Yesterday Jonathan Hodgetts visited Jim Langley who designed the Wessex Excelsior BBb Compensating tuba and for the first time saw the 100 year old Hawkes Excelsior (3-valves, non-compensated) that inspired the new tuba. Here is picture of them both together.
The 100 year old Excelsior is still great player and so much nicer to handle than the tall B&H Imperial model, we can't help wonder why was discontinued? Maybe in rationalising of the bass range with amalgamation with Boosey?
Note the similarities in leadpipe.
Hawkes Excelsior from 100 years ago
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