*
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    


Tourist

Could a tourist tax benefit brass bands?

October 31 • The Cultural Policy Unit and MPs back a tourist tax to support cultural attractions, creative districts and grassroots venues.


Isobel Daws

Daws focus to help musicians plan for a better playing future

October 31 • The critically acclaimed trombone soloist Isobel Daws has launched 'practice with focus' to help musicians develop their playing in a more effective way.


Hannah Peel

Radio: Brass Banding with Hannah Peel

October 31 • The latest episode of the Radio 3 programme will be aired this Sunday.


Tredegar Band

New signings at Tredegar as 150th celebrations come closer

October 31 • Four new signings join the Welsh band as they look to celebrate 150 years of proud history.


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Saturday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The KNDS Fairey Band

Saturday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 November • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

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


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Regent Brass

October 30 • Regent Brass (MD Alan Duguid) have a vacancy for Bass Trombone.. We are a friendly and progressive championship section band regularly promoting new music and actively pursues a varied performance schedule. .


Tintwistle Band

October 29 • We are looking for front row cornet players to help complete the team. We are a second section band and rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle. We perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Olney Brass

October 27 • We are a friendly and committed THIRD SECTION band looking for: - CORNETS (Front & Back Row) - SOLO HORN - Eb BASS Engagements and concerts in the Olney/Milton Keynes area. Rehearsals in Milton Keynes MK15 (5 mins from J14 of M1) on Tuesdays 7.45-9.45.


Alan Widdop


Conductor, Brass teacher, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd