Wessex TB162 BBb Mini Jazz Tuba

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Regular price $2,750.00
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Planned Delivery: Late January 2027

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Small in size. Big on personality.

Give your bass line a voice that reaches the audience. The Wessex TB162 BB♭ Mini Jazz Tuba brings together a compact body, a forward-facing bell and the familiar depth of a BB♭ tuba—an appealing combination for jazz groups, street bands and musicians who want less instrument to carry between gigs.

Developed from the Wessex TB160 Mighty Midget, the TB162 features a substantially larger bell to give this small tuba greater presence in performance. Its distinctive design makes it a natural companion for lively ensembles, intimate venues and music on the move.

Put your sound in front of the audience

The forward-facing bell directs your sound towards listeners, helping the bass line speak clearly in small-group settings. From rhythmic accompaniment to a featured solo, the TB162 brings the tuba into the conversation.

Less bulk, more freedom

A compact instrument can make a real difference when negotiating a crowded stage, loading the car or carrying equipment to a rehearsal. The TB162 is a practical option for players seeking a smaller performing instrument or a useful addition alongside their main tuba.

Details that make gigging easier

Harness attachment hooks allow you to use a suitable support strap when standing, while the bell-mounted “duck leg” provides an additional holding point. A locking catch helps prevent the main tuning slide from being accidentally pushed inward as you handle the instrument.

Solid nickel valve levers and Wyvern-engraved valve caps complete its distinctive appearance.

Ready for the next performance

The TB162 comes with a mouthpiece and a rectangular, zippered case with a handle and wheels. The compatible Wessex B162 gig bag is available separately for players who prefer a soft carrying option.

Bring character to your bass line—and take a smaller tuba to your next gig.

Key features

  • Forward-facing bell: directs sound towards your audience.

  • Compact BB♭ design: familiar pitch in a smaller package.

  • Manageable 5.8kg instrument weight: appealing for regular transport and standing performances.

  • 285mm bell and 15mm bore: a performance-focused development of the Mighty Midget concept.

  • Harness attachment hooks: accommodate a suitable support strap.

  • Bell-mounted holding support: an additional point of contact when handling the instrument.

  • Main tuning slide locking catch: helps preserve your slide setting.

  • Solid nickel valve levers.

  • Wyvern-engraved valve caps.

  • Wheeled, zippered case and mouthpiece included.

  • Lacquer or silver-plated finish.

  • Compatible B162 gig bag available separately.

Specifications

Specification Details
Key BB♭
Bell diameter 285mm / 11¼ inches
Bore 15mm / 0.59 inches
Instrument height Approximately 69cm / 27 inches
Instrument weight Approximately 5.8kg / 12.8lb
Weight including case Approximately 12.25kg / 27lb
Case dimensions 33 × 17 × 14 inches
Finishes Lacquer or silver-plated
Included accessories Mouthpiece and wheeled zippered case
Compatible optional gig bag Wessex B162

Frequently asked questions

Who is the TB162 designed for?

The TB162 is particularly suited to jazz groups, street bands and smaller ensembles where a compact instrument and forward-facing projection are useful. It also makes an appealing second tuba for players who want a more manageable instrument for selected gigs.

Is it a full-pitch BB♭ tuba?

Yes. “Mini” describes its compact physical design. The TB162 is pitched in BB♭, allowing BB♭ tuba players to retain their familiar basic fingerings.

What makes it different from the TB160 Mighty Midget?

The TB162 is based on the Mighty Midget design but uses a larger, forward-facing bell. It places greater emphasis on ensemble performance and projection, while the TB160 prioritises an especially compact travel format.

Why choose a forward-facing bell?

It directs the sound towards the audience, which can be particularly useful in jazz groups, street performances and venues where listeners are directly in front of the musicians.

Can I play the TB162 standing up?

Yes. Attachment hooks allow a suitable harness or support strap to help support the instrument during standing performances. Choose a strap and playing position that suit your build.

Can it replace a larger tuba?

That depends on your ensemble and repertoire. Its compact design is attractive for smaller groups and mobile performances; a larger tuba may be preferable when you need greater tonal breadth and reserve for a large ensemble.

Is it suitable as airline cabin baggage?

Do not assume it will qualify. The supplied case measures 33 × 17 × 14 inches, so check the airline’s instrument policy and baggage limits before travelling.

What is included?

A mouthpiece and a rectangular, zippered case with a handle and wheels are supplied. The compatible B162 gig bag is available separately.

Which finishes can I choose?

The TB162 is available in lacquer and silver-plated finishes.

Taxes and Delivery Costs

Place item in cart to check final price. The cart will not be processed until you reach the payment page. If you are ordering from the UK or US any relevant Taxes will be included & shown in the cart. For other destinations you will receive notice from the courier on import for any taxes and duties due to your local customs authorities.

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.

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