Reviews

4.8 Rating 13 Reviews

Visit Product Page

Phone:

(0)7555 135212

Email:

dolce@wessex-tubas.com

Location:

2 Viscount Court,
South Way, Walworth Business Park,
Andover
Hampshire
SP10 5NW

Visit Product Page

Jeremy Reynolds

Verified Reviewer

“I've been very happy with this horn. I'm just a community band player, so I couldn't compare it to any high-end horn, but it is more than adequate to my needs, and was a great upgrade to my old king forward bell baritone. I'm much more in tune, and both of the directors I play for are much happier with this horn. I enjoy the front valves, as my tuba is also set up that way, and so was my old baritone, so it's familiar to me. I love the sound, and am very happy with this purchase, and would not hesitate to recommend one of these horns.”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“After three weeks of playing this horn, I've decided it's one of the best decisions I've ever made! I chose this because of the front action valves, which to me is far more comfortable playing position than the "standard" upright valves. The instrument itself sounds like someone who's a lot better player than I am could benefit. Only two issues so far ... both likely to be only MY issues. 1) I need to find an appropriate pad to rest on my thigh to get the proper position for correct posture. So far I've been able to just hold it in place, but a two-hour rehearsal or performance causes me to slump down uncomfortably. 2) The first valve slide that must be completely removed to drain is awkward to reach, remove, and replace. A water key / spit valve (which is in abundance elsewhere might have been a better choice. I understand that the "Festivo" is modeled on a professional-grade Swiss-made instrument that costs at least 5 times as much. For a decent amateur player like myself, that makes this one the RIGHT choice for me! For comparison, the "Festivo" is replacing a 1958 Besson 3 valve compensating euphonium which as served me well for many years. The Besson requires medium shank mouthpieces, which are not as common as the "Festivo" large shank.”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“I bought a Festivo for its ergonomic properties, and i have to say it's really perfect in that respect. Very comfortable to hold, and doesn't irritate my shoulder injury over time. Plus, the valves are very positive and quieter than other horns. I also like the smaller bell, because I think it gives the Festivo a somewhat clearer sound, and as a trombone doubler, that appeals to me.”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“I'm a trombone refugee, picking up valves due to some ergonomic issues. This Festivo is a great instrument. A great sound, great valves, and mostly for me, great ergonomics. I really enjoy playing it. Unlike my trombones I can play the Festivo reclined in my lounge chair. The only downside to this instrument is that there seems to be a micro crack in the compensating circuit of the 2nd valve, which makes low Es and Bs a little tough to control. I own 3 Wessex instruments, and have bought a few others. Overall good quality, and very a very interesting selection of instruments.”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“I owned a Dolce which was a nice playing euphonium, but I upgraded to a Festivo because of the more ergonomic position of the valves. I have shoulder problems, and the arm position for the Festivo is perfectly natural, like carrying a baby. The sound and range are great. I'm a trombonist, but I play my Festivo a couple times a week. It's so comfortable, I can sit in a recliner and just play. The four valves in the front are very nice. It can be played with the left hand wrapping around to press the 4th valve for those passages where you have a lot of valve combinations with 4th valve, but for on-the-staff and higher playing, I just use my right hand. Even if you don't care about the ergonomics, it's a really nice horn.”

Helpful Report

Posted 5 years ago