Hey all!
Thinking about getting a travel tuba so I can practice when I travel. Not any space in my home for more than two large horns, and I don’t like traveling with my Bruckner to family outings which is why I find these appealing.
What are y’all’s experience with these instruments? Does this affect the way y’all play your contrabasses when you get back, or do you find it to be an effective tool?
Thanks
Experiences with ZO and Wessex travel tubas
Forum rules
This section is for posts that are directly related to performance, performers, or equipment. Social issues are allowed, as long as they are directly related to those categories. If you see a post that you cannot respond to with respect and courtesy, we ask that you do not respond at all.
This section is for posts that are directly related to performance, performers, or equipment. Social issues are allowed, as long as they are directly related to those categories. If you see a post that you cannot respond to with respect and courtesy, we ask that you do not respond at all.
-
bloke
- Mid South Music
- Posts: 19413
- Joined: Thu Aug 13, 2020 8:55 am
- Location: western Tennessee - near Memphis
- Has thanked: 3871 times
- Been thanked: 4137 times
Re: Experiences with ZO and Wessex travel tubas
I have nothing against the makers, but aren't impressed with the concept nor the resulting instruments (whether made in Germany or China).
They just aren't "tubas", just as "playing the tuba with a practice mute" is nothing like "playing a tuba".
I'd recommend saving the money, spending a portion of it on hotels in safer parts of town (or whatever...??), or paying down a credit card (and not worrying about "the tuba" when en route) - whether on a business trip or a pleasure trip.
fwiw...A euphonium (and some good-playing ones aren't all that expensive) are real musical instruments - for which there are some real uses.
bloke "sincerely, my very best advice"
They just aren't "tubas", just as "playing the tuba with a practice mute" is nothing like "playing a tuba".
I'd recommend saving the money, spending a portion of it on hotels in safer parts of town (or whatever...??), or paying down a credit card (and not worrying about "the tuba" when en route) - whether on a business trip or a pleasure trip.
fwiw...A euphonium (and some good-playing ones aren't all that expensive) are real musical instruments - for which there are some real uses.
bloke "sincerely, my very best advice"
-
Three Valves
- Posts: 4615
- Joined: Thu Aug 13, 2020 4:07 pm
- Location: The Land of Pleasant Living
- Has thanked: 820 times
- Been thanked: 506 times
Re: Experiences with ZO and Wessex travel tubas
The ZO may sound fuller but the ergonomics are dreadful.
The Wessex has a surprisingly good low range, but breaks up quickly on the way up.
If the Jazz version of the Wessex is portable enough, I preferred that one.
It is more versatile without going to the mic, I could see it being more likely to be used in a performance.
Neither of these are practical for me on vacation. I’m usually too bust keeping the beer cold to worry about practice!
The Wessex has a surprisingly good low range, but breaks up quickly on the way up.
If the Jazz version of the Wessex is portable enough, I preferred that one.
It is more versatile without going to the mic, I could see it being more likely to be used in a performance.
Neither of these are practical for me on vacation. I’m usually too bust keeping the beer cold to worry about practice!
- These users thanked the author Three Valves for the post:
- cthuba (Sat Aug 27, 2022 1:06 pm)
Thought Criminal
Mack Brass Artiste
TU422L with TU25
1964 Conn 36k with CB Arnold Jacobs
Accent (By B&S) 952R with Bach12
The Fourth Estate is the Fifth Column
Mack Brass Artiste
TU422L with TU25
1964 Conn 36k with CB Arnold Jacobs
Accent (By B&S) 952R with Bach12
The Fourth Estate is the Fifth Column
-
Finetales
- Posts: 150
- Joined: Thu May 19, 2022 7:49 pm
- Location: Los Angeles
- Has thanked: 18 times
- Been thanked: 54 times
- Contact:
Re: Experiences with ZO and Wessex travel tubas
I've tried the Wessexes in C and Bb and didn't like them very much. Just kind of annoying to play.
The ZO, on the other hand...I tried the CC one at NAMM 2020 and was blown away. It was honestly one of my favorite tubas that I've played, though perhaps it's because I'm a bass trombonist and the smallness was a good match. I thought it played and sounded awesome, and have wanted one ever since. I think it would record very well. Live use, not so much. But hey...it's a travel tuba!
The ZO, on the other hand...I tried the CC one at NAMM 2020 and was blown away. It was honestly one of my favorite tubas that I've played, though perhaps it's because I'm a bass trombonist and the smallness was a good match. I thought it played and sounded awesome, and have wanted one ever since. I think it would record very well. Live use, not so much. But hey...it's a travel tuba!
I mostly play the slidey thing.