Originally Posted by
ChristianeSparkle
I am sorry for derailing the thread into the whole discussion about what constitutes an "Intermediate" horn and a "professional" horn. Just brought it out because it was a discussion I had just some time ago and I was rather confused/fascinating to hear someone say that many of the horns are considered "intermediate" to that person. Aside from price, he said he can perceive a significant difference in workmanship and the sound that comes out of the horns to classify them as such (e.g. between Neo and Customs/Adams/Geneva OldRoy/Miraphone. Anyway, apologies!
Returning to the topic at hand, I've noticed people have been bringing up the leadpipe placement on the Customs, is it possible (or even easy), for any technicians to re-adjust the leadpipe if, say, we bring it to a workshop?
It all depends on location. In some areas, where they are BIG on band instruments and big on spending on them, they consider anything not top of the line to be "intermediate". So trombone players with "just" a Bach 42BO? nope you gotta have an Edwards or Shires or Rath. In high school. So when they see that there is a Euphonium that is appreciably more expensive, well that means it's gotta be better, and that the other one must be "intermediate".
These are people unfamiliar with things such as the law of diminishing returns, and also Custom/Artisan vs professional. As many say, "you make it professional".
Regarding the leadpipe, I guess it would depend on how it is attached. Most of the horns I see now have "floating" leadpipes, while my Sterling has a leadpipe that is soldered the whole length to the bell almost. Floating would definitely be easier to move, BUT would definitely entail bending the pipe a bit. Also there's that whole thing with silver plating and solder work, which can be annoying.
Sterling / Perantucci 1065HGS Euphonium, 1952 B&H Imperial Eb Tuba, and a bunch of trombones.