*
banner

Advert: Wessex Tubas

There is now a fantastic alternative to the traditional British brass band BBb tuba — and it can be played in contests too!

Wessex tuba
 

Wessex Tubas have just introduced another fantastic new tuba to the family – and it’s an ideal alternative to the normal brass band BBb tuba.

New addition

The new addition to the Wessex family is a full size five rotary valve BBb tuba which makes a very realistic alternative to the traditional compensating BBb bass.

The 5th valve is a flat tone (a bit longer than first valve) allowing spot on tuning in the low register without the need for the compensating system while at the same time making it much more free blowing.

Bigger and clearer sound

This will produce a bigger and clearer sound while the tuba itself is just slightly larger than a compensated EEb bass.

BBb tuba to use

Jonathan Hodgetts of Wessex Tubas told 4BR: "This is the BBb to use with a band. Its 18 inch bell allows the sound to blend perfectly, while it’s much easier to play if you are normal size person and not a giant!

The rotary valves take a little while to get accustomed (Jonathan mastered it in one month) but are light under the fingers and provide half the length of travel, meaning that once familiar they make fast passages a lot easier."

Its tone is awesome, while if you’re wondering, there is nothing in the contest rules to stop playing this instead of traditional style bassWessex Tubas

Awesome

He added: "Its tone is awesome, while if you’re wondering, there is nothing in the contest rules to stop playing this instead of traditional style bass. Its different appearance may cause initial interest from the conductor, but once they hear the sound it makes they will be sure to ask for more!

So if you like putting out huge pedals under the band, but don't like handling an ungainly monster, then give beauty a try!"

For more information go to:

http://www.wessex-tubas.co.uk/

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Prof Childs

Childs enjoys latest Japanese trip

November 3 • Black Dyke Band's Director of Music has just returned from his latest musical trip to Japan.


AoBBA

Yorkshire offer for aspiring adjudicators

November 3 • The Yorkshire Regional Championships have teamed up with the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators for an experience day for aspiring judges.


Peel

Radio: Brass Banding with Hannah Peel

November 3 • Richard Blackford's 'Orbital' and John McCabe's 'Cloudcatcher Fells' can be heard alongside young composer Nina Martin in this weekend's Radio 3 brass band programme.


SBBA

Bands ready to cross Borders for contest success

November 3 • There will be plenty of entertainment on show at Galashiels Academy this weekend.


Dobcross Silver Band - Remembrance Concert

Sunday 8 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver President's Concert

Friday 27 November • St George's Church, St Johns Avenue, Rugby CV22 5HR


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Newstead Brass - The Snowman - Live

Saturday 5 December • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West, Forest Town. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

November 2 • Under the leadership of Musical Director, Jack Fisher, the band requires a percussionist. With an expanding schedule of events, including our sell-out themed concerts, the band is based in our own, purpose built, band hall in Bilton.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

November 2 • Under the leadership of Musical Director, Jack Fisher, the band requires an Eb bass player. With an expanding schedule of events, including our sell-out themed concerts, the band is based in our own, purpose built, band hall in Bilton.


Cambrian Brass

November 1 • We are always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining our friendly, supportive band, whether you are returning to banding, looking for a new challenge, or have moved to Aberystwyth for university.


Dr Brett Baker

BSc (Hons), ARCM, PG Dip
Marketing Lead, Denis Wick & Alliance Products; Artist at Michael Rath Instruments


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd