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Hi all, I have recently looking into the Wessex “Anton” CC tuba. I am curious as to what people’s experience with these tubas and looking into some information as to how they play, intonation, and the ergonomics. Would you consider this tuba closer to a larger 5/4 tuba or smaller side of 5/4 tuba. I currently play a 6/4 BBb tuba which has a great sound but I am considering downsizing just a bit to a 5/4 tuba to clear up some of the focus in the sound. Thanks!

Thanks for the reply Mark, have you had the chance to try one of these tubas? Would you say it would be able to hold it's own in a larger symphony orchestra?

I had high hopes for the model based on its appearance and posted dimensions, and made a special trip to the Michigan warehouse early in 2018 to try one out. I was deeply disappointed in the valves, intonation and ergonomics. Sorry, but I can't recommend it at all.

The Anton is an early Wessex development using mostly existing factory parts and although I have used successfully in professional performance of Prokofiev 5, to be honest is not comparable to Wessex latest new tubas. As a result it is not being transferred to our new high-grade workshop, but is being discontinued after the next batch (arriving January). So order soon if you want one.

A completely new design, all handcrafted rotary CC tuba will replace during 2019. In the mean time the TC470 Mahler CC will continue as part of Wessex new ‘Overture’ range - which will comprise of economically priced horns made using regular production methods.

Another alternative of similar size to consider, but with piston valves, is the TC590 Wyvern. Ever popular (we can’t get them made quick enough), and now made high-grade - this would be my recommendation from the Wessex range.

Wyvern wrote:The Anton is an early Wessex development using mostly existing factory parts and although I have used successfully in professional performance of Prokofiev 5...

Jonathan,
I would love to personally hear you playtest many of your horns on YouTube or another similar public format, as Tom at Mack Brass has done.
Thanks,
Marty

MartyNeilan wrote:

Wyvern wrote:The Anton is an early Wessex development using mostly existing factory parts and although I have used successfully in professional performance of Prokofiev 5...

Jonathan,
I would love to personally hear you playtest many of your horns on YouTube or another similar public format, as Tom at Mack Brass has done.
Thanks,
Marty

I did in the early days of Wessex, but today I am just too busy with the business to practice enough that would want to give in effect a public solo recital, although I do keep up my playing in a couple bands and in a local orchestra. Much better the tubas are shown off to their best played by talented Wessex performing artists such as Will Druiett.

However, I always say to people to play for themselves as any musical instrument demo video mainly demonstrates the talent of the musician playing. Only by playing yourself can you assess if the horn responds as you want, has the sound to suit your concept and is comfortable for you ergonomically.

To enable people to readily play test themselves before buying, we will be opening a super new showroom shortly in Chicago only a few minutes from O’Hare airport to make visiting easy for anyone in North America to try any horn in the range. Announcement of opening will be made once the showroom is ready.