Cheap Euphs
I cannot verify the accuracy of this, but from what I can tell in looking at these cheaper stencils (there appear to be new names popping up every week) they appear to be made using the same designs. The ferrules, valves, bracing, all appear to be identical. I think I read somewhere here or the Tubenet that one or two factories are churning out all of these horns. I bought a stencil copy of the Dillon 3+1 non-comp several years ago for $350 plus shipping. It appears to be the exact same horn as the Dillon horn I've played at the Army conference. Although it is on the stuffier side, it has a nice, dark, euphonium tone.
Two months ago I bought what I'm convinced is a new rebranded stencil of the Tuba Exchange compensator for $800 on ebay. In addition, like the Tuba Exchange, it appears to be copying the Yamaha 642....the valve tops, curves of the tubing, tuning slides, valve felts, EVERYTHING appears to be based off the 642....my tendonitis even came back like it did with the 642. I know a local player who has an original 642 and one of the JK pieces I've been thinking about trying...when I go to see him in a week or so, I will report back a comparison. But this stenciled compensator certainly reminds me a lot of the fine 642 from my memory. Like the 642, I struggle a little with the high C above high Bb (the infamous B-natural isn't so bad oddly enough with the 2nd valve in either horn). Like the 642, this issue is remedied with use of the 4th valve for the High C. Even the valves appear to be the same as the Yamaha with the gold brass ports in the valves. The compensating register reminds me of the 642. Overall, this instrument is 95-98% as good as my Willson 2900 with the large shank. The brass finish isn't quite as refined and beautiful as you would expect for a premium instrument. The valve springs don't have the plastic coating that Yamaha uses, and tend to be a little noiser than I remember with the 642. But, for the money, I don't think you can do better. I don't plan on using this for fancy solos because of my tendonitis, but I have been using this for general playing. Two enthusiastic thumbs up!
- Scott
Euphoniums: Dillon 967, Monzani MZEP-1150S, Dillon 1067 (kid’s horn)
Bass Trombones: Greenhoe GB5-3G, Getzen 1052FDR, JP232
King Jiggs P-bone