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.