Any opinions on the New Wessex 6/4 BBb or Helicon?
- Wyvern
- Wessex Tubas
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Re: Any opinions on the New Wessex 6/4 BBb or Helicon?
I have just dropped off a Wessex Grand 6/4 BBb (together with both versions of Chicago 6/4 CC) with Chris Olka of Cincinnati Symphony to thoroughly play test and make video reviews. So look out for those in the next few weeks.
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Re: Any opinions on the New Wessex 6/4 BBb or Helicon?
Hello Everyone,
Thanks for all of the educated and useful responses. I hadn't checked this in a while.
Who are the Wessex dealers in the States? Unfortunately, I did not make it to the Army conference this year.
Best Regards,
Frank
Thanks for all of the educated and useful responses. I hadn't checked this in a while.
Who are the Wessex dealers in the States? Unfortunately, I did not make it to the Army conference this year.
Best Regards,
Frank
Frank Ortega
Band Director
Saddle Brook MS/HS
The Bloomfield Civic Band
Music Director/Conductor
Bon Temps Brass
Band Director
Saddle Brook MS/HS
The Bloomfield Civic Band
Music Director/Conductor
Bon Temps Brass
- Sousaswag
- 3 valves
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Re: Any opinions on the New Wessex 6/4 BBb or Helicon?
I think? It's just the Wessex store in Michigan that sells the instruments. I could be totally wrong, but I believe they're the sole dealer here in the States.
Meinl Weston 5450RA Tuono
Willson 3200RZ-5
Willson 3200RZ-5
- Ltrain
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Re: Any opinions on the New Wessex 6/4 BBb or Helicon?
That Saturday, I ended up buying that helicon for my second line group. I was impressed by the spot-on intonation, round tone, and Jonathan’s consideration for the little things like the left-hand adjustable tuning slide and ergonomic valve caps.Art Hovey wrote:I played on the BBb helicon last week at the Army Tuba Conference and liked it. I also brought in my own Buescher (with the Bohm & Meinl valve section which has been my favorite tuba and main money-making horn for 50 years) for comparison. I am still happy with it, but would be equally happy with the Wessex. The removable bell is an especially nice feature.
My section-mate ending up buying it off of me that night! (She needed a mobile axe and I have a nice nice 36K already). SHE also has no issues wearing/dancing around in the horn nor putting out some sound! Pics and some video clips on Instagram @ltrainbrass @theryanhallway happy to send more in you PM me.
Eastman 853 Eb ("Edith")
1963 King 1250 Sousaphone ("Jackie O")
Aguilar Amplification
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Founder, L Train Brass Band
1963 King 1250 Sousaphone ("Jackie O")
Aguilar Amplification
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Founder, L Train Brass Band
- Wyvern
- Wessex Tubas
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Re: Any opinions on the New Wessex 6/4 BBb or Helicon?
Wessex generally sells direct in the states from our Michigan warehouse, as that enables us to keep our prices reasonable. Selling through a dealer network increases retail prices.Sousaswag wrote:I think? It's just the Wessex store in Michigan that sells the instruments. I could be totally wrong, but I believe they're the sole dealer here in the States.
- Art Hovey
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Re: Any opinions on the New Wessex 6/4 BBb or Helicon?
The Wessex BBb helicon is definitely heavier than a 3-valve Pan Am, because it has a 4th valve and a lot of well-placed bracing and reinforcement. I don't think it is significantly heavier than my four-valve Buescher. I would really like to see a fiberglass bell for that instrument; that would make it much lighter. Purists will complain that the sound might suffer, but I am willing to bet that an honest blindfold test would render that objection moot.
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Re: Any opinions on the New Wessex 6/4 BBb or Helicon?
Hey Art !! I'm still looking for a fiberglass bell for my Jupiter/Stofer CC sousaphone. I doubt it would change the sound much and it would reduce the weight by a few pounds. That's enough to make it easier to hold, for me. Plus, most of the time I have a mic in it. No brainer for older guys!
- The Big Ben
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Re: Any opinions on the New Wessex 6/4 BBb or Helicon?
If the player was sitting in a chair to play, the weight wouldn't mean a lot so the "better sounding" metal bell might be preferable. But, if the horn is used for reasons why someone has a helicon (marching, standing, on the back of a horse), the lighter weight could trump (sorry!) the slight sound advantage of metal.Art Hovey wrote:The Wessex BBb helicon is definitely heavier than a 3-valve Pan Am, because it has a 4th valve and a lot of well-placed bracing and reinforcement. I don't think it is significantly heavier than my four-valve Buescher. I would really like to see a fiberglass bell for that instrument; that would make it much lighter. Purists will complain that the sound might suffer, but I am willing to bet that an honest blindfold test would render that objection moot.
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Re: Any opinions on the New Wessex 6/4 BBb or Helicon?
I am committed to the advancement of civil rights, minus the Marxist intimidation and thuggery of BLM.
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Re: Any opinions on the New Wessex 6/4 BBb or Helicon?
I played it at TMEA . Much better thn the CC
Im must add that none of the Asian big horns played for crap in th e low register including the Eastman. They all had a towel in the bell. Nice upper and middle on most . But who gets paid to play high notes?
All dogs in my opinion
Im must add that none of the Asian big horns played for crap in th e low register including the Eastman. They all had a towel in the bell. Nice upper and middle on most . But who gets paid to play high notes?
All dogs in my opinion