OMG!!! Just had Both Chicago models in my lap, Friday(4-13-18) in Ellensburg, Washington. For those of you who are thinking that a player of Mr. Olka's caliber could make even a 3/4, BBb Couesnon sound good, well, I'm sure he could! But the two CC's from Wessex are awesome, even when not sitting on a major pro's lap! My 3 main axes at this time are a Conn 24-J(19" Kanstul upright), a Wessex 5/4 BBb(XL), and a Wessex Eb (Danube), so I'm used to filling bigger horns. Both Chicago's took all that i could throw at 'em, and still had room for more! They slotted as well for me as they seemed to for Mr. Olka! Intonation was very good, and response was superb! I had no trouble triple tonguing down into the basement, with authority! I've never had a "hand built" CC Tuba of any size on my lap, but I've had a(factory) Neptune, and a Cerveney a few times, as well as several Miraphone 1291, 5/4 CC's. Don't spend more than you have to, for a European Tuba! YMMV!
"You'll sound even better with the cool looking buttons" hahahaa :) When you played the Prokofiev 5 excerpt , it definitely reminded me of Gene's horn.
Sounds awesome!! 20" is definitely a warmer broader sound. Two tubas for two different occasions. Wessex is number 1 in my book. Great tubas at great value.
Good grief, what a sound! Personally, I like the sound of the larger bell, and frankly, it plays a tiny touch better in tune. I hope you do the giant BBb next.
I personally really enjoy the 18" sound. If I had money, I would go with that instead of the 20". Then again, I personally have never played either and I have no idea what works best for my style.
Thanks again, Mr. Olka, for another objective, and enlightening review! When Jonathan Hodgetts first announced these horns, I thought he might have flipped! But, now that I've heard them on your lap, I believe congratulations are in order! Jonathan has never lied about the (JinBao) origins of his horns, and has strived to improve upon the quality of his instruments from day one! He doesn't triple up at the expense of his clients, not even on the Silver Plating, as several other's in the business do! What an accomplishment! a Tuba that can compete with instruments costing 3-4x as much! Please keep your reviews coming!
I got to try these tubas in Texas, and I thought these tubas played very well also. I've been anticipating your review and hearing your opinions. Thanks for taking the time to do the reviews. Your description of the differences between the 18" and 20" (much more thoughtful and eloquent than mine) was accurately reflected in your recording. And the iPad recording sounds great! I'm really looking forward to the next one. ;-)
Cool video! it'd be nice to see the other Wessex tubas especially the 6/4 BBb one, haven't really found many videos on Wessex tubas let alone the BBbs tubas.
Chris, thank you for the evals. I purchased the York Presence after scrutinizing your reviews. Yes, I loved the Miraphone Hagen, but i could afford additional tubas by purchasing the Wessex and stay in the key of C. Eventually, Miraphone may catch up in the ^/$ CC market.
At first, I preferred your sound on the 20", I think because that's what I've come to expect as the American orchestral tuba sound, and I think your intonation may be better on that horn. Upon re-watching this video, though, I have found that the 18" really is better. I really appreciate Wessex taking the risk and modifying the "sacred" York style.
Now that China is pumping out high-quality 6/4's, I wonder when we're going to see big name players actually use these things on stage. Maybe that's not the target audience for budget horns idk
If you have the money, it’s better to support companies that pay craftsmen/craftswomen a good wage for the work they do. If you don’t want to be nickel and dimed as a player, don’t do it to other people.
Just a question. Obviously you sound great. I prefer the tone of the 20" bell. I am curious about your recording set-up. I have difficulty micing a tuba without getting distortion. I appreciate any thoughts you have on good micing.
To prevent distortion you could try to create more distance between the bell and the mic. Try a distance of 1 meter. Maybe even more. Also not placing the mic directly in the centre of the bell could help. Brass instruments have a lot of dynamic power so they distort easily. Using less gain will also make sure the signal doesn't distort.
Loaded Bass after comparing pictures you're correct. I apologize for the inaccurate comparison. Still a great looking design and sounds as good as it looks. Thanks Loaded Bass.
Don't follow you. The Nirschl is a copy of the CSO York - why are you so keen to suggest the Wessex is a copy of the Nirschl. Maybe I missed your point? Look at this form Tubenet: forums.chisham.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=12808
David Miller , I’ve played just about every “York” style large tuba that’s currently on the market. The PT-7 is not one that I’d consider to be in this group. That’s not a negative observation, just mentioning that it embodies a seemingly different design philosophy. PT-7 can be a great tuba, but if you’re lucky enough to find one, the Mel Culbertson designed model “Neptune” with pistons is at least as good for much less money. Pretty similar tubas, with same bell, and only slightly different branches.
Mr. Olka, Thanks for the personal reply. I've owned, and enjoyed playing, my B&S PT-7P since about 2008; I consider it a fine instrument. I haven't played York-style tubas or the Neptune. In another video you mentioned the 29-pound weight of a tuba. I recall the B&S is about 27-1/2 pounds.
Tuber he plays on an Olka CB2 he designed in conjunction with Dillon Music you can buy it online at their site or at their store in I believe New Jersey
@@cheers623 Care to elaborate? Kanstul claimed to have recreated the bronze alloys that York had utilized in their tubas, which apparently Wessex did not address.
@@cheers623 czcams.com/video/HB9R_Ww2DdE/video.html If you go to the first comment on this video, someone typed out what everyone is saying in the video since it is a little hard to hear. I believe that Gene says he likes the 18"
Chris Olka could make a cardboard box sound great. What a sound.
OMG!!! Just had Both Chicago models in my lap, Friday(4-13-18) in Ellensburg, Washington. For those of you who are thinking that a player of Mr. Olka's caliber could make even a 3/4, BBb Couesnon sound good, well, I'm sure he could! But the two CC's from Wessex are awesome, even when not sitting on a major pro's lap! My 3 main axes at this time are a Conn 24-J(19" Kanstul upright), a Wessex 5/4 BBb(XL), and a Wessex Eb (Danube), so I'm used to filling bigger horns. Both Chicago's took all that i could throw at 'em, and still had room for more! They slotted as well for me as they seemed to for Mr. Olka! Intonation was very good, and response was superb! I had no trouble triple tonguing down into the basement, with authority! I've never had a "hand built" CC Tuba of any size on my lap, but I've had a(factory) Neptune, and a Cerveney a few times, as well as several Miraphone 1291, 5/4 CC's. Don't spend more than you have to, for a European Tuba! YMMV!
"You'll sound even better with the cool looking buttons" hahahaa :) When you played the Prokofiev 5 excerpt , it definitely reminded me of Gene's horn.
Sounds awesome!! 20" is definitely a warmer broader sound. Two tubas for two different occasions. Wessex is number 1 in my book. Great tubas at great value.
Good grief, what a sound! Personally, I like the sound of the larger bell, and frankly, it plays a tiny touch better in tune. I hope you do the giant BBb next.
The Chicago York 20 inch is what I’m probably gonna but for my personal tuba sophomore year in college it is just amazing
I pretty consistently preferred your sound on the 20 inch bell.
I do have to wonder how people are going to compare the Wessex 6/4s to the Eastman.
I do like the directness of the 18! The sound is a lot more compact and a "block" of sound
I personally really enjoy the 18" sound. If I had money, I would go with that instead of the 20". Then again, I personally have never played either and I have no idea what works best for my style.
Thanks again, Mr. Olka, for another objective, and enlightening review! When Jonathan Hodgetts first announced these horns, I thought he might have flipped! But, now that I've heard them on your lap, I believe congratulations are in order! Jonathan has never lied about the (JinBao) origins of his horns, and has strived to improve upon the quality of his instruments from day one! He doesn't triple up at the expense of his clients, not even on the Silver Plating, as several other's in the business do! What an accomplishment! a Tuba that can compete with instruments costing 3-4x as much! Please keep your reviews coming!
Chris, you sound fantastic. You inspire!
Thanks for the kind words.
That Symphony Fantastic poster behind you is fantastic!
I got to try these tubas in Texas, and I thought these tubas played very well also. I've been anticipating your review and hearing your opinions. Thanks for taking the time to do the reviews.
Your description of the differences between the 18" and 20" (much more thoughtful and eloquent than mine) was accurately reflected in your recording. And the iPad recording sounds great!
I'm really looking forward to the next one. ;-)
Great video and very descriptive. I will say I think you sound better on the 20 than the 18. Both horns sound incredible!
The 18" bell sound is bright and crisp and would carry well . The 20" bell sound is fatter, deeper and darker.
Exactly what I thought
I never realized that northern Kentucky was such a big tuba center lol. I like it! I’ve played in that room quite a few times
Nice playing Chris, Good to see some of the smaller brands being reviewed
Cool video! it'd be nice to see the other Wessex tubas especially the 6/4 BBb one, haven't really found many videos on Wessex tubas let alone the BBbs tubas.
Chris, thank you for the evals. I purchased the York Presence after scrutinizing your reviews. Yes, I loved the Miraphone Hagen, but i could afford additional tubas by purchasing the Wessex and stay in the key of C. Eventually, Miraphone may catch up in the ^/$ CC market.
Bob Mecum glad to hear that the videos help!
I love the breathes in the prokofiev excerpt
Chris,
in the video you spoke about Wessex Chicago sound and response. Can you go into more detail about intonation?
Thanks.
Fantastic, Mr. Olka. Thank you!
At first, I preferred your sound on the 20", I think because that's what I've come to expect as the American orchestral tuba sound, and I think your intonation may be better on that horn. Upon re-watching this video, though, I have found that the 18" really is better. I really appreciate Wessex taking the risk and modifying the "sacred" York style.
I love the options!
Sonho de qualquer tubista
I only wish that you would put a link to the music your playing in the description
17:51 Die Meistersinger... ❤️❤️❤️ Bravissimo!!
Thank you!
Now that China is pumping out high-quality 6/4's, I wonder when we're going to see big name players actually use these things on stage. Maybe that's not the target audience for budget horns idk
If you have the money, it’s better to support companies that pay craftsmen/craftswomen a good wage for the work they do. If you don’t want to be nickel and dimed as a player, don’t do it to other people.
Olá Cris esse final qual é o nome desta melodia?, abraço
Can we get one of the wessex F tubas reviewed?? With hope, from a subscriber.
Hello Chris, could you try the Big Mouth Brass tubas? Specially the J-865
Just a question. Obviously you sound great. I prefer the tone of the 20" bell. I am curious about your recording set-up. I have difficulty micing a tuba without getting distortion. I appreciate any thoughts you have on good micing.
To prevent distortion you could try to create more distance between the bell and the mic. Try a distance of 1 meter. Maybe even more. Also not placing the mic directly in the centre of the bell could help. Brass instruments have a lot of dynamic power so they distort easily. Using less gain will also make sure the signal doesn't distort.
It looks like the design was borrowed from the Hirsbrunner Yorkbrunner. How does it compare to its more expensive counterpart Mr. Olka?
Borrowed from Nirschl York Copy actually. At least cosmetically.
Loaded Bass after comparing pictures you're correct. I apologize for the inaccurate comparison. Still a great looking design and sounds as good as it looks. Thanks Loaded Bass.
They're all copies of the CSO Yorks anyway... =)
Mr Peach More specifically the body copy of a Nirschl York. :)
Don't follow you. The Nirschl is a copy of the CSO York - why are you so keen to suggest the Wessex is a copy of the Nirschl. Maybe I missed your point? Look at this form Tubenet: forums.chisham.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=12808
Eu amo seus vídeos
Is the B&S PT-7P considered a York Chicago style instrument?
David Miller , I’ve played just about every “York” style large tuba that’s currently on the market. The PT-7 is not one that I’d consider to be in this group. That’s not a negative observation, just mentioning that it embodies a seemingly different design philosophy. PT-7 can be a great tuba, but if you’re lucky enough to find one, the Mel Culbertson designed model “Neptune” with pistons is at least as good for much less money. Pretty similar tubas, with same bell, and only slightly different branches.
Mr. Olka,
Thanks for the personal reply. I've owned, and enjoyed playing, my B&S PT-7P since about 2008; I consider it a fine instrument. I haven't played York-style tubas or the Neptune. In another video you mentioned the 29-pound weight of a tuba. I recall the B&S is about 27-1/2 pounds.
What mouthpiece?
Very nice sound!
Tuber he plays on an Olka CB2 he designed in conjunction with Dillon Music you can buy it online at their site or at their store in I believe New Jersey
How does this instrument compare to the York reproduction that Kanstul made?
I think it's much better than the Kanstul version.
@@cheers623 Care to elaborate? Kanstul claimed to have recreated the bronze alloys that York had utilized in their tubas, which apparently Wessex did not address.
hang in there
11:34
Toca bem eu toco tuba do também eu sou seu fã eu sou tubista
Eu estou estudando na tuba guri e continue na Banda no guri
Doesn’t Gene Pokorny prefer the Chicago Presence?
Good question, I don’t know.
@@cheers623 czcams.com/video/HB9R_Ww2DdE/video.html
If you go to the first comment on this video, someone typed out what everyone is saying in the video since it is a little hard to hear. I believe that Gene says he likes the 18"
What are you playing at 15:18
Chayton Smith I believe this is an excerpt from Mahler’s 5th symphony. 8 measures after 24 in the second movement to be exact.
which one is closer to Yamayork ?
Lindo!
上手すぎ笑笑
SEHR GUT: