Wessex · Professional (specialty)
Wessex EP105P 'Duplex'
A modern fully compensating double-bell euphonium, pairing 300 mm euphonium and removable 216 mm trombone bells with a fifth piston that switches the air path.
Provenance under review. Reported as China, but the country of manufacture is not yet independently cited — the maker's page does not state one.
Specifications
| Model | EP105P Duplex |
|---|---|
| Line | Professional (specialty) |
| Tier | Professional |
| Price band | $$$ |
| Pitch | Bb |
| Valves | 5 — 4 compensated pistons + bell-switch piston |
| Compensating | Yes |
| Bore | 15–16.8 mm |
| Bell | 300 / 216 mm · gold brass (euphonium bell) |
| Leadpipe | large-shank receiver |
| Valves material | stainless steel |
| Weight | 5.85 kg |
| Finishes | lacquer, silver plate with gold accents |
| Options | removable trombone bell |
The verdict
The EP105P revives the American double-bell euphonium as a modern compensating instrument. Four pistons operate the 15.0-to-16.8 mm playing bore; a fifth piston routes the sound to either a 300 mm euphonium bell or a removable 216 mm trombone-style bell. Both bells are in B-flat, so the switch changes voice rather than transposition.
This is not merely a visual curiosity. The contrasting bells can give a soloist two colours without changing instruments, and Wessex lets the smaller bell detach and store inside the large bell for transport. But the Duplex weighs 5.85 kg before the case enters the conversation. Buy it for repertoire and performances that benefit from the second voice—not just because it is the most unusual horn in the room.
- Who it's for
- Soloists, historical-instrument enthusiasts, theatre players, and adventurous performers who can make genuine musical use of two contrasting bell voices in one instrument.
- Known for
- Being Wessex's exclusive modern take on the American Duplex: four compensating playing valves, a fifth bell-switch valve, two B-flat bells, and transport storage for the removable trombone bell.
- Watch out
- At 5.85 kg it is far heavier and more specialized than a conventional euphonium. The extra bell, switch valve, balance, and transport routine all deserve an in-person trial before its novelty becomes part of the buying decision.
Manufacturer's specification page ↗
Supporting sources