Besson 968 vs. Yamaha 642
okay, so here's my predicament. I'm a great highschool player that always gives his best, i've become drum major of my band and it's my senior year. I'm a good euphonium player so i have no problem making it in the all region band or taking a solo to state. The problem for me is my instrument is some no-name brand that holds me back. last year there was 1 professional euphonium (yamaha 642) in the AAA all state tryouts i went to, and he's made it 2 out of 3 years he's tried out, and another guy from his school has to because they have the same euphonium. everyone else including myself has some random cheap brand or a king 2280/ yamaha 321. The tryouts had fairly easy music (especially given the months of preparation we were given) and if you were a descent euphonium player with good tone that could make it to that level, you sounded like everyone else without a professional euphonium. I'm limited by my instrument and have been wanting a pro euphonium for several years now. I have done much research and considered what i want and even have made a payment plan so it can work.
My current Euphonium: here's a look http://www.musicalinstrumenthaven.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=292 good sides about the instrument. It has a preferable valve style (3 +1 on side), large shank and bore for bigger sound than the 321s, and it's CHEAP. reasons why i don't like it: The valves shortly turned colors they shouldn't (corrosive, i don't expect them to last another year), non compensating, and it doesn't have that professional tone quality that i desire.
What I want out of my new Euphonium: Well most importantly tone quality, compensating, 3+1 valve system, large shank, not too large bore/bell (for solo work), silver, and below 6,000$.
Yamaha 642: About 500$ cheaper. Superior intonation. "The best bang-for-your-buck euphonium."
Besson 968: I've heard many good things about Sovereigns recently, i've even read a review about a new 967 that said, "This horn is LIGHT YEARS better than my old 642, and truly has made me a better player simply from switching." From what i hear, some major improvements have been made on the Sovereigns in the past few years. Also, the 968 is aimed more at solo work than the 642 is because of bore and bell size.
I've done TONS of research for a long time and have narrowed down my choices and after i looked into Sovereigns, It's looking to be the preferrable option. What I lack is hands-on experience with the two, if you can give me some feedback, it would be greatly appreciated!
Euphonium player with the Houston Brass Band
Willson 2950
Gidding & Webster EXL