Photos of factory manufacturing Wessex!

[Wyvern]

Some photos from the factory manufacturing Wessex for your interest! I am there at present. The photos cannot convey the full operation which is impressive to say the least. This is probably the largest and best equipped brass factory in the world, although as illustrated the amount of hand-work in making tubas/euphonium is more than you might expect.


Lapping the valves on a new Danube Eb tuba


Polishing a new Wyvern CC tuba. Hard work for which the workers get paid extra!


Braising on the ports to some rotary valves. Hot work!


Soldering on 3rd compensated slide onto Dolce euphonium valve block

[bisontuba]

How warm is it in the factory at this time of year?

[Wyvern]

Around 85-90 F, so hot and the present factory does not have air conditioning, although new building is under construction so hopefully by next year will be easier to work in the heat of summer.

[Three Valves]

I like the potted plants by the windows, nice touch!!

[Scubatuba]

Hey! Those guys don't look very British to me- what's going on here??

[Three Valves]

Hey! Those guys don't look very British to me- what's going on here??

The proprietor is as British as afternoon tea, but has been in China so long, he now writes in broken Engrish.

So in the end, it kinda evens itself out!!

[UDELBR]

Fantastic pictures! Thanks for posting.

Errr....looks like you've got plenty of valve sets to sell, cheap! ;^D