Anyone own a Wessex Viverna or Dragon?

[Ltrain]

I’m about to pull the trigger on a Wessex Viverna 5V BBb tuba.

[Reason for purchase redacted for being dissected]

On paper the specs look great: original design, large bore, slightly larger size than my current horn, and 5 valves would feel right at home coming from a 5V CC. I also hear Wessex does a killer job with their Silver Plating. It even sounds great from the video demo I heard.

Can anyone speak to:

The intonation?
The build quality?
The valve action?
And the ergonomics?

[Bill B]

I tried one at NABBA. It seemed to be a very good instrument, comfortable to hold and the intonation seemed good, valves seemed to work well. I didn't look closely enough to make a judgement on build quality. It plays very similar to the Luzerne, which is what I have been using. If I were to buy a B flat now, I would go with the Viverna over the Luzerne, just because piston valves are more in line with brass band trends.

[toobagrowl]

You're about three hours from D.C. As Mr. Hodgetts always displays at the Army Tuba Conference at the end of January, why not sell the Eastman, forgo the trip, see if you have other things that can be liquidated that aren't absolute necessities, dump all that you can into a down payment, and (assuming no new house surprises nor snafu's) ask Mr. Hodgetts to bring a couple of those tubas with him to Arlington next winter, try them out for yourself and (probably) head back to NYC with a nice new tuba?

The Eastman is practically sold already and I need to get settled into a new horn before fall concert season. I appreciate the help!

[Ltrain]

I overshared a bit, yes, but in the spirit of community I thought explaining my motivation for getting this horn sight unseen would spare me from the “try before you buy” and “you’ll regret selling your current horn” adages. Yes, in a perfect world, I’d absolutely try first but this is not a perfect situation. (Bloke, since you went there: the Eurotrip is non-refundable). The proceeds of this sale will fund the Wessex and free up some nice cash during my time of need.

Again, the specs look perfect. I just wanted to get some real-life assurance this is a tool I’ll be happy with as I lean into the fall concert season.

Thank you to those that shared their testimonials!

[MikeMason]

I thought I saw a used Eastman b flat king copy in the 3xxx range either here or fb market place. I’m a fan.

[Ltrain]

I thought I saw a used Eastman b flat king copy in the 3xxx range either here or fb market place. I’m a fan.

I considered it... that’s actually the reason why I’m getting all the info I can about the Wessex. A used Eastman BBb is the same price as a new Wessex... but the Wessex bore size is much bigger (not to mention the overall size is bigger) and I like my BBbs to have a big bore.

Kicking myself for not trying the Viverna last ITEC. I was focused on the new Ebs and purchasing Jonathan’s BBb helicon... which is built like a tank.