Hammond Solitaire, Yorkshire Championship section, taking delivery of two Wessex TE560-S Champion EEb basses. After trialling the Champion tuba they decided to replace their two Besson Sovereign's for a pair of TE560 EEb basses. We wish the band every success going forward. If your band are interested in trialling any of the Wessex range and are north of Birmingham, get in touch with Carl Mercer who may be able to arrange a visit to you. Contact number 07561 822590. If you are in southern England contact Wessex store in Andover on 01264 365153 or mobile ‭07872 943632‬

Chris Olka alluded in his YouTube video [url]https://youtu.be/aUcoKW6O71Q[/url] to the possibility of Wessex Tubas bringing out a new fully hand-hammered version of our 6/4 BBb - this is the TB693 Grand-Symphonic of which we have just put together the prototype (or rather mocked up, as prototype does not have all hand-hammered bows). This uses the same hand-hammered bell as the TC695 Chicago-York, the same valve set (lengthened to BBb) and same leadpipe. So in ergonomics, it will be very familiar to any professional orchestral tubist playing a York style 6/4 CC, while giving that special tone that only a 6/4 BBb can deliver. Being hand-hammered it will be much lighter than the TB692 Grand (my guess is 24lb) and will have the immediate response of a fully handmade tuba. We need to experiment to decide the optimal bell size. The prototype has 20", but we may well reduce in size to increase presence in an orchestral situation to nearer that of a German Kaiser. Pricing will be the same as the TC695 at just $9,750. The TB692 Grand will then continue in the Wessex range, but in a 4-valve version at price of just $4,950 (lacquered), $5,500 (silver) for concert band use. Two great 6/4 BBb's specifically designed for different uses. We expect to have this tuba on the Wessex booth at NABBA, ITEC North West, Cleveland Tuba Day and ITEC South East during April and May and will be pleased to receive feedback.

Always working on new tubas while at the factory, here is development prototype for Wessex new TB336 3/4 front-valve BBb tuba. Features 0.7” bore and 19” bell

Development prototype for Wessex forthcoming CC Helicon has been proceeding well during our current trip to China, with this project being led by Carl Kleinsteuber of Texas. Here are a couple of pictures. The helicon is not finished as yet, but plays well to pitch with good intonation and a nice rich tone. This is one I look forward to using myself when it comes out for strolling gigs. Dimensions are 20” bell with 0.7” bore. At present it has 4-valves, but we may add 5th later if there is demand.

It is not all work on Wessex trips to China. Chuck Nickles on Sunday went fishing with Mr.Qi with whom he builds new tubas and they have become good friends!

It was a great pleasure to visit Christopher Olka, Principal tuba of the Cincinnati Symphony today for him to try the new Wessex 6/4 CC and BBb tubas. Initial feedback was very positive. He will be trying all three tubas in performance situations and video review/s should be on YouTube in the next few weeks.

With the exception of prototypes, all instruments on Wessex Booth at #TMEA will be at least 10% discounted Saturday morning!

So busy at the Wessex booth at TMEA we often can’t get in ourselves!

Busy at TMEA!

Now exhibiting at TMEA IN San Antonio, Texas

Come and visit us at TMEA and find out why Wessex is becoming so popular!

Wessex Tubas at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley - I am pleased to tell you that Wessex Tubas will be exhibiting in University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg on Monday February 12th from 17:00-19:00. We will be in the Band hall at the UTRGV Performing Arts Center (1201 W University Drive, Edinburg, TX). It is in front of the university just east of the main entrance. All welcome to come and give the horns a try. I thank Scott Roeder for arranging.