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williamp wrote:I visited the Wessex warehouse in Michigan today and had a great time playing several tubas. I’d like to thank Andy Loree for being such a great host and allowing me plenty of time trying horns for myself and also doing some preliminary looking for a friend interested in a BBb.

First off, the warehouse is in a great location to visit! My wife went for a swim in Lake Michigan at a beach nearby and the area is beautiful. Nearby Grand Haven has plenty of good eats and shops to keep other family members happy, too.

I’m in the market for an affordable EEb. I tried the Cavalry 4 front action piston compensated; the Gnagey 5 valve front action; and the Danube 5 rotary valve tuba.

Of these three EEbs, I preferred the Gnagey and actually plan on purchasing one. The Gnagey was responsive in all ranges, felt comfortable to play, and the intonation was excellent. It felt clean all the way up and down the scales. I’m going to like it very much. Here’s a short video of the Gnagey:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYb_DkPl0L0" target="_blank" target="_blank

The Cavalry (yes I mistakenly say “Calgary” in the video) was the first compensated EEb I’ve played. I actually liked the sound in the middle/upper range a little more than the Gnagey. To my ear, it had a little more “ring” to it. My wife noticed it right away. The lower register was less open than the Gnagey. My hand did not sit well with this horn and started cramping almost immediately. I think repositioning the thumb ring would have solved this. Here’s the same music on the Cavalry:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBL-FVN8cBs" target="_blank" target="_blank

I played the Danube EEb rotary tuba only briefly before deciding this tuba was not for me. My wife described the sound as “nasal” compared to the other EEbs. The intonation was not nearly as accurate for me as the other two models. I did not bother to record the Danube.

I tried some BBbs for a friend in the market (I already own three awesome large BBbs and shouldn’t consider another). The 6/4 prototype is very impressive and fun to play. It feels great and very even through the registers. Very well “slotted” intonation. A little awkward to get used to the positioning for playing, but MAN, what a horn!! Here’s the 6/4:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuQymHF-doM" target="_blank" target="_blank

I played a large 4/4 Viverna 5 valve BBb that Andy said was somewhat modeled off the Miraphone 1291. I had considered purchasing a 1291 numerous years ago. I must admit, I thought the Wessex has much more “presence” and “color” than the 1291 I played. I played this horn for quite awhile and couldn’t believe it’s under $4,000. It should be a no-brainer for someone wanting a nice full sized horn. Here’s the same excerpt on the 4/4:

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

I also tried a BBb helicon, that was also easy to play (in spite of my missed notes!). This would be a pretty cool little dixieland tuba with a great big bottom. Here’s a sample:

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

Thanks again to the folks at Wessex for hosting me today. I look forward to owning a Gnagey soon!

williamp wrote: The Cavalry (yes I mistakenly say “Calgary” in the video) was the first compensated EEb I’ve played. I actually liked the sound in the middle/upper range a little more than the Gnagey. To my ear, it had a little more “ring” to it. My wife noticed it right away. The lower register was less open than the Gnagey. My hand did not sit well with this horn and started cramping almost immediately. I think repositioning the thumb ring would have solved this.

Three Valves wrote:What was the ditty you were playing on the Eb??