T&E #9, Wessex Prokofiev, "A New Era"

An in-depth review of the new Wessex Prokofiev Model 6/4 BBb tuba.
**Technical Update**
The bore sizes are as follows:
1st-3rd .750", 4th .790", 5th .870"
Sorry for misspeaking on the video. I was too late to fix before the upload.

[@Filipe-Gama.]

Thank you Mr. Olka for sharing your opinions and experience to the community! I've saw all your videos so many times that I have to keep them on my cell phone! After many years searching and ask opinions about CC and BBb tubas, nothing were more elucidator then your videos! Thank you one's again! (Amateur player)

[@cheers623]

I’m so glad to hear that I’m providing help for you! I was very lucky to have such generous teachers and influences during my career! I feel the responsibility to give back.

[@talonwhite694]

that low range is absolutely gorgeous! Wessex is really cranking out some high quality stuff!

[@ianbeaman7977]

Hi Chris, I can see why you like the Prokofiev out of all of them, the "tubaness" of it is amazing! such characteristic tone!

[@amsmithonline]

What a magnificent tuba. Thanks for the thorough demo sharing your experience.

[@jerrybyers2172]

That tuba has really good tone quality in the low range. There's something about the York tubas in the low range, as they sound like oom oom oom, and not splat splat like some other 6/4 tubas.

[@ElKalpatty]

Your videos are incredibly helpful to the whole community, thank you!

[@devvojay7455]

been waiting MONTHS for this

[@buffalobillh]

Thanks again for the thoughtful review! I hope we don’t have to wait so long for the next one. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@railroadman57]

Thank you Chris for this wonderful video it’s most informative on this incredible new tuba .

[@icemann6017]

Can’t wait to see you at the Wright State Brass Festival! I am from Dayton

[@lvtuba]

I am going to personally push this over 20k views.

[@cheers623]

Much appreciated!

[@daredash6305]

YAY!!!!! THX FOR POSTING

[@TonyZilincik]

Thanks, Chris!!!

[@ingenieriasdwight9585]

Beautiful!!

[@ronaldoclenisson8469]

Linda tuba , sonho de todo tubista..😍

[@Turt3752]

I found your name in the credits of Blizzard’s Diablo III game, recording the soundtrack on tuba and cimbasso. I don’t have much to say but I just thought that was cool, that they listed out everyone involved. The credits have been running for 15 minutes now and are not done, however.

[@ianbeaman7977]

are they still running?

[@rebeltuba9422]

Excellent sound, Chris. Are you planning to do a vid on the Wessex Leviathan, by any chance?

[@michaelgrant9800]

Hi Chris: I really enjoy your videos and playing. Also, a thank you for posting your Resilience product reviews. After watching your review I picked up some oil, slide grease and kick gel and they’ve made in immediate difference with my valves and slides. Thank you! I was wondering what equipment you use to record your videos? The horns come through clear and clean along with your voice. Sincerely, Michael Grant

[@cheers623]

Michael Grant , I use an old iPad mini sitting on a music stand with the video camera reversed so I can see and frame my shot. Other than that, I use the iMovie app on a desktop Mac and raise the levels on the speaking to be equal with the playing audio. That’s all. Thanks for your message!

[@Notremah]

What are your thoughts on the Miraphone 191? How does miraphone tubas compare to Wessex for someone looking for a versatile band instrument?

[@josefschultes3419]

Hi Mister Olka, i love watching your T&E videos and the way you play on these instruments. Is there a posibility to make a comparison between the Wessex Prokofiev and the Kaiser? Ím really interested in the Wessex Bb-Tubas. Best Greetings from Germany, Josef

[@tubalooney]

I might be mistaken but I thought Big mouth brass had a 6/4 Bb for sale. Great video thanks Mr Olka :-)

[@cheers623]

yes, I'd forgotten about that one! If they'd send me one, I'd review it. Send them a message if you're interested in hearing it.

[@CorvetteCoonass]

I had a BMB J-764 for about two years. The tone was very dark but the low register was difficult. The ergonomics weren't to my liking after a while. If you plan on buying one, make sure you have a tuba stand and use the included gig bag for daily transport.

[@Jondrinkswoodford]

Chris, have you played it with the orchestra? (Oops, you already mentioned that in this video, I just needed to keep watching, lol) I’m happy with mine. Only a few notes that take a bit of work. Thanks for your review! Hope we can grab a beer some time soon in town!

[@lvtuba]

Every tuba manufacturer should be sending you a stream of horns to test and evaluate. IMHO.

[@cheers623]

Wouldn’t hurt my feelings one bit!

[@paulmullen2620]

How did you find the ergonomics with the valves? Just looking at it, it doesn't seem like it would allow comfort in the wrist, but maybe it feels different actually playing it?

[@user-hk5kz8dy1p]

It's nice Dr Olka played a couple gospel hymns!

[@valerymedvedev8034]

Tuba isa unique instrument.I am trumpeter.

[@lonnyyoung4285]

(Disclaimer: I am currently listening on my phone at low volumes.) At low to medium volumes in the middle-low range up into the higher range, the sound is string bass-like. Curious, how easy it it to over blow in the lower register (Bb1 and down)?

[@lvtuba]

Lonny Young over the ear headphones

[@lonnyyoung4285]

@@lvtuba I have some recording headphones that I will use or I can plug into my stereo system. I was putting my youngest to bed, so I couldn't leave to get them, but I am excited to hear with them.

[@AmelianaTSIIX]

Just curious, what piece are you playing at about 17:40?

[@cheers623]

That’s from the Grigoriev Studies, played down an octave. I don’t remember which.

[@jimmybloom3224]

PLEASE REVIEW THE WESSEX VIVERNA

[@cstanhope]

Hey Mr, Olka, where are the low register etudes in this video from? id love to use some of them for practicing my low register!

[@cheers623]

They’re all from the Grigoriev Etudes book, played down an octave.

[@izaque909]

My dream is to play just like you

[@willtemp9065]

I believe that Eastman just released a new CC tuba called the EBC832. I know you’re an Eastman Artist, so do you plan to review that one?

[@its_shxblvrbs1786]

Will Temp he already has a vid on that

[@dogemusicproductions7444]

Its_Shxblvrbs Actually, he has a video on the 836. I believe the 832 is a 4/4 tuba, not 6/4

[@its_shxblvrbs1786]

Greetings Mr. Olka, I was wondering how the intonation in the upper range was? (B-flat on top of staff and above) You said the issues were minor, but I was thinking of playing RVW’s Concerto for Bass Tuba on a BBb and was wondering if this tuba would be the right graduation gift to ask for? Does it tend to go flat or sharp in that range? Thanks!

[@cheers623]

Its_Shxblvrbs , I learned and played the RVW concerto on a BBb in high school...while it’s possible, I don’t recommend it! The Prokofiev is a very fine tuba for ensemble playing and possibly some chamber music. However, the sound is more suited for the large ensemble role. On the samples that I’ve played, the upper register intonation was pretty much in tune with standard fingerings and surprisingly solid. Most tubas that play flat in the upper register are a result of mouthpiece rather than pitch tendencies. Hope that helps.

[@hutchinsondunn3421]

What do you use of your slides? They look so smooth!

[@cheers623]

Thats the way it came from factory. Haven't even lubed it yet.

[@hutchinsondunn3421]

Chris Olka what about on your personal tuba?

[@qbonics30]

Chris Olka great video! What mouthpiece were you using on this video?

[@cheers623]

@@hutchinsondunn3421 , Yamaha tuning slide oil.

[@cheers623]

@@qbonics30 Dillon Olka CB1

[@chrispc]

I'd love to hear your you play the tuba solo from Nielsen's 6th Symphony, particularly on a horn like this! Can you include that excerpt the next time you review a 6/4 tuba? For those who are not familiar with it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpfUq3p-nNyjhcU

[@SauloTubistaCabreuva]

Bb? , Toop ❤

[@willtemp9065]

Honestly I prefer your sound on the 836. Not that you sound bad on this, but in terms of overall intonation as well as sound, the Eastman ebc836 is a better fit for you.

[@cheers623]

I don't disagree. It probably has more to do with the fact that I've been playing a York CC model of some sort for 20+ years.

[@willtemp9065]

I am sure that plays a huge factor. If you played this for longer you’d adapt to it quickly and sound just as good. You sound incredible already with a short time to start playing it.

[@willtemp9065]

Chris Olka which one are you going to be using for the time being then?

[@cheers623]

I’ll still be mostly playing my Eastman 836 at work because it’s such a great instrument. However, the Prokofiev will be getting a lot of warm up time at home and looking for excuses to use in the orchestra.

[@ari-pekkakujala4414]

For me it took pretty long to feel nearly ok when changed to Bb. My ears were so used to C and even tuner said its right it felt strange.

[@DinoboySeth]

Geez, how do you develop the lungs to play so low for so long and so easily?

[@user-py2su6se1q]

最初C菅かと思ったらB♭菅だった

[@icemann6017]

Can’t wait to see you at the Wright State Brass Festival! I am from Dayton