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French C Tuba - TC236 P

The tuba to play Bydlo with the tone Ravel expected

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For over 100 years, from the mid-19th to mid-20th centuries, French orchestral Tuba players exclusively played the small french C tuba, favouring their size and pitch against larger Tubas from other countries.

Pitched at the C above a Euphonium, our French C Tuba TC236 P effortlessly plays all Tuba music, down to the lowest register.

Unlike French tubas of old where the 3rd valve added a 2+3 combination (major 3rd, or 4 semitones), the 3rd valve of the Wessex French tuba adds a more conventional 1+2 combination (minor 3rd, or 3 semitones). This avoids the complication of having to learn a new fingering system.

Possessing a distinctive Gallic tone, this exceptional tuba in C can often be heard as part of such timeless pieces as: Ravel’s Pictures at an Exhibition, Franck Symphony in D, Saint-Sains Organ Symphony, and Bizet’s Carmen; a ‘must- have’ for orchestral musicians who want to perform these works authentically.

Note: Although called a tuba, this instrument is euphonium size and is played with a euphonium size mouthpiece. A tuba mouthpiece will cause it to play flat and without its distinctive tone.

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    Wessex Warranty

    For your peace of mind

    Unlike most leading brands, Wessex Tubas offers a 3-year warranty against manufacturing defects on all our instruments, and in the unlikely event that you are dissatisfied with your purchase, we offer a full refund and return within 2 weeks.

    You can return any item bought from Wessex Tubas within 14 days of receiving it for a full refund, minus shipping costs. However, please contact us before returning your item so we can provide you with return labels and a collection booking with our dedicated courier to ensure the safe return of your item/s. When returning the item, it must be in its original packaging and in ’as received’ condition. Please note that shipping charges apply to refund upon return of your item and any damage will also result in reduced refund.

    Wessex has done a fantastic job producing this euphonium/tuba hybrid

    Specifications

    • Key: C (tone above euphonium)
    • Bell: 10” (260mm)
    • Valves: 6 piston valves (regular lengths 1-4), flat tone 5th (adjustable to flat ½ tone), 6th valve puts down into F
    • Bore: 0.57” to 0.59” (14.5mm to 15mm)
    • Weight: 9½lb (4.35kg)
    • Height: 22” (56cm)

    Features

    • Fully Handmade with hand-hammered bell
    • Exact reproduction of original French C tuba of the 1930’s (except 3rd slide to modern length for regular fingering)
    • Stainless steel valves for reliable operation
    • Nickel slides
    • Supplied with appropriate FR1 mouthpiece (with euphonium size receiver).
    • Small enough to use as travel tuba and take on air flight as hand luggage

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