Euph Suggestions.

[tkernea04]

Hi all, I'm currently a student in High School and was wondering what some good brands are for a euph if I were to purchase one? Thanks in advance!

[dsurkin]

Hi all, I'm currently a student in High School and was wondering what some good brands are for a euph if I were to purchase one? Thanks in advance!

There's a wealth of information in this forum on various makes and models. I think you should consider your budget and how serious you are - is this to be an instrument to carry you through a college music program. My perception is that there are three budget levels: $1,000 to $2,000, $3,000 to $4,000, and $7,000 to $10,000. People with better knowledge should chime in. Within each budget level, there are fine horns. I know that my euphonium, which cost me just under $1,000, has been serving me well in a community band. My section mates play Yamaha and Besson (two top-level horns), and within the limits of my ability, the tone blends in well.

[mbrooke]

Hi all, I'm currently a student in High School and was wondering what some good brands are for a euph if I were to purchase one? Thanks in advance!

In the post above, Dean makes very good points. Also, are you just looking at new horns or would you consider pre-owned (sounds better than used)?

Mike

[tkernea04]

Have no preference over used or new

[davewerden]

Can you tell us...

What is your budget?

Are you going on to music in college?

What are your plans for playing after college?

[tbonesullivan]

What kind of Euphonium are you currently playing, and what is your level of experience?

For people starting out, can't go wrong with finding a used Yamaha YEP-321.

[tkernea04]

Can you tell us...

What is your budget?

Are you going on to music in college?

What are your plans for playing after college?

Unsure of my exact budget, but i'm planning on studying to become a band director in the future

[tkernea04]

What kind of Euphonium are you currently playing, and what is your level of experience?

For people starting out, can't go wrong with finding a used Yamaha YEP-321.

Currently playing a school owned Besson, unsure of what model exactly, and i've been playing since the 6th grade if that gives anything.

[davewerden]

The suggestion above for a Yamaha 321 is a good suggestion and generally considered "safe" for anyone who does not want to be a pro player or serious soloist.

Having said that, there are some newer (often original) solos that really benefit from a compensating system. Plus your Besson MAY be compensating. If it is 4-valve and compensating, it will have an extra set of slides coming from the rear of each of valve 1, 2, 3. If you are used to a horn like that, the 321 may feel limiting.

The King 2280 is also a safe choice. It is non-comp, like the 321, but uses a large shank mouthpiece and has a bigger sound. There are well-priced examples of each in our For Sale section right now:

http://www.dwerden.com/forum/forumdi...-Wanted-to-Buy

[Arnbone Euph]

Suggest the John Packer JP274S euphonium. Can be bought new in the $1500 range (such as through DF Music). Some colleges, including Ole Miss, list is as an acceptable low-priced pro-level horn.

[tkernea04]

The suggestion above for a Yamaha 321 is a good suggestion and generally considered "safe" for anyone who does not want to be a pro player or serious soloist.

Having said that, there are some newer (often original) solos that really benefit from a compensating system. Plus your Besson MAY be compensating. If it is 4-valve and compensating, it will have an extra set of slides coming from the rear of each of valve 1, 2, 3. If you are used to a horn like that, the 321 may feel limiting.

The King 2280 is also a safe choice. It is non-comp, like the 321, but uses a large shank mouthpiece and has a bigger sound. There are well-priced examples of each in our For Sale section right now:

http://www.dwerden.com/forum/forumdi...-Wanted-to-Buy

The Besson model I play currently is compensating, and I believe it may be an older sovereign model, but i'm unsure on that one.

[tbonesullivan]

The Besson model I play currently is compensating, and I believe it may be an older sovereign model, but i'm unsure on that one.

In that case, I would decide on a budget, and look for a used compensating euphonium. There are a good number of Besson horns from the past 50 or so years floating around. Dillon Music had a few several months ago, around 2000-2500, but they are all now sold. If you need to upgrade later, you'll get much more of a return on the investment than from buying a step up horn.

[guidocorona]

Hello BoneSullivan, a reasonably priced alternative to the multi-decade used Besson option may be the upcoming Wessex Sinfonico EP600H. This is a new hand-made eupo designed by Wessex and manufactured by hand in China.

The instrument is discussed at:

http://www.dwerden.com/forum/showthr...o#.XeqHwpDtzed

AEP600 is priced at $2995 for February 2020 deliveries, and you will find its home page at:

https://wessex-tubas.com/collections...nfonico-ep600h

David Werden's early impressions of a Sinfonico prototype are at:

http://www.dwerden.com/forum/entry.p...Made-Euphonium

Regards, G.

[davewerden]

I agree with the 2 suggestions above. Either a used compensating instrument or the new Wessex will satisfy you better if you have been playing a Besson (especially a Sovereign).

One of our members has a used York in the For Sale section. The might also suit you, because it was the "next phase" of original Besson production, so to speak.