I've taken up euphonium playing only recently- about 18 months ago.
I was given a vintage euphonium to see if I like it before buying my own. It's a Boosey and Hawkes Imperial Model Serial Number 158477
My problems are:
1. It uses a Kosikup 3 mouthpiece which I've seen mentioned on this forum. Generations of players have worn the plating right through to the brass. The edges of the plating are rough which leads to discomfort after a bit of playing. i've ground the rough edges smooth with much improvement in comfort, but is brass safe to press to the lips an hour(+) a day?
2. I find that the high notes are eluding me so far. I'd like to eventually play some of the euphonium solos in the repertoire eg the Holst Suite in F.
I find the discussion of mouthpieces quite confusing, and I don't want to go to the considerable expense of buying a replacement for the old mouthpiece only to find that it's no better or even worse.
Maybe I should be more patient in developing skill and strength? I'm 65, so maybe it'll take me longer than for a younger person. I might even have to accept that I'll never achieve the range I would like.
So what to do? Should I pension off the old instrument (which has become my daily companion) and save up of a new one? But which one? Or should I I try a new mouthpiece?
Thanks for any and all comments.