Wessex Bombino review?

[Wyvern]

As a reminder of what is really important, the TUBAS and not politics!

Sorry they are not Bombino, but two Excelsior BBb - with the great young chap who is a dab-hand at sorting out any problems we may find during checking at factory.

PS Picture taken today

[KKORO]

The problem with communism is never the workers, it's the leaders.

Same for unrestrained capitalism.

It could be the concept you speak of is similar. The leaders, or the owners I suspect you are referring to, do benefit much more than the workers. However, take an honest look at the living standards of the capitalist workers as compared to the communist workers and I think you'll find a huge difference. Also, without the capitalist workers, the communist would have no one to sell their goods to.

John

[PaulMaybery]

What's the old expression?: "This ain't your father's Oldsmobile." The global market is changing almost everything we consume. Technology and communication afford opportunities to share information and collaborate in ways only dreamt of a few generations back. Some changes that I see - not necessarily bad or good.

1. Music recordings - now primarily downloaded. CDs are close to obsolete.

2. Printed music - A. Publishers such as Barnhouse and Kalmus have gone to "print on demand." doing away with a warehoused inventory and tons of paper.
B. Publishers also offer virtual music either for download and print or for use on electronic devices.

3. Manufacturing - With designs originating in CAD programs, it is not that difficult to tranfer the design data to manufacturing companies anywhere in the world. I believe this is refered to as 'out sourcing.'

Does this mean that small, 'in-house' and 'hands-on' business is a thing of the past? I believe history has shown that there is a place for the cottage industry. But a generation from now, perhaps there will be no Rudy Meinl, Gronitz, Hirsbrunner, etc. Or perhaps the west might re-import eastern manufacturing methods and re-invent themselves. Detroit's automobile industry did that when Chrysler alligned themselves with Mitsubishi.

For me personally, having visited some of those factories in Europe, it is romantic to imagine a Bavarian artisan sitting at a work bench, with bottle of Paulaner at arm's reach, in what we have thought of as 'old world' workmanship. On a good day, a great horn could have been assembled. On the other hand, on a Friday before a holiday, perhaps not. Consistency was an issue. Modern methods keep addressing that technology, robots, CAD design and CNC machining can produce extremely consistant products. The human element is always the arguable element and to the degree that someone from China understands what they are actually making, or even cares. But that issue does get addressed and improves as we can witness from continually better products.

The instruments that are now appearing in the US as eastern "imports" are leagues beyond where they were 20 years ago. How many of you can remember the "Lark" line of horns? Then there were the "Dalyan" and now an entire new generation of manufacturing that seems to be moving forward almost every day. The world is changing. That is so obvious. It is wonderful and romantic to remember and cherish great instruments from the past. Some have become legendary. But we can not buy on demand, a new CSO York.

So where IS your father's Oldsmobile these days?

PS: Perhaps it is another of my 'romantic dreams' but I somehow envision the manufacturing that we see in China actually coming back to the states. Perhaps little by little. Parts sent here and assembly done in Indiana or Michigan. The eventually the "whole banana." American will power gave us victory in WWII and I do believe we could revive the 'Oldsmobile.' (metaphorically that is)

[AHynds]

As a reminder of what is really important, the TUBAS and not politics!

Sorry they are not Bombino, but two Excelsior BBb - with the great young chap who is a dab-hand at sorting out any problems we may find during checking at factory.

PS Picture taken today

Good on you for showing a little of the actual workforce over at the factory! It can be difficult sometimes to realize that these instruments are made by actual people, and not some nameless entity on the other side of the planet. And I agree that the fact that these instruments are made in China should not be seen as a negative--current consumer opinion may not make this completely feasible, but I think that it's high time that the manufacturers making good instruments over in China should be recognized for their work.

[J.c. Sherman]

I've played the Bombino twice, and I'm impressed. It's the perfect F tuba for Eb players.

Is this a shortening away from being a British F tuba?

That would be a complicated cut, I think, but it's possible the chassis could be used to prototype one if Neptune's interested. I'd certainly enjoy trying

J.c.S.

[eupho]

With the obvious price difference aside, how does the Bombino compare to the Miraphone Starlight?

[J.c. Sherman]

With the obvious price difference aside, how does the Bombino compare to the Miraphone Starlight?

Apples and Swingsets.

[Bob Kolada]

Small or medium King?

[J.c. Sherman]

Small or medium King?

Kinda-sorta-almost a little-barely-maybe like the King smalls.

[roweenie]

I don't know of a single example of a very small E flat tuba (made today) with side-action piston valves (Yamaha came close, but not quite close enough).

A version of this horn with side-action valves would fill that niche quite nicely, and I think would be a hot seller (hint, hint)

[Wyvern]

With the obvious price difference aside, how does the Bombino compare to the Miraphone Starlight?

Very different in sound. Not surprisingly the Starlight is very direct and soloistic, and in my experience does not work at back of band to provide bass.

The Bombino is based on design used by British military 100 years ago and works well in band, orchestra or for brass quintet. It is my personal favourite for marching gigs

[AHynds]

I don't know of a single example of a very small E flat tuba (made today) with side-action piston valves (Yamaha came close, but not quite close enough).

A version of this horn with side-action valves would fill that niche quite nicely, and I think would be a hot seller (hint, hint)

It's not quite what you're describing, but the Willson compact Eb might fit that role nicely (although I hear that it still weighs a ton): http://willson.ch/en/instrument/willson ... 3400s-fa-5

But I double your efforts at providing a strong hint....maybe certain parties might take notice and consider that as a possibility

[roweenie]

It's not quite what you're describing, but the Willson compact Eb might fit that role nicely (although I hear that it still weighs a ton): http://willson.ch/en/instrument/willson ... 3400s-fa-5

I get the sense that the Willson is a bit larger (both in size and price....

I think there's a greater market for side-action (a.k.a. "American system") horns in this (my) country (U.S.A.).

[AHynds]

Is this a shortening away from being a British F tuba?

That would be a complicated cut, I think, but it's possible the chassis could be used to prototype one if Neptune's interested. I'd certainly enjoy trying

J.c.S.

Commenting in hopes Neptune notices.

Same here--I'd buy a modern reproduction of the British F in a heartbeat.

[J.c. Sherman]

It's not quite what you're describing, but the Willson compact Eb might fit that role nicely (although I hear that it still weighs a ton): http://willson.ch/en/instrument/willson ... 3400s-fa-5

I get the sense that the Willson is a bit larger (both in size and price....

I think there's a greater market for side-action (a.k.a. "American system") horns in this (my) country (U.S.A.).

The Willson plays like a solid 4/4 Eb. Very full, and a joy to play.

The Bombino is a petite instrument, and very much a full sounding 7/8 or 3/4 size. It's a good sound, and every bit as strong as my Besson 4v Prototype Eb (a great horn, BTW).

[Wyvern]

Same here--I'd buy a modern reproduction of the British F in a heartbeat.

I was discussing this only yesterday, but was doubtful if there are enough potential buyers to justify making. Depends on how much it could share parts with Bombino.

[eupho]

Is there any video of the Bombino?

[Wyvern]

Is there any video of the Bombino?

Wessex have not done demo video as yet. However there may well be in 2016 now that professional tuba/euphonium quartet are playing Wessex. More on that later.

[Wyvern]

The Bombino has become my favorite 'parade' tuba - it is what I now mostly play with Wessex Military Band. I have played as only tuba for band of about 20 with no complaints about lack of bass. It would also be my choice to play for brass quintet, or in orchestra where lighter tone is desired.

There will be Bombino available to try at US Army Workshop in February, NABBA in April and ITEC in June.