Wessex Gnagey EEb?

[eupho]

I know this tuba was discussed when first released. I would be interested in hearing from owners who have had the opportunity to play it in various settings. I am considering one as my bass tuba.

[hup_d_dup]

I don't think there are any owners yet.

I played it and I like it a lot. But I only tried it out for a short while at ITEC.

If it was only my impression I wouldn't post. However, my teacher was there and at my request he gave the instrument a fairly thorough run-through and gave it a good evaluation. He is a very experienced symphonic player (and soloist at ITEC) and knows how to check out a tuba.

It might be a good idea to wait until production horns reach the US, and then try it out for yourself. The existing model is a prototype, and as is often the case, prototypes may differ slightly or somewhat more that slightly from production models.

That said, the horn I tried sounded great. It's comfortable to hold and has good options for slide pulls, to say nothing of the 5th valve. Plus, it has a very reasonable price. I'm considering purchasing one myself.

Hup

[Wyvern]

There are only two prototypes out there to date. The first production batch does not arrive until end August and that is only a handful of examples. With a new model Wessex is cautious and only get a few done initially to ensure everything is good, before made in any number.

[eupho]

Hi!
Thanks for the review. May I ask what caused you to purchase the Danube over the Bombino or Gnagey?
Has anyone mistaken it for an F? If you recall we were discussing your JB EEb some time ago,

[arpthark]

I visited Sam today and he graciously let me try out the Gnagey Eb prototype. It's a really excellent horn. I didn't hold it to a tuner or anything but it sounded very in-tune and the response and sound were very, very good, in my opinion. It seemed fairly light and nimble, yet with some heft and punchiness to the sound. It reminded me of my old Willson piston F, yet with a more accessible low range and a bit more core. Ergonomics were very comfortable.

[Davidus1]

Has anyone purchased one of these horns? They listed on the website that they were expected to arrive in August. Very interested in how they play and what people that own them think of them. I've heard some very positive comments about the horn.

[Wyvern]

The Gnagey Eb is out, but only a handful have been made and sold so far.

[Hsprouse]

I received my Gnagey Eb from Wessex USA just about three weeks ago and my playing time on it has been limited. So far I like the horn very much. To me, extended writing about any instrument is of limited value and I'm far from expert. So, to address just the basics:

I bought the Gnagey because I already own a "Solo" which shares the same bell and large bows and I have found it very enjoyable to play with I sound I like very much. I wanted a 5-valve non-compensating horn of comparable size for ease in the low/pedal register and greater flexibility of intonation over a compensating horn. My main horn is a CC that is very similar in concept and design influences, as I understand them.

I tried the Gnagey at the Army Conference last winter and immediately ordered one. This one is from the first batch to be delivered. They were delayed, I'm told, because of quality control issues. This is the third tuba I have bought from Wessex and the build quality of each has been better than the one before. I see no flaws and everything is working properly. As always, Andy has been a pleasure to deal with.

The horn plays well in tune for me and the ergonomics are very comfortable. YMMV, of course. Interestingly (and predictably, I suppose) this instrument plays well with Gnagey's recommended Wick 3L, which is a funnel style design, while the Solo plays better with a Wick 2XL (cup shape), the consensus recommendation for that horn. I may have the first valve slide eased a bit and the first valve vented, but that is the extent of my wish list at this time.

I hope that this is helpful. Any further questions please contact me privately.

[Davidus1]

I received my Gnagey Eb from Wessex USA just about three weeks ago and my playing time on it has been limited. So far I like the horn very much. To me, extended writing about any instrument is of limited value and I'm far from expert. So, to address just the basics:

I bought the Gnagey because I already own a "Solo" which shares the same bell and large bows and I have found it very enjoyable to play with I sound I like very much. I wanted a 5-valve non-compensating horn of comparable size for ease in the low/pedal register and greater flexibility of intonation over a compensating horn. My main horn is a CC that is very similar in concept and design influences, as I understand them.

I tried the Gnagey at the Army Conference last winter and immediately ordered one. This one is from the first batch to be delivered. They were delayed, I'm told, because of quality control issues. This is the third tuba I have bought from Wessex and the build quality of each has been better than the one before. I see no flaws and everything is working properly. As always, Andy has been a pleasure to deal with.

The horn plays well in tune for me and the ergonomics are very comfortable. YMMV, of course. Interestingly (and predictably, I suppose) this instrument plays well with Gnagey's recommended Wick 3L, which is a funnel style design, while the Solo plays better with a Wick 2XL (cup shape), the consensus recommendation for that horn. I may have the first valve slide eased a bit and the first valve vented, but that is the extent of my wish list at this time.

I hope that this is helpful. Any further questions please contact me privately.

Thanks for the feedback on the horn. I appreciate it. I agree that there is only so much to be gleaned from a written description but it is useful given I haven't had the opportunity to see or play one in person. I appreciate you mentioning the Solo as well as I'm interested in both instrument. I wish you well and thanks again or posting.

[Hsprouse]

No thanks necessary. My pleasure.