TubeNet

See my blog at http://www.wessex-tubas.com/ian-foster- ... s-saxhorn/

No offense to Johnathon, but I just don't understand, from a business perspective, how some of these instruments could ever be profitable. Unless JB absorbs all of the cost for R&D, tooling etc... I can't imagine ever seeing a plus side to some of these instruments. Yes, they're cool and all and I understand there will always be a few people with enough interest and disposable income to buy them, but the market must be tiny for something like this. Same principles would apply to the ophicleides and various tornisters (especially the euphonium version). Maybe I'm wrong. I'd really rather see how good you could make a few key models while maintaining advantageous price points.
I am intrigued by the Festivo Euph as my right hand tends to go numb when playing upright-valved instruments. That horn has made my short list of possible upcoming purchases.

J. Harris, You may not see the point, but other people do. The tornister tuba is actually one of Wessex best selling horns, while the first batch of the euphonium version is half sold-out 4 months before they are even available. There might only be a small percentage of people interested in these specialist instruments, but Wessex market is world-wide - and as no-one else is making, often the specialist instruments are our best-selling.

Wessex are at the same time filling in the gaps in the regular tuba market. Examples of such are our TF435 Berg F, TC590 Wyvern CC, TE465 Gnagey Eb and TB692 Grand BBb. All getting great professional feedback, and at "advantageous price points". There are more such great mainstream horns (and specialist horns) in development.

Jack of all trades, master of... all trades? :P

This sax horn is not on my want list, but I do have a BR140 Baritone for use in some church quartets and TF135 Bubbie 5 tuba. Both play well and get used regularly. The TB140 has filled a need at a reasonable price. It's not flashy, it's what's needed and fills it's role. The Bubbie is a want. It is fun to play and gets almost daily use for practice. It goes to quintet or brass practice when portability is an issue. If I need an F tuba in a pinch, it works. Is it for everyone, no. Am I happy I have one, yes. Thanks Jonathan for producing these horns.

J.Harris wrote:I just don't understand, from a business perspective, how some of these instruments could ever be profitable.

It's called "niche" marketing. You don't need to swing for the fences on every pitch. Sometimes a bunt is what is called for and, if executed properly, puts you exactly in the position you desire.