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!"
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