TubaForum.net

I’m considering purchasing an Eb sousaphone or Helicon from Wessex. Does anyone have any experience with either of these instruments?

Not with those horns specifically but I have a Wessex Bb fiberglass horn that I’ve used for a couple years.

Pros: the valves are fantastic

Cons: it’s not all that light
The bolts keep coming loose so the valve section requires frequent tightening

I only played the Bb helicon at conferences and liked it.

@Doc had a Eb for some time if he chimes in….

Three Valves wrote: Sun May 25, 2025 4:25 pm I only played the Bb helicon at conferences and liked it.

@Doc had a Eb for some time if he chimes in….

I still have the Eb helicon. Unfortunately, I have not had opportunities to play it in the last year or so (besides TubaChristmas), as that type of work has dried up, and work requirements put the kibosh on most of the rest of my gigs. It is a good instrument, but it is collecting dust. As a result, I have been considering selling it.

——

Sadly, the fantastic Blokespecial 186 CC is collecting dust also. I tend to keep my dust-collectors longer than @bloke, but it might have to go also, as it is a tool for which I no longer have a need. But it’s SUCH A GOOD PLAYER, I have been reluctant to consider selling it.

Can you tell me what is the diameter of the tubing around the body of the helicon? I’ve run into helicons that are very large in diameter and thus don’t fit me well.

Wessex is having their summer sale. Helicons are on sale. This may be my opportunity to pick one up.

@Doc ,

Do you have the helicon - discussed here - for sale?

bloke wrote: Fri Jun 13, 2025 6:00 pm @Doc ,

Do you have the helicon - discussed here - for sale?

I haven’t actively listed it for sale, but if somebody wanted it, I would sell it to them.

Knowing you, I am sure that - even though you would be the seller - @opus37 could get an honest evaluation of both playing characteristics and the condition of your own instrument.

I seem to recall that you posted a video or two of you playing it on a couple of gigs...(??)

Can’t find that at the moment. Here are a couple things:

https://youtube.com/shorts/fCrOf-pUraQ? ... 702Jyk9BPw

https://youtu.be/5JO_096fuj8?si=cXujIqCXUXeJaCiA

I got 35% off on an Eb helicon in silver. The price ended up lower than the list price for a lacquer model.

' just curious, @Doc,

Would you have beat $2400 ?

bloke wrote: Sun Jun 15, 2025 1:20 pm ' just curious, @Doc,

Would you have beat $2400 ?

Yes.

Btw, am I the only one getting ads all over every page (just like the old place)?

Doc wrote: Sun Jun 15, 2025 4:05 pm Btw, am I the only one getting ads all over every page (just like the old place)?

Ads started showing up on Friday for me too.

It looks like they may have been suddenly pulled.

Maybe those of us who sell on here - whether we are individuals or businesses - should start chipping in a little bit, and maybe some of the wealthier folks could toss in a few dollars.

(I should chip in some money and will if I'm told how to do it... I'm still digging my way out of covid debt but that has nothing to do with anything. We all owe money here and there.)

The site hosting person shouldn't be in the hole $700 bucks (which is why they start allowing these ads).

What about banner ads?

My Eb helicon arrived on Monday. I played it in an outside concert on Tuesday. Boy is it fun to play. A forward facing bell makes a big difference in being heard outside. The horn slots very nicely making it easy to play in tune. I’m happy with it.

I love my BBb 4 valve Wessex Helicon. I was wanting a 3 valve to keep the weight down but a super deal on a lightly used 4 valve. I like it better than any sousaphone I've owned.

TJ