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Wessex Viverna TB480P BBb Tuba vs Yamaha YBB-105 BBb Tuba

Buy the Wessex Viverna if you play in a serious band or orchestra and want a full 4/4 BBb sound with a fifth valve for the low register. Buy the Yamaha YBB-105 if you are starting out, play in a school band, or need a lighter horn that can convert for marching. The Wessex is the more capable instrument: bigger bell, larger bore, five valves and a wheeled hard case. The Yamaha is simpler and lighter, with three valves and a 3/4 body that suits younger players. Owners of the Viverna rate it well, though the sample of ratings is small.

  • Choose the Wessex Viverna if you want a full-size 4/4 BBb with a rotary fifth valve, a 19-inch gold brass bell and a wheeled hard case for band or orchestral work.
  • Choose the Yamaha YBB-105 if you are a beginner or a school player who wants a light 3/4 tuba with three valves and a leadpipe that converts for marching.

Prices

  • Wessex Viverna TB480P BBb Tuba: $5,495.00 at Wessex Tubas (last seen Nov 10)
  • Yamaha YBB-105 BBb Tuba: $2,336.97 at SHOP (last seen Nov 10)
  • Difference: the Yamaha YBB-105 BBb Tuba is $3,158.03 cheaper than the Wessex Viverna TB480P BBb Tuba at the latest prices (Nov 10)
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-inch gold brass bell
  • Fifth rotary valve opens up low-register fingering options
  • Ventilated stainless steel pistons and nickel slides
  • Valves sit close to the player for shorter reach
  • Wheeled hard case makes a heavy horn manageable
Cons
  • Heavy at about 27.75 lb
  • Handmade small-batch build means fewer service points than Yamaha
  • Only 12 ratings so far
  • Overkill for a beginner or a marching band
Yamaha
Yamaha YBB-105 BBb 3/4

Yamaha YBB-105 BBb Tuba

Yamaha YBB-105 BBb 3/4

$2,336.97at SHOPChecked Nov 10
See all prices and details
Visit SHOP
Pros
  • Light 3/4 body is easy for younger players to hold
  • Simple three-valve layout is quick to learn
  • Convertible leadpipe allows marching setup
  • Yamaha student instruments are widely serviced and repaired
  • Clear lacquer finish over yellow brass
Cons
  • Three valves limit fingering choices in the low register
  • Small 14 3/8-inch bell gives less low-end weight
  • 0.661-inch bore is small for large ensemble work
  • Not built for orchestral or heavy band repertoire

What separates them

Wessex Viverna TB480P BBb TubaYamaha YBB-105 BBb Tuba
Size and voice4/4 body with a 19-inch bell for a broad, authoritative low end3/4 body with a 14 3/8-inch bell, lighter and more compact
ValvesFour stainless steel pistons plus a rotary fifth valveThree top-action pistons
Bore0.748-inch valves 1-3, stepping up to 0.85 inch on the fifth0.661-inch bore throughout
WeightAbout 27.75 lb, heavy to carry but comes with a wheeled hard caseNoticeably lighter 3/4 build, easier for younger players
Marching useBuilt for seated band and orchestral playingConvertible leadpipe lets it be set up for marching
CaseHard latched case with wheelsCase included, standard for the model
Finish and materialsLacquered gold brass bell, nickel slidesClear-lacquered yellow brass body
Track recordHandmade, small production run, 4.7 out of 5 from 12 ratingsLong-running Yamaha student model with a wide service base

Price history

  • Yamaha YBB-105 BBb Tuba: lowest $5,604.99 on Nov 10 at Guitar Center.

Prices at every store

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 →

Yamaha YBB-105 BBb Tuba

  • SHOPNew

    In stockShips from Israel · duties may applyReturn policy

    $2,336.97Checked Nov 10
    Visit SHOP
  • Guitar CenterNew

    In stock

    $5,604.99Free shippingChecked Nov 10
    Visit Guitar Center
  • Musician's FriendNew

    In stock

    $5,604.99Checked Nov 10
    Visit Musician's Friend

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 3 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecWessex Viverna TB480P BBb TubaYamaha YBB-105 BBb Tuba
Bell diameter19” (480mm)366mm (14 3/8")
Height35.6″ (904mm)827mm
FinishLacqueredClear lacquer
Valve configuration4 piston and 1 rotary valve—
Bore valves 1-30.748” (19mm)—
Bore 4th valve0.79" (20mm)—
Bore 5th valve0.85” (21.5mm)—
Weight27¾lb (12.6kg)—
Bell materialGold brass bell (lacquer version)—
Valve materialStainless steel valves—
Included casehard latched wheeled case—
Body—Yellow brass
Show all 17 specsShow fewer specs
SpecWessex Viverna TB480P BBb TubaYamaha YBB-105 BBb Tuba
Bore Size—16.8mm (0.661")
Valves—3 top pistons
Mouthpiece—BB-67
Case—Included
Leadpipe—convertable leadpipe for marching

What reviewers say

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.
  • WeightCriticisedAt around 27¾ lb it is heavy to move and carry.

Yamaha YBB-105 BBb Tuba

Owners and teachers describe the YBB-105 as a reliable, easy-blowing first tuba that holds tune well for its class and survives school use. Most criticism centers on its limits as a three-valve 3/4 instrument rather than on defects.

What people mention
  • PlayabilityPraisedOwners say it responds easily and is comfortable for beginners to hold and blow.
  • BuildPraisedReviewers describe it as sturdy and able to withstand school band handling.
  • ValvesMixedThe three top pistons are easy to reach but slower and more limited than front-action or four-valve setups.
  • SizeMixedThe 3/4 body is easy to carry but gives less volume and depth than a full-size tuba.

Questions and answers

Which is better for a beginner?
The Yamaha YBB-105. Its 3/4 size and three valves are easier to handle and learn on, and the lighter body suits younger players. The Viverna is a full 4/4 horn aimed at committed players.
Which has the fuller sound?
The Wessex Viverna. Its 4/4 body, 19-inch gold brass bell and larger bore give more depth and projection than the Yamaha's 3/4 body and 14 3/8-inch bell.
Is the fifth valve worth stepping up to?
Yes if you play low-register band or orchestral parts. The rotary fifth valve gives alternate fingerings and better intonation down low. If you mostly play mid-range band music, three valves are enough.
Which is easier to carry?
The Yamaha. It is a much lighter 3/4 instrument. The Viverna weighs about 27.75 lb, though its hard case has wheels to help.
Can either be used for marching?
The Yamaha can. Its leadpipe converts for marching. The Viverna is designed for seated band and orchestral playing and is too heavy for marching.
Which lasts longer?
Both hold up with care. The Viverna uses stainless steel pistons and nickel slides, which resist wear. The Yamaha is a proven student model with a wide repair network, so parts and service are easy to find.

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