Name: Wessex Tubas Ltd
Address: 2 Viscount Court, South Way, Walworth Business Park, Andover, Hampshire
Rating: 3.87

“J'ai un problème avec : le C# avec pistons 2 + 4 ne sonne pas ! comme si un tube était légèrement bouché ou troué. Au lieu de faire un son net, ça fait le C# + pchhhhhhh. Je cherche encore le problème et vous tiens au courant. Denis Marclay Music”

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Posted 5 years ago

“This instrument was a great disappointment. The mouthpiece had scratches and notches on the rim. It was a clear production error. There were also some marks on the trombone's bell, and the quarter valve was sometimes stuck. The purchase was canceled and the instrument was returned. So, I did not go so far as to try out the instrument. What I am most disappointed with is the lack of control on this instrument. Wessex claims that they check all instruments carefully before sending to the customer. That is clearly not the case, and here Wessex must get much better, or withdraw its promises. All contact went through James Garney. He is the Showroom Manager / Customer Services Advisor at Wessex. Throughout the process, he has shown great understanding and a top service attitude. I have nothing to complain about regarding this part of the trade. Unfortunately, this is not the first time I have had a bad experience with Wessex. In February 2014, I bought an Eb-tuba Champion from Wessex. There were many faults on this, including broken threads on the 4th valve. Wessex, by Jonathan Hodgetts, promised one thing and another, even that they would repair the instrument the next time they came to Norway, but nothing was done. I still dread every time I lubricate the 4th valve. I bought my Wessex Dolce through the supplier in Norway - BrassNor. This is a solid company where the owner has both knowledge and understanding of service. This instrument works quite well. If one is to be perceived as a serious player, then there must be quality and full control at all levels. Wessex is not there at the moment.”

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Posted 5 years ago

“Several issues not expected on your "flagship" euphonium model. 1) No 4th valve lock down to keep from bending valve stem when storing in case. I ordered one from Willson which Matt Walters at Dillon Music will install when it arrives. 2) Interchangeable Mouthpiece shank size receiver inserts good idea, but should be tested in the instrument before shipping. I changed out the large shank with the medium shank (Euro shank) insert supplied and could not get the Euro one back out. The innermost diameter of the insert was too large and when threaded in to place caused it to get stuck. (Was not cross-threaded) Used a towel to cover the jaws of a vice grip pliers to unscrew and remove the insert and have reinstalled the large shank receiver which I am using now. 3) Water / condensation leakage which I originally thought was from not having a moisture trap on valve bottoms was actually from the main tuning slide water key. The spring on the water key may be too weak to keep from opening when horn is up against your body. Will replace spring with stronger one to see if that fixes the problem. Instrument is enjoyable to play and I am still evaluating the intonation. I wanted to compare to my Willson 2900s which is why I tried to use the Euro receiver. I shared these issues with James Garney who has ordered a replacement euro shank receiver for me. These appear to be QC issues to me which after owning one of your Dolce' models (which has a lot of nice features) in the past I did not expect to experience on a "hand made" model. The above are the reasons for the 3 rating.”

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Posted 5 years ago

“Overall I think this instrument is an amazing Horn for the price. However I’ve found what sounds like an air leak coming from the fourth valve and I have yet to locate the source in my practice. Overall a minor detail but, it has been giving me issues.”

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Posted 5 years ago

“This is the most essential bit of kit and I was glad to have one supplied with my Dolce euphonium . Old geezers like me dread giving the appearance of incontinence with little dribbles on the trousers when you stand up! The old one became tired of spring clip and started to fall off to a loud clang in a rehearsal. The new one is a fraction too long in the tube and impossible to fit; the old one was a pain to refit but would go on and stay on in the end. I suspect manufacturing tolerances of both gutter and euphonium are enough to explain this as a few mm would be enough and I can see my new one is a little longer (or the holes are in a different position). Suggest a QC stage is added of fitting a few samples of gutter to a few Dolce to keep this under control.”

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Posted 5 years ago

“The delivery was on time and the instrument was packed properly. The service was really great, because I made a mistake regarding the invoice, but the Wessex-team helped me fixing the problem. Thank you!”

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Posted 5 years ago

“First of all packaging was correct, their were no damages, so I could start unpacking. First look, nice instrument, it seems well fabricated. It has as good wheigt balance, and it is not to heavy (for a bass). But that's about all what I can tell positive at the moment: - slide: their is no way that the slide was cleaned up, after coming form the shop. I don't know who signed the inspection sheet, but this person never had a trombone in his hand. The slide was nearly moving, their was such resistence that I looked up the slidelock twice. It was open. So after carefully dissambling the slide I cleaned up the outer tubes. Not very nice, what I found their. The towel i used to clean was sorting black, two three times. So what to do. I got your bottle of oil, took it, and applied as much as possible. Got better, but I had to redo it several times, before i had no black slime dripping on my carpet ... So now it moves freely, but just by using slide-o-mix. BUT, I hate to say, it scratches in all positions, and I am not confident, if this will ever pass. - the tube to place the mouthpiece (I don't know the exact english term - Mundrohr) is a joke. No mouthpiece of mine fits without shaking and wiggling. First I used your mouthpiece. I don't blame it, its cheape. Three others, D. Wick, J. Klier, Prof. Daum all of them let pass air by the side. (They all are of the correct size, I have small, medium and large bore instruments ...). Their I think, is no way, that it will get better. Unfortunately, this effects the sound in a severe way. Beside this, it could be a good instrument. Tone is nice, a bit hard, but this depends the mouthpiece. I looked for a little more "aggresive" sound. My Medium Bore Amati-Bass plays with a quite softer tone, but doesn't get high with the ease and precision of yours. The low notes are not this broad and wide as I hoped. I have one old Yamaha Bass (time to replace it) that gets a larger sound. I know, i bought a cheap bass trombone. So it is difficult to juge and compare with other high price instruments. But it is not just in comparison with some high end stuff. I own several chinies instruments (650 Euro compensated Euphonium, silver; 150 Euro Alto Trombone; 1200 Euro Ophikleide) and never was disappointed like with your trombone. But by reading all your descriptions I thought, paying a little bit more would just getting out of the risk of gambling money ...”

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Posted 5 years ago

“Great support.”

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Posted 5 years ago

“This is not a lesson about not buying chinese brass instruments. Not at all, I own serveral, honestly much cheaper than that what got from Wessex. But I was never disappointed like this one. On the one hand you have a shiny website, brilliant phots, promises about quality and a severe controll of what is leaving their place. And than I got a trombone, with a slide stuck, because it was never cleaned up after sorting the shop. No mouthpiece would fit without letting pass air beside. Valves, I don't know where they met the huile, but they were noisy. Did I say, that the slide was scratchy. I sent the instrument back, went fine. And then these guy refund 627 USD out of 995 USD. Yeah, that was expensive for a horrible experience, and having spent some hours in trying to get the best out of a crappy brass instrument. Sorry, I know you are tuba guys, and trombones are not really your buisness. But this is no excuse.”

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Posted 5 years ago

“Beautiful horn and great sound! Intonation is a little difficult to get a hold on though.”

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Posted 5 years ago

“Very pleased with the quality and price of the instrument,a triple horn, and the service in these very difficult times. Paxmans beware!”

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Posted 5 years ago

“amazing prices, and so far stunning quality. Looking forward to ordering more.”

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Posted 5 years ago

“The tuba arrived in good condition due to being careful ly packed. The overall craftsmanship of the tuba is impressive. The valve action is smooth and lightning fast. I am having a hard time trying to hold the tuba comfortably while getting the mouthpiece in the proper position. I have been trying to tune the various notes to proper pitch with a tuner and I’m having difficulty getting it setup. I realize that because of all the sharp bends to make it small it will sacrifice clarity somewhat but I’m trying to practice with it alot as to help the sound. One other thing is that the bottom tuning slide needs to be pulled out below the bottom of the tuba to be in closer tune and constantly is pushed up while you are playing. I could use some advice to remedy these issues because I really like the tuba and being able to more comfortably play it and in tune would really help. Thanks”

Helpful Report

Posted 5 years ago

“The tuba arrived in good condition due to being careful ly packed. The overall craftsmanship of the tuba is impressive. The valve action is smooth and lightning fast. I am having a hard time trying to hold the tuba comfortably while getting the mouthpiece in the proper position. I have been trying to tune the various notes to proper pitch with a tuner and I’m having difficulty getting it setup. I realize that because of all the sharp bends to make it small it will sacrifice clarity somewhat but I’m trying to practice with it alot as to help the sound. One other thing is that the bottom tuning slide needs to be pulled out below the bottom of the tuba to be in closer tune and constantly is pushed up while you are playing. I could use some advice to remedy these issues because I really like the tuba and being able to more comfortably play it and in tune would really help. Thanks”

Helpful Report

Posted 5 years ago

“Our grandson has just started university, majoring in music. This Wessex euphonium was recommended by his professor because he said that Wessex produced high quality instruments at reasonable prices. Our grandson will use this 4-valve instrument that he requires for university to replace his current 3-valve Yamaha one that he had for high school. Your delivery time was faster than we could have expected. Thank you very much.”

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Posted 5 years ago

“I am a 78 year old tuba player with 3 back operations and holding my small B flat tuba is a challenge. I tried a custom made tuba seat cushion but the knob on the bottom of the tuba eroded the covering. I tried a tri-pod stand from Germany but the legs kept collapsing . My deluxe Wessex stand does not collapse and I like it. I wish the base were lighter to carry but nevertheless I do like my new stand. And much to my surprise, my tone has approved! Jim Strosberg Schenectady NY”

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Posted 5 years ago

“I had a totally positive esperience with Wessex Tubas. I had been desiring the Prokofiev BBb tuba for several years, and finally I have taken courage. The staff has been very supportive in helping me with the bank transfer payment and reassuring me that everything was correct. I am very satisfied, and this is the tuba of my dreams with a huge tone and a deep presence!”

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Posted 5 years ago

“Wessex tubas is a superb company to do business with. Excellent customer service and quality products are just scratching the surface on what they are doing for the music community.”

Wessex Tubas Ltd Reviews

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