Yamaha or Wessex? Or maybe something else?
Hey!
I've been looking at tubas for a couple of years now as I want to switch out my old CC bass with a BBb (and hopefully an Eb). Since I'm investing quite a lot of money into a professional instrument I need to make sure I've made the right choice!
My main question:
Wessex Prokofiev or Yamaha YBB-623s? - What's your experience with these models?
A few side questions:
- Lacquered vs. silver-plated?
- Gold brass vs. yellow brass?
- Other suggestions for professional Bb tuba (and/or Eb)?
My criteria have been:
- Front-action
- Compensating 4-valve (or 5-valve)
- Silver-plated
- 4/4, 5/4 or 6/4 (for Bb)
- 4/4 or 3/4 (for Eb)
About me and my needs:
I'm a conductor and tutor for school and amateur bands, with a graduate degree in jazz performance, though I rarely play professionally these days. I want a contrabass and bass tuba that together can handle everything from brass band and wind band to orchestra, jazz/rock/metal, and solo work.
I've been pleased with my CC tuba, but it's on the small side, and since I mostly play in brass band, I'd love to move to Eb and Bb. One catch: I have some back trouble and can't play top-action instruments like my band's Besson Sovereigns — the stretch and the static sitting position don't work for me — hence the front-action requirement.