Sorry in advance for my long-windedness! Here's my situation...
I'm looking for a used euphonium to play in my church's orchestra. Right now I'm primarily a bass clarinet/clarinet player, but the brass section is pretty skimpy and since I played euphonium in college I thought I could help out (I'm pretty sure I played a compensating Besson, but I can't remember for sure - I'm only sure about the 3+1 valve placement and that the pitch was good in the lower register).
I'm looking for an instrument that I can grow into and then mature with (rather than needing/wanting to get another instrument a few years from now if I feel I can no longer grow with the one I have) and one that will have some resale value if that becomes neccessary later. Based on the research I've done so far, I would like to get a compensating instrument made by a good company (Yamaha, Besson, Willson, - or Meinl Weston? How are these?). Additionally, I was hoping to be able to work out some sort of "play before pay" deal. I also have not been able as of yet to go to any music stores and try out any models for various reasons, the biggest being that there are actually shockingly few band/orchestra retailers in the city of Chicago.
Here's the main issue: money (isn't it always?) I don't feel I'm able spend more than $2000 - and this limit was just adjusted up out of apparent neccessity after doing my initial research. Is there an instrument out there for me to meet my criteria? Or would it be better to settle for a non-compensating instrument that is more likely to fall into my price range?
Please, answer one and answer all! Thank you!