Wessex Tubas in China- Exciting developments!

[Wyvern]

Wessex Tubas are this next two weeks at our factory in China, quality assuring and developing new instruments. Here is a sight to please tuba players - 4 of our new 6/4 CC tuba being checked before finishing.



The one being played by Chuck Nickles is a special version of the tuba, with 18" bell, the "Chicago-Presence", which we actually prefer to the regular 20" bell "Chicago-York". It gives the tuba a more focused tone and an immediate response more like you would expect of a 5/4, while still having the power of a 6/4.



There are lots of other exciting developments, so look out for further posts. I will try to post daily during our visit.

[Ken Crawford]

Will you have both examples at the Army Tuba Euphonium workshop in 2018?

[Wyvern]

Definitely both at Army conference, and a lot more too

[Wyvern]

Here is first view of Wessex new 4/4 BBb tuba, the "Dragon" - which will be available in both 4-valve and 5-valve versions. This is a completely new Wessex design and not a clone of anything. Bell is 19" and bore starts at 0.75". Both versions will be exhibited at US Army workshop and TMEA next February - and be available from March 2018.

This model replaces our previous TB580 Michigan model being of similar size.

4-valve version


5-valve version

[Wyvern]

Here is taster of another new model just developed today and will be available 2018. New design F contrabass trombone with regular rotary valves which will be flexible to play in D or C and Db or Bb

[LowBrassNYC]

Is that going to be a tuning-in-slide contra in F?

[Wyvern]

Is that going to be a tuning-in-slide contra in F?

No there is slide in the bell

[LowBrassNYC]

Looks great! Any chance of doing a cut-bell?

[Wyvern]

Looks great! Any chance of doing a cut-bell?

Are you talking about a removable bell?

[Wyvern]

The proportions of "the dragon" are very nice. It will be interesting to hear how it sounds & plays.

Wessex will be exhibiting widely in 2018, starting with US Army workshop and TMEA

[MikeMason]

We need a piston f!

[LowBrassNYC]

Looks great! Any chance of doing a cut-bell?

Are you talking about a removable bell?

Yes, like what's common on horns and is trending with tenor and bass trombones. Could make for a lower profile case and easier to transport.

[Wyvern]

We need a piston f!

Not just one, but two very different piston F are in development. Both we hope to have prototypes to exhibit at US Army workshop.

[Wyvern]

What are you expecting a possible price for the standard rotor F contrabass trombone?

It has to cost a bit more than the previous model to cover development costs, but I want to keep under $3,000

[Teditiks]

Anything new on the Eb-front Jonathan? I'd like to see a 5/4 or 6/4 if possible, and possibly a rotor Gnagey too.... :)

[Wyvern]

Anything new on the Eb-front Jonathan? I'd like to see a 5/4 or 6/4 if possible, and possibly a rotor Gnagey too....

We have got some plans for future development on the Eb front too, but I won't say more now

[GC]

What happened to all the pictures of the Dragon?

[Wyvern]

What happened to all the pictures of the Dragon?

The photos will be up on the website very shortly

[Steve Marcus]

Is Wessex an Eastman dealer?

Wessex and Eastman are two different manufacturers.

Wessex specializes in brass instruments and accessories.

[Teditiks]

Anything new on the Eb-front Jonathan? I'd like to see a 5/4 or 6/4 if possible, and possibly a rotor Gnagey too.... :)

We have got some plans for future development on the Eb front too, but I won't say more now :)

I've got an idea for you, not that I doubt that you have several already... :) How about a 3+1 rotary, akin the ones Hirsbrunner made? Don't know if any other manufacturer went that road... Not to copy, more like the idea of setup... Like the F-tubas have their setup. Haven't seen one being played, but I for one like the idea of a 3+1 without the requirement of reaching all the way around the instrument.