“After a year of playing the horn I give it 4.5 stars overall. Pros: tone is absolutely beautiful. It has a very rich, full sound. The price is impressive for how well this horn plays and sounds. I looked at horns double in price that did not perform as well as this. It’s has extensive tuning slides to lock in on every possible note. Customer service is very responsive. It also plays remarkably in tune without needing to use the alternate valves. It’s beautiful in person with intricate engravings and multi toned brass. This horn is Big! That big size excels at filling in the space with a rich tone but also plays softly with ease. Bigger hasn’t required more air. Rather it seems to use that air more efficiently. Cons: This horn is BIG! As a female player it presents with some challenges. Handling and hauling has required weight lifting gym time! Not all cars, homes, or band rooms will have room for its massive case. And it’s not easy to haul. Also my 4th valve locked after a few months and two of the slides are really stiff. I’m disappointed that it already needs some shop time. It’s also a very greasy horn because of so many tuning slides. There’s a price to pay for being in tune. And the tone/ tuning for middle G is a bit tricky. Don’t know if it’s a me problem or just the intonation on the horn. Overall the pros absolutely outweigh the cons. I’m really happy I took a gamble buying it without being able to test one out first. It is absolutely the best option on the market at its price point.”

2 Helpful Report

Posted 3 months ago

We are pleased you like the Luzern. The valve sticking sounds like some dirt got into it. If it ever happens again try flushing through the valves with soapy water, as that may solve without going to the shop. For the middle G being a bit tricky, try a different mouthpieces if you can. Such things can often be caused by mouthpiece incompatibility with you or the tuba. We hope you continue to enjoy the tuba for years to come. Thanks for your review.

Posted 3 months ago

Author didn't leave any comments.

Helpful Report

Posted 10 months ago

Samuel Graham

Verified Reviewer

“I absolutely love my Luzern. The beautiful rose bell. The beautiful warm sounds are perfect for our brass choir. Wessex Tuba is a great company that produces quality instruments for deserving musicians at prices that everyone benefits from. Thank you Jonathan Hodgetts.”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 11 months ago

Wendel Silva

Verified Reviewer

“Agradeço o excelente atendimento e as rápidas respostas às minhas dúvidas, o site, o atendimento, tudo nota 10. Já indiquei e continuarei indicando aos meus amigos músicos os instrumentos Wessex. Muito feliz com o meu instrumento ( BBb 5/4 5-Totary-Valve ‘Luzern’”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 1 year ago

Robert Wehrman

Verified Reviewer

“This horn has a big sound down low and a beautiful tone higher up. The tuba responds well. I like it!!! I'd recommend it for college and pro players. I think the same instrument made in Europe would cost more than twice as much. So it not only sounds good, but also works for those on a budget.”

3 Helpful Report

Posted 1 year ago

Jerry Johnson

Verified Reviewer

“VERYwell made and it sounds great. I have recieved a number of compliments about it; perfect medium sized tuba for both large and small ensemble work. This may be considered a "budget tuba" but it certainly does not feel or play like one---Well done indeed!”

3 Helpful Report

Posted 1 year ago

“I've had the Luzern now for just over a year, and it has been fantastic. I'm not a professional and I'm finding the notes are nicely slotted with my mediocre playing. Some notes below for those contemplating a purchase (questions I had prior to buying, and answers I got after playing with it for a year). My previous horn was a Wessex Mosel for reference. * Silver - just like any other silver instrument, scratches really easily. No metal on you when playing - it's a must if you wish to keep the horn scratch-free. * Hard case - yes it's a massive case that'll protect it during shipping. But for rehearsals and lugging back and forth between practices and concerts, way too bulky. I ended up getting a nice gig bag from Miraphone (G170103 Gig Bag Tuba specifically for those that are wondering about sizing). * Rotary valves - previously my Wessex Mosel had the original Wessex valves, that ended up being terrible and didn't age very well. This was the only area that held me back from purchasing another Wessex. Now that they have their Z valves, I can safely say it has been a massive improvement. Note that the key is oiling it well. So far, the Z valves held up quite well. I had a bit of clanking on the first valve that ended up being a user error - I wasn't oiling the rotary fittings correctly. * Build quality was decent. On closer inspection, it is not perfect. Some joints have weld marks, the silver has a bit of imperfections in a couple areas. * Sound quality - I'm sorry to say I can't really comment on this area because of my limited experience with other tubas. The sound is broad, very big and somewhat smooth. Hard to explain, but perhaps the better way to say it is, it produces a darker tone than the Wessex Mosel or Yamaha 641. However take this with a grain of salt. I alternate between a Helleberg and Denis Wick for mouthpieces. * 5th valve - love it, makes it super easy to play low notes. I'm not finding it hard to maintain sound quality in the pedal area either. Overall, great buy for the price.”

4 Helpful Report

Posted 2 years ago

“The tuba plays very well and has a good sound. The mouthpiece that came with is also very good. The only problem I had is the screws that hold on the bumpers for the valves come loose easily.”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 2 years ago

Screws on rotary valves can come loose with the continued vibration. I would suggest a spot of Loctite on threads if you are finding them come loose

Posted 2 years ago

BBb 5/4 5-Rotary-Valve Tuba ‘Luzern’ - TB575 Lacquer Reviews