Replying re:Globe Stamp Sovereign euphoniums, The horns produced a wonderful sound. The horns with soldered lead pipes generally were a bit darker than the early floating lead pipe horns. Further, the build quality of the 1974 - 1985 or so horns was also quite good. Response was not as good as modern horns and 6th partial was VERY sharp as Dave says, but I loved my 1980 Sovereign 967 and kept it for over 25 years. I regret selling it in 2007 to one of Dave's students.
As regards Dave Childs comments about "buy a 15 year old Sovereign baritone", it was answered in the following context:
1. He had been a York artist and just had switched to Besson. (2 years ago)
2. I told him I was playing a York 3056 owned by the NEBB and didn't like the "956" style 4 valve horns for all of the reasons Barry has discussed above. Plus, in comparison with old or new Besson, the valves on the York are not very good (still are not).
3. I asked him what he thought of the new Prestige 2056. He replied, "buy a 15 year old Sovereign 955". His answer was not a reflection on the quality of the Prestige, but knowing that I am primarily a euphonium player, he felt an older (not a late model English Besson of the early 2000's) Sovereign 955 would be a more cost effective choice. Of course, it is very hard to find a 3 valve 955 here in the US on the used market., They rarely come up for sale on eBay. And the 2056 is VERY expensive. (well over $5K).
Now, I have been playing the York 3056 for over 4 years as 1st baritone with the NEBB. The horn belongs to NEBB, purchased 5 years ago for the previous 1st baritone player. I believe that it was chosen with the belief that a 4 valve horn was "better" than a 3 valve. This horn has a sound and response VERY similar to an older 3 valve 955 (since it was made using the same dies), but has more pitch issues in the 3 valve fingerings since it doesn't have 3rd valve compensation. The 4th valve is VERY stuffy due to the U-turn tubing. And the compensation on the 4th valve is poor since the loops on the back are not long enough. But I do get a few more useful notes than I would with a 3 valve horn.
In the 4 years I have been playing the horn, I have learned to live with its vagaries. I have learned that the 1st valve will start to stick if it becomes the least bit dirty, dry, or acquires any "plaque" from long use. I make sure I thoroughly clean valves and lead pipe often and I oil frequently. I have also stayed on top of maintenance, rinsing the entire horn and purchasing new felts and dampers from England once a year. All in all, it clearly is a professional quality horn that can produce a great sound, but requires a lot of work and attention to precise detail to play well. Alternate fingerings for correct intonation and attention to embouchure for centered and relaxed tone is a must.
Last edited by daruby; 05-03-2013 at 09:41 PM.
Adams E3 0.60 Sterling bell - Prototype top sprung valves
Concord Band
Winchendon Winds
Townsend Military Band