Meet Miss Li - she is the lady who ensures the quality of Wessex production ongoing throughout the year, our eyes on the spot at the factory in China. She was appointed specifically responsible for Wessex quality control in 2019, it was her that helped keep production standards high when we could not get to the factory in person during Covid travel restrictions. Now we are once again regularly visiting the factory, she continues to pre-check with particular responsibility for the high-brass quality approval including the ever-popular PB300 Piccolo Trombone which she is holding in the ..read more

A guide to playing the piccolo trombone  The piccolo trombone is the smallest and highest of the brass instruments in the trombone family and, due to its size, isn’t used in any band. Instead, it is a fun addition to the trombone player’s collection and can be used as the highest voice in a trombone ensemble.  Being so small, how do you play the piccolo trombone?  A guide to playing the piccolo trombone  To understand how to best play this unique brass instrument, we should first familiarise ourselves with the dimensions and key elements that make up the piccolo trombone:&n ..read more

Concert tuba vs. sousaphone - what’s the difference?  The tuba and sousaphone are 2 of the biggest brass instruments available in the brass family; with many similarities and some striking differences. So, how is a concert tuba different from a sousaphone?  How is a concert tuba different from a sousaphone?  Although the sousaphone is considered a type of tuba, there are many elements to this unique instrument that make it stand out from the concert tuba.    The sousaphone is a very visually distinctive brass instrument, characterised by circular tubing that is placed ..read more

Answering student and beginner FAQs: is a saxophone a brass instrument? If you’re new to the wonderful world of brass instruments - embarking on the very beginning stages of your music journey and considering which instrument will best suit your taste and style, you may be wondering: is a saxophone a brass instrument?  Is a saxophone a brass instrument? The saxophone is an extremely popular instrument, heard in many different genres of music throughout the years; most well-known, though, for its place in jazz music - leading some of the most iconic and widely known jazz pieces of the 20th ..read more

Here, we’re getting to know the tuba - specifically: what is the tuba’s role in an orchestra? What is the tuba’s role in an orchestra? Is a popular question among students and beginners, as you initiate your journey into the exciting and varied world of brass music making; understanding more about your chosen instrument and the instruments surrounding it.  What’s the tuba’s role in an orchestra? The tuba is the biggest and lowest instrument in the extensive brass instrument family and, as such, serves to anchor the harmonies. This principle not only applies to the tuba in relation to oth ..read more

Just how much does a tuba cost and how much should you be paying? It’s no secret that music is an expensive passion - whether you’re a professional or a student musician. Although there’s no denying, of course, any expense is more than entirely worth it; music being one of the most rewarding and cathartic art forms available to us. But, within this, how much should you be paying for your instruments? Specifically, how much does a tuba cost? How much does a tuba cost?  To answer this question adequately, it’s important to acknowledge the typical price differences between student and profes ..read more

Here, we explore the question: why is brass used to make musical instruments? Brass instruments have been produced and enjoyed by millions of people for hundreds of years; brass instruments and brass music are ingrained in so many cultures and celebrations across the world. But why is brass used to make musical instruments, specifically? Why is brass used to make musical instruments?  Brass is used to make musical instruments for a number of reasons, including:  Brass is an alloy made up of copper and zinc and, unlike metals such as iron - for example - doesn’t rust quickly or easil ..read more

Here, we’ll go through how to play tenor saxophone Although the tenor saxophone is bigger than the alto, the tenor sax is a particularly popular choice for any beginner.  It’s prominent in jazz, concerts and marching band; often playing inner harmony or melodic lines.   And, if you’re considering learning, or have just started learning, to play the tenor saxophone, this easy-to-follow guide will help you begin your journey with confidence.  How to play tenor saxophone Choose from a reliable brand: to start your saxophone journey off in the very best way, the first thing to ..read more

A brief insight into how brass instruments are made at the Wessex factory The manufacturing of brass instruments is a fascinating and exciting process, and something we still enjoy experiencing here at Wessex Tubas; seeing our designs come to life, play testing our instruments and examining every one to ensure the quality is exactly what we expect before shipping each to you - our customers.  So, how are brass instruments made at the Wessex factory? How are brass instruments made?  Exclusive and improved designs: many of our instruments are specifically designed by our team and/or in ..read more

Fun and popular examples & ideas for music for marching band If you’re looking for a new piece of music to help you practice, hoping to master a new style or you are in need of some inspiration for your next performance, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of music for march band - providing you with fun and popular ideas for your next project.  Music for marching band When searching for new music for marching band and/or looking for inspiration, there are so many things to consider, such as:  The occasion: will you and your band be performing at a formal event, as part of ..read more