Chris Olka alluded in his YouTube video
https://youtu.be/aUcoKW6O71Q to the possibility of Wessex Tubas bringing out a new fully hand-hammered version of our 6/4 BBb - this is the TB693 Grand-Symphonic of which we have just put together the prototype (or rather mocked up, as prototype does not have all hand-hammered bows). This uses the same hand-hammered bell as the TC695 Chicago-York, the same valve set (lengthened to BBb) and same leadpipe. So in ergonomics, it will be very familiar to any professional orchestral tubist playing a York style 6/4 CC, while giving that special tone that only a 6/4 BBb can deliver. Being hand-hammered it will be much lighter than the TB692 Grand (my guess is 24lb) and will have the immediate response of a fully handmade tuba.
We need to experiment to decide the optimal bell size. The prototype has 20", but we may well reduce in size to increase presence in an orchestral situation to nearer that of a German Kaiser.
Pricing will be the same as the TC695 at just $9,750. The TB692 Grand will then continue in the Wessex range, but in a 4-valve version at price of just $4,950 (lacquered), $5,500 (silver) for concert band use. Two great 6/4 BBb's specifically designed for different uses.
We expect to have this tuba on the Wessex booth at NABBA, ITEC North West, Cleveland Tuba Day and ITEC South East during April and May and will be pleased to receive feedback.
