TubeNet

The new Wessex HB24 BBb Helicon is now on the website. I am personally pleased with how this has turned out. Balance is perfect, it has a gorgeous rich tone and intonation is surprisingly good. And I think you will agree it looks absolutely stunning!

https://www.wessex-tubas.com/shop/sousa ... 4-helicon/

"intonation is suprisingly good"

So does that mean that it isn't as bad as you thought it would be?

kmorgancraw wrote:"intonation is suprisingly good"

So does that mean that it isn't as bad as you thought it would be?

It means the needle is in the middle up and down the scale like a good concert tuba!

Although we dont carry sousaphones i have purchased the 4 valve model for custom orders and these are great horns. Not sure why jonathan says the intonation is surprisingly good as the 4v sousa is great. The only issue i had with this was that it weighs a ton. Changing the bell on it to create a helicon is a cool idea.

The website says the bore on these valves is .728 and it has a 20 inch bell.

I'd have to try one just for the cool factor!!

might the bell match a particular recording bell tuba? like how the kaiser-style has a bell that fits Martin, that was smart.

TheGoyWonder wrote:might the bell match a particular recording bell tuba? like how the kaiser-style has a bell that fits Martin, that was smart.

I have just checked. The collar on the BBb helicon is 6 3/16" across. I don't know if that fits any vintage tubas?

Oh well, a long 20" bell had me thinking Reynolds but that's more like 6-1/2", almost 6-9/16". Reynolds and Besson are the best and most numerous vintage tubas left "headless" by lack of upright bell.

I have an option of purchasing this helicon or buying an old Conn BBb large bore raincatcher and having a custom removable helicon bell made. I would like to also put a satin finish on the new purchase like my other helicon. Who has played this horn? Where can I play it without driving across the country?

No they can't. I asked. Just brass lacquer or polished silver. They can get me a raw brass one by mid December or April 2018...then I need to find a shop who can do satin silvering. Know of any?

Anderson? They can do the silver plate for sure but don't know about the bead blasting. You might ask them, They seem to be the "go to" place for musical instrument plating.

Maybe Anderson. They are just 2 hours south of the Wessex Tuba US warehouse. They do bead blasting matte finish and silver plating.