Wessex BBb Travel Tuba (tornister tuba) ‘Mighty Midget’ – TB160

The Wessex Mighty Midget TB160 is a unique BBb travel tuba designed for players who want genuine tuba performance in an exceptionally compact and portable instrument.

Inspired by the historic Tornister tuba – literally a “backpack tuba” – used by Austro-Hungarian military bands around the turn of the 20th century, the Mighty Midget takes this ingenious concept and brings it into the modern age. Unlike the original instruments, the TB160 features four valves , giving the player the flexibility and range expected from a modern BBb tuba.

At just 52 cm (20”) tall and 5.2 kg (11 lb 7 oz) , the Mighty Midget is dramatically smaller and lighter than a conventional full-size tuba. Yet its compact dimensions are deceptive. The TB160 produces a warm, surprisingly full tuba tone with excellent projection , allowing it to provide a genuine bass foundation rather than simply behaving like an oversized euphonium.

A real tuba that travels

The TB160 is ideal for musicians who regularly travel with their instrument. Its compact dimensions make it considerably easier to transport through airports, on public transport, in cars or even by bicycle than a conventional BBb tuba.

It is equally useful as a compact practice tuba for musicians with limited space, including players living in apartments, students or professionals who want an instrument that can be kept readily available without the size and storage requirements of a traditional tuba.

Its light weight also makes the Mighty Midget an excellent choice for standing performances, marching, outdoor playing and mobile gigs , where carrying a full-size tuba can quickly become tiring.