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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.

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

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

"Triggered!!"

Slowly I turn...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuBtURtFNX8" target="_blank

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