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Engelbert Schmid Wagner Tubas

Wagner tubas are a Johnny-come-lately to the orchestra. They were originally developed by Richard Wagner for use in his operas and have been used by composers as diverse as Anton Bruckner, Arnold Schönberg and Edgard Varèse. An uncomfortable compromise between a horn and a tenor tuba with wildly errant intonation and unevenness, the Wagner tuba has in the past been notoriously difficult to play.

This situation has changed in modern times. Engelbert Schmid has reexamined the Wagner tuba and produced a line of instruments that are comfortable to hold and to play, are marked by accurate intonation, and which produce the  characteristic tonal color that Wagner demanded.  Today's Wagner tubas are being used not only in traditional music but also in jazz and in film scores.

Engelbert Schmid makes single tubas in Bb and F and a double tuba. The tuba quartet normally includes two instruments in Bb and two in F. The double tuba can fill both these rolls. Three bell sizes are offered as well as gold brass and lacquer. Note that the bell points to the left. That puts the valve levers on the small side of the bell branch making the grip much more horn-like and comfortable. The bell direction also improves the ability of the players to hear each other.

 

WT1 Wagner Tuba  in Bb	$9,850		WT2 Double Wagner Tuba in F/Bb	$13,125		WT3 Wagner Tuba in F	$12,250
Small or Medium Bell			Small or Medium Bell			Large Bell
Gold Brass	$ 985		Gold Brass	$ 1,315		Gold Brass	$ 1,225
Lacquer	$ 625		Lacquer	$ 625		Lacquer	$ 625
Case	$ 750		Case	$ 750		Case	$ 750

All Schmid Wagner tubas are built to order. Delivery is normally five-to-six months from date of order.
To order  please email or call us. Prices are current as of March 14, 2008 and are guaranteed for thirty days.

See Also:  Custom Horn Purchasing at Osmun Music and the Engelbert Schmid web site.

PHONE: 1 (781) 646-5756

FAX: 1 (781) 646-2480

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