*
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    


Durham

Results: 2026 North of England Regional Championships

March 21 • EverReady, Durham Miners Institute, Felling, Barton Community and Driffield take the first four titles in Durham


Fulham

Results: 2026 London & SC Regional Championships

March 21 • Zone One, Fulham, Staines, Betteshanger and Crystal Palace claim titles at Stevenage


Money

Did brass bands really receive £31 million?

March 19 • Arts Council England is reported to have paid out over £31 million to bands in the last three years, but the figures may not be all that they appear to be...


NYBBGB

Ticket demand high for NYBBGB Easter showcases

March 19 • If you want to hear the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain in action this Easter the you had better be quick about getting a ticket...


Regent Hall Concerts - Slide Effect Trombone Quartet

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


Regent Hall Concerts - Welsh Guards Band Septet

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


Enderby Band - Around the World in 80 Minutes

Friday 20 March • Wycliffe Rooms, George St, Lutterworth LE17 4ED


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Longridge Band - Spring Concert

Saturday 21 March • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Chinnor Silver

March 23 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (30th) at 11am and we welcome players of all abilities to join us in a friendly relaxed rehearsal.. It does not affect your main band and is all free including the cake and coffee.


wantage silver band

March 23 • Wantage Concert Brass, (3rd place 1st Section 2026 (L&SC), are looking for a solo euphonium, bass trombone, and cornet. We have our own Band Hall complex complete with Bar at OX12 8FR. We rehearse on Tuesdays and Fridays 19:30 - 21:30. Check us out now.


wantage silver band

March 23 • Wantage Band (Champ Section) have a SECOND CORNET seat vacant from May. The band placed 3rd at the L&SC Area and look forward to the Grand Shield in a few weeks. Then Wallace & Gromit, concerts in Stroud and Marlborough and Market Place Brass - exciting!


Andrew White

MA(Ed Man), B Ed (Hons), BBCM, ADNCB, PGCE, Cert Ed
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator & Educationist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd