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I am going to be buying a new horn for my return to college as a music major after many years away. I used to play a PT-22 and absolutely loved the horn until I sold it in 2013. I know the setting I will be going into and the instructors I will have (one of them sold me the PT-22), so I really don't need to consult with them on the situation. My main question is this: Which of the two horns would be the better choice, a new Wessex Gnagey or a used PT-22? I know both are relatively similar and fit the same role. I have already found a used Pt-22 for just a little more than the cost of the Gnagey. Please help me out!

If I were you, I’d really think long and hard about how well your hand fits the 22. I’ve never felt comfortable on that particular valveset, in my opinion. It’s always bothered my hands. The Wessex Gnagey is a fantastic Eb, have enjoyed playing that tuba every time I have played one.

If you were from Tyler, TX I might have bought that PT-22p from you. The sound of that horn is the best of any tuba I have played. I also thought the pitch was great! I agree with the other post about the fit of the valves for the right hand. I have average sized hands and it was just too much of a spread for me. I did play the other horn you mentioned in this thread at TMEA last year. It was easier to play ergonomically speaking but did not have the sound of the B&S (just my opinion). I like the Wessex Solo better than the Gnagey personally.

Eflatdoubler, you are indeed the one who bought mine in 2013. When you said the Gnagey didn't have the sound of the B&S, in what way was it lacking?

I enjoyed the PT immensely, despite the wide reach and on the valves. I do remember preferring to play it standing because I have a longer torso that made it awkward to hold in my lap without a brace or something under the horn. I wonder if the Gnagey's better ergonomics might make it more enjoyable to play, but I worry that it will suffer in the sound department either in projection or low register in comparison to the awesomeness that is the PT-22. I would love to hear from some people who have had experience with both horns addressing those areas. As it stands, I am almost at the point of just flipping a coin.

Sorry I can't speak to the PT-22 at all, but I found the Gnagey's low register response to be exceptionally good. And I'm very positively impressed on all other aspects with respect to the ones I've tried.

EeferMadness wrote: I do remember preferring to play it standing because I have a longer torso that made it awkward to hold in my lap without a brace or something under the horn.

There is a very cheap, efficient and custom-sizable solution to this little anoiance: just buy a form yoga block (size about a brick) for 5 quid. You have then 3 different height to choose from, or can cut it to the height you want. Something like this: https://shop.getbig.dk/yoga-blok" target="_blank works really nice, and does not dent the tuba.

marccromme wrote:There is a very cheap, efficient and custom-sizable solution to this little anoiance: just buy a form yoga block (size about a brick) for 5 quid. You have then 3 different height to choose from, or can cut it to the height you want. Something like this: https://shop.getbig.dk/yoga-blok" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank works really nice, and does not dent the tuba.

This is a great idea! I will have to keep this in mind whichever one I end up buying!

Decided to go with the Wessex. Will let y'all know how it turns out.

I'm very happy with mine (got it Friday).

Wasn't comfortable giving anyone advice in horn selection, but now that you've chosen:)

Hope you're as happy with it as I am mine!

I have had the horn for a couple of weeks now and am starting to get my embrasure back (finally). The horn is doing its part wonderfully and is comfortable to play. There was a slight adjustment period on my end with the way the 5th valve is designed, but I have grown to rather like it and find it more natural than I remember the PT-22 being. If there is a sound difference, I am out of practice enough that I can't tell anyway. Thank you all for the input and advice!