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Jupiter JTU705 3/4 BBb Tuba vs Wessex Viverna TB480P BBb Tuba

The Jupiter JTU705 is a compact 3/4 student tuba built for beginners and school programs. The Wessex TB480P Viverna is a handmade 4/4 five-valve instrument for committed players who need a full orchestral voice. The Jupiter wins on portability and easy handling; the Wessex wins on range, projection and build. Owners rate the Wessex highly, while the Jupiter's reputation rests on durability in school use.

  • Choose the Jupiter JTU705 if you are outfitting a young or smaller player who needs a light, easy-blowing tuba that travels well and survives school life.
  • Choose the Wessex TB480P Viverna if you are an advancing or adult player who needs a full 4/4 sound, a fifth valve and a handmade instrument for ensemble work.

Prices

  • Jupiter JTU705 3/4 BBb Tuba: $5,239.00 at AAA Band Instrument Rentals (last seen Nov 10)
  • Wessex Viverna TB480P BBb Tuba: $5,495.00 at Wessex Tubas (last seen Nov 10)
  • Difference: the Jupiter JTU705 3/4 BBb Tuba is $256.00 cheaper than the Wessex Viverna TB480P BBb Tuba at the latest prices (Nov 10)
Jupiter
Jupiter JTU705 3/4-Size BBb Tuba

Jupiter JTU705 3/4 BBb Tuba

Jupiter JTU705 3/4-Size BBb Tuba

$5,239.00at AAA Band Instrument RentalsChecked Nov 10
See all prices and details
Visit AAA Band Instrument Rentals
Pros
  • Compact 3/4 size suits young and smaller players
  • Light and easy to carry and transport
  • Stainless steel pistons resist corrosion and respond quickly
  • Wheeled ABS case protects the instrument in transit
  • Simple 3-valve layout is easy to learn on
Cons
  • Only three valves, so the low register is limited
  • Small bell and bore give less projection than a 4/4
  • Not built for advanced orchestral repertoire
  • Student-level construction limits long-term headroom
Wessex
Wessex TB480P “Viverna” Handmade BBb 4/4 Five-Valve Tuba

Wessex Viverna TB480P BBb Tuba

Wessex TB480P “Viverna” Handmade BBb 4/4 Five-Valve Tuba

4.7(12 ratings)
$5,495.00at Wessex TubasChecked Nov 10
See all prices and details
Visit Wessex Tubas
Pros
  • Full 4/4 sound with a 19 in gold brass bell
  • Fifth rotary valve adds low-register fingering options
  • Handmade construction with nickel slides
  • Valves positioned close for players with shorter reach
  • Rated 4.7 out of 5 by owners
Cons
  • Heavy at 27¾ lb, hard for a young player to handle
  • Large size is awkward to transport and store
  • Five valves add complexity for a beginner
  • Overkill for a first-year student

What separates them

Jupiter JTU705 3/4 BBb TubaWessex Viverna TB480P BBb Tuba
Size and weight3/4 size, compact and light for younger players4/4 size, 27¾ lb, full-size instrument
Valves3 stainless steel top-action pistons4 stainless steel pistons plus 1 rotary valve
Bell14.4 in yellow brass bell19 in gold brass bell
Bore16.8 mm leadpipe and bore19 mm valves 1-3, wider 4th and 5th
SoundFocused, clear tone that supports beginnersSubstantial, deep 4/4 voice for band and orchestra
ErgonomicsBalanced center of gravity to reduce fatigueValves placed close to the player for shorter reach
CaseABS molded case with aluminum valance and 4 wheelsHard latched wheeled case
Build and originStudent-level production instrumentHandmade high-grade production, designed with Chuck Nickles

Price history

  • Jupiter JTU705 3/4 BBb Tuba: lowest $5,239.00 on Nov 10 at AAA Band Instrument Rentals.

Prices at every store

Jupiter JTU705 3/4 BBb Tuba

  • AAA Band Instrument RentalsNew

    In stock

    $5,239.00Checked Nov 10
    Visit AAA Band Instrument Rentals
  • Guitar CenterNew

    In stock

    $5,239.00Checked Nov 10
    Visit Guitar Center
  • Heid Music CoNew

    Availability unknown

    $5,239.00Checked Nov 10
    Visit Heid Music Co
  • The Tuba ExchangeNew

    Availability unknown

    $5,239.00Checked Nov 10
    Visit The Tuba Exchange

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
All 8 stores and price history →

Wessex Viverna TB480P BBb Tuba

  • Wessex TubasNew

    In stockShips from the UK · duties may applyReturn policy

    $5,495.00Checked Nov 10
    Visit Wessex Tubas
Prices and history →

Specs compared

SpecJupiter JTU705 3/4 BBb TubaWessex Viverna TB480P BBb Tuba
Valve MaterialStainless SteelStainless steel valves
colorOther—
actual_colorLacquer—
Instrument TypeBBb Tuba—
Number Of Valves3—
Valve TypePiston, Top Action—
Bell Size14.4 in—
Bore Size16.8 mm—
Leadpipe MaterialRose Brass—
Finish TypeLacquered Finish—
Case IncludedYes—
Case TypeABS Case with Aluminum Valance and 4 wheels—
Show all 25 specsShow fewer specs
SpecJupiter JTU705 3/4 BBb TubaWessex Viverna TB480P BBb Tuba
Weight DistributionAdjusted balance—
Design ErgonomicsAdjusted center of gravity and balance to reduc…—
Design HighlightsValve section, Integrated one-piece braces—
Bell diameter—19” (480mm)
Height—35.6″ (904mm)
Valve configuration—4 piston and 1 rotary valve
Bore valves 1-3—0.748” (19mm)
Bore 4th valve—0.79" (20mm)
Bore 5th valve—0.85” (21.5mm)

What reviewers say

Jupiter JTU705 3/4 BBb Tuba

Owners and band directors describe the JTU705 as a dependable first tuba: light enough for young players, with valves that stay smooth and a tone that holds its own in a school ensemble. Most criticism centers on the limits of a three-valve 3/4 instrument rather than on faults.

What people mention
  • Size and weightPraisedPlayers say the 3/4 body is much easier for younger students to hold and carry than a full-size tuba.
  • Valve actionPraisedOwners report the stainless steel pistons stay smooth and responsive with routine maintenance.
  • TonePraisedReviewers describe a clear, focused sound that projects well in a school band setting.
  • Low registerCriticisedThe three-valve setup and smaller body limit depth and power at the bottom of the range.

Wessex Viverna TB480P BBb Tuba

  • 4.7 / 512 ratings

Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 12 ratings, the Viverna draws praise for its build and easy valve reach. Owners describe a big, warm sound that holds its own in a section.

What people mention
  • Build qualityPraisedOwners describe careful handmade construction and solid assembly.
  • Valve reachPraisedThe close valve layout is called comfortable, especially for shorter players.
  • TonePraisedPlayers report a warm, substantial 4/4 sound that fills an ensemble.

Questions and answers

Which is better for a beginner?
The Jupiter JTU705. Its 3/4 size, light weight and three valves make it easier to hold, blow and learn on. The Wessex is a full 4/4 instrument that suits players who already have control.
Which lasts longer?
The Wessex is handmade with nickel slides and a hard latched case, so it should hold up longer under serious playing. The Jupiter is built for school durability but is a student-level instrument with less headroom as a player advances.
Is the Wessex worth stepping up to?
Yes, for a player who has outgrown a student horn. The fifth valve, larger bell and wider bore open up the low register and give a fuller ensemble sound the Jupiter cannot match.
Can a smaller player reach the Wessex valves?
Wessex positions the valves close to the player specifically to help shorter reach, which is unusual for a 4/4 tuba. The Jupiter is still the easier instrument for a child to hold and carry.
Which is better for marching band?
The Jupiter. Its 3/4 size and lower weight are far more manageable on the move. The Wessex at 27¾ lb is a concert and orchestral instrument, not a marching one.
Do both come with a case?
Yes. The Jupiter ships in a molded ABS case with an aluminum valance and four wheels. The Wessex includes a hard latched wheeled case.

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  • Dillon 995 BBb Tuba vs Wessex TB480P “Viverna” Handmade BBb 4/4 Five-Valve Tuba

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best tubas
Weight
—
27¾lb (12.6kg)
Bell material—Gold brass bell (lacquer version)
Included case—hard latched wheeled case
Finish—Lacquered
  • WeightCriticisedAt around 27¾ lb it is heavy to move and carry.