Bubbie one step further

[J.c. Sherman]

How are plans going for a Wessex ophicleide? Now that would be exciting ...

They'd be well suited to it - and could probably make one at a price point much better than an historic example and affordable for many, many folks. Ophicleide quartets!

I'd be first in line for a new Ophicleide.

J.c.S.

[MartyNeilan]

I still would love one in the shape of a Fluba.
But, my official vote is for a Bubbie that could double as a Cimbasso
(wait - that means C bass.....)

[Lingon]

How are plans going for a Wessex ophicleide? Now that would be exciting ...

That would be great. Cimbassi are made by many and possible to get, but ophicleides. WIth both a recording bell Bubbie and an ophicleide, maybe also a serpent, plus the ordinary modern instruments the tool box would be well equipped for many situations. Do I need to say that I also would like an ophicleide?!

[PaulTkachenko]

Go on Jonathan - you'd make a mint on advance orders alone!

[J.c. Sherman]

Considering the terrific instruments to copy (I nominate mine or Nick Byrne's), the incredible simplicity of the manufacture and mechanism, and looking at the saxophone prices from China, it could be a very, very affordable instrument of very high quality!

As for serpents... well, there's no substitute for wood and leather (though I'm hearing terrific things about the new Carbon Fibre instruments from Wetter/Berger). I could never have performed Mendelssohn on my plastic Harding!

J.c.S.

[Bob Kolada]

True, one of the good things with Bubbie is the size and style. Besides, there are contra bass trumpets out there, even a Swedish made instrument..., for those that absolutely want to play trumpet style.

Link?

[Lingon]

Link?

Sorry, the link is down, but it is made by instrument maker Lars Gerdt.

[Neptune]

Very interesting - the enthusiasm for an ophicleides! I may communicate with a few people off-line.

[PaulTkachenko]

I suspect there will be quite a market - people love curious things in this day and age.

Keep me in the loop on any developments as I'm super keen.

[PMeuph]

Very interesting - the enthusiasm for an ophicleides! I may communicate with a few people off-line.

Yes, if it would cost around 2k, I am sure there would be several sold. Also, what could be great is cheap cases. To my knowledge there are currently no case makers. A backpack style case (a tad bigger than the current bass trombone one) would probably suit a lot of players....

[DP]

...

[KiltieTuba]

So will the amateur players pick up Bb ophicleide and the professionals use C ophicleide?

I could see buy one to use in community bands or small groups. Heck, I'd be interested to hear an ophicleide quartet or quintet!