Planned Delivery: Late January 2027
Low Stock
The Wessex Conqueror TB950XP represents a new generation of professional BBb compensating tubas, combining the rich, commanding sound of the traditional British brass band bass with innovative design, exceptional playing comfort and individually handmade craftsmanship.
Developed by Wessex Tubas, the Conqueror builds upon the finest characteristics of classic British BBb tubas (basses) while introducing important improvements in ergonomics, response and tonal freedom.
Every TB950XP is individually handmade from sheet German brass in our specialist high-grade workshop, using traditional brass instrument manufacturing techniques to create an instrument with outstanding resonance, projection and tonal richness.
The result is a professional BBb tuba designed not only for the demanding requirements of championship brass bands, but also for orchestral, concert band and other ensemble performances.
The Wessex Conqueror TB950XP was developed in close collaboration with Jonny Shaw of the world-famous Fairey Band, one of Britain's most celebrated brass bands.
Drawing upon Jonny's extensive experience as a leading brass band musician, the Conqueror has been carefully developed to meet the demanding requirements of professional BBb bass players.
This collaboration helped shape an instrument that combines the rich, powerful sound expected of a traditional British brass band bass with modern improvements in response, ergonomics and playing comfort.
The result is a professional BBb compensating tuba designed with direct input from a leading brass band performer, for musicians who demand the very best.
At the heart of the Conqueror is its ability to produce the broad, warm and authoritative sound that defines basses of the finest British brass band.
The generously proportioned 19-inch (480 mm) bell, with its large bell throat, contributes to a full-bodied tone with impressive depth and projection.
Unlike many traditional compensating BBb tubas, the Conqueror features a larger bore, encouraging a more open, resonant playing experience.
This design provides:
Whether providing the foundation of a championship brass band or performing in a symphonic wind ensemble, the Conqueror is designed to deliver the depth, presence and musical flexibility expected from a premium professional tuba.
One of the most significant improvements of the TB950XP is its carefully considered ergonomic design.
Traditional British BBb tubas can be physically demanding, particularly for players who find the fourth valve difficult to reach comfortably.
Wessex has addressed this by positioning the fourth valve closer to the mouthpiece, providing a more natural and comfortable hand position.
The leadpipe is also positioned at a height better suited to players of average stature, helping them maintain a relaxed playing posture.
These refinements make the Conqueror particularly attractive to musicians who spend long periods rehearsing or performing.
Comfortable fourth-valve reach
The fourth valve is positioned to provide a reach comparable to that of an EEb tuba, reducing unnecessary hand stretching.
Improved playing posture
The carefully positioned leadpipe allows many players to sit more naturally without excessive adjustment.
Manageable weight
At approximately 11 kg (24 lb), the Conqueror offers the tonal presence of a substantial BBb bass while remaining relatively lightweight for its class.
Designed for extended performances
The combination of accessible valves, thoughtful balance and player-friendly proportions makes the Conqueror an appealing choice for demanding rehearsals and concerts.
A particularly important innovation is the redesigned fourth-valve tubing.
By opening out the fourth-valve loop, Wessex has sought to improve airflow and reduce the resistance sometimes associated with traditional compensating BBb basses.
Combined with the instrument's larger bore, this provides a more open feel in the low register.
For the performer, this design aims to deliver greater freedom when playing demanding bass lines, powerful low notes and technically challenging passages.
The result is a tuba intended to combine the security and tonal characteristics of a traditional British compensating bass with the responsiveness expected of a modern professional instrument.
The TB950XP belongs to the Wessex range of individually handmade professional instruments.
Every Conqueror is handcrafted from sheet German brass rather than being produced using conventional mass-production methods.
This traditional approach to instrument manufacture allows careful attention to the construction of the instrument and contributes to its distinctive resonant character.
German brass has been selected for its suitability in producing a rich, vibrant and projecting sound.
The result is an instrument designed for musicians who appreciate the qualities of traditional handmade brass instruments without the exceptionally high prices often associated with established premium brands.
Although the Conqueror has been developed with British brass band musicians particularly in mind, its design makes it an attractive choice for a wider range of musical settings.
Its substantial tone and responsive playing characteristics make it suitable for:
For players seeking a traditional British-style BBb compensating tuba with modern improvements, the Conqueror offers a compelling combination of craftsmanship, sound and playing comfort.
The Conqueror has been developed for musicians who demand the traditional sound of a British BBb bass but want an instrument designed for modern playing requirements.
Its principal advantages include:
The Wessex TB950XP Conqueror combines the heritage of the great British brass band basses with modern innovation and exceptional handmade craftsmanship.
For the discerning musician seeking rich tone, powerful projection, comfortable handling and professional performance, the Conqueror offers an exciting alternative to traditional premium BBb compensating tubas.
Discover the Wessex Conqueror – a professional BBb bass designed to be heard, felt and enjoyed.
The Conqueror combines traditional British BBb compensating tuba design with several important improvements. These include a larger bore, redesigned fourth-valve tubing for a more open low register, improved valve positioning and a more comfortable leadpipe height.
It is also individually handmade from German brass, making it an attractive option for musicians seeking professional craftsmanship and performance.
Yes. The Conqueror has been developed specifically with the demanding requirements of British brass band musicians in mind.
Its broad, rich tone, substantial projection and compensating valve system make it suitable for serious brass band performance, including championship-level ensembles.
Yes. The TB950XP uses a four-valve compensating system, making it suitable for the traditional British brass band repertoire.
The compensating system helps correct the intonation of notes played using combinations involving the fourth valve.
The Conqueror features a graduated bore of 18.5–20 mm, larger than that of many traditional British compensating BBb tubas.
This contributes to its open playing characteristics and allows the player to produce a broad, resonant sound with substantial tonal depth.
Yes. One of the Conqueror's most important ergonomic improvements is the positioning of the fourth valve closer to the mouthpiece.
The reach is comparable to that of an EEb tuba, making it more comfortable for many players and reducing the stretching sometimes required on larger BBb instruments.
Yes. Every TB950XP Conqueror is individually handmade from sheet German brass in Wessex's specialist high-grade workshop.
This traditional construction approach is an important distinction between the Conqueror and more conventionally manufactured instruments.
The Conqueror weighs approximately 11 kg (24 lb).
Despite its substantial dimensions and powerful sound, it has been designed to remain relatively lightweight for a professional British-style BBb bass.
Absolutely. Although developed primarily for British brass band performance, the Conqueror is designed to be equally capable in concert bands, wind orchestras and brass ensembles.
Its broad tone and responsive playing characteristics make it a versatile professional instrument.
Both are professional BBb compensating tubas designed for demanding performance.
The Conqueror places particular emphasis on improved ergonomics, a comfortable fourth-valve reach, individually handmade German brass construction and an open low register.
The Leviathan is a 6/4 BBb compensating tuba, offering a different approach to instrument size and tonal character.
The best choice depends on the player's preferred sound, physical comfort and musical requirements.
Yes. The Conqueror is supplied with a protective ABS hard case incorporating wheels, making transportation and storage more convenient.
The Wessex Conqueror is offered in lacquer, silver-plated and nickel-plated finishes.
Availability and manufacturing lead times may vary depending on the selected finish.
Yes. Like other Wessex Tubas instruments, the TB950XP comes with a three-year warranty against manufacturing defects, providing additional peace of mind when purchasing a professional instrument.
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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.
