile or nimble either. Overall, just "ok." IMHO, the Luzern is a much better tuba.

Hey, thanks for the info Dan. Much appreciated. How was the action on the Luzern valves?

Also - Are you in the Army Band at Ft. Leonard Wood? I was in the 399th back in 1983.....just curious because I saw Waynesville in your info. Thanks. Dave

Dave,

I'm stationed at Fort Leonard Wood with the 399th Army Band. I thought that the valves on the Wessex Lucern worked fairly well. I currently own a Schillbrunner which is very similar to the Wessex Lucern and the valves work well as long as you perform weekly maintenance. Imho, The paddles and linkages definitely need to be improved, however, they get the job done.

Are you located in Missouri? Maybe we can meet up sometime?

Hi,

Glad to hear it! I served with Jim Freeman at the 19th Army Band, Ft. Dix, New Jersey before it closed in the early 90s.

Very curious on the valves. I had purchased a Mack Brass Model 200. I like the horn, don't like the valves. I know what you mean about having to keep up the maintenance regularly. Makes me appreciate the Miraphone valves so much. I was curious about the Wisconsin. Thanks for the info. I read your comments about the John Packer tubas in another post. Sounds like they are pretty solidly built.

I am still in Missouri. I live in Leadwood, (near Farmington, MO) It would be great to meet up. Let me know when you are in the area. I am playing in the Mineral Area Kicks Band and the jazz festival is March 11th. The Jeff Hamilton Trio is coming in and we are backing his group. If you can make it come up. There are two shows the evening of the 11th. Tickets are fairly cheap at $15 I think. I hope all is well.

Awesome! The John Packer Sterling EEb tuba is awesome. However, there are some minor intonation issues with the 4th valve circuit which I think are being addressed at the factory soon according to Bloke. The JP Sterling EEb is definitely on par with the new German made Besson 981's. I should have never sold mine...