WTB: Great Baritone for 9 year old girl

[SusanHoo]

Hello All!
I'm actually a trombone player, as is my 11 year old daughter. My nine year old is starting band and wants to play a baritone. I'd rather buy her one than rent, as reading music is a requirement in this house, and in the long run it will be less expensive to buy than rent. Plus I have two younger still children who I hope will be brass players down the line. Anyway, I'd like to get my daughter a great starter horn that will be of good quality, but nothing too fine or complicated. It would have to be in very good cosmetic condition and a good player. I'm thinking of a Yamaha 301S or something equivalent. If anyone has anything to sell that might fit the bill, please let me know.

Thank you so much!

SusanHoo
Massachusetts

[DaTweeka]

I have a Yamaha 321S for sale for $1,200. PM me if you're interested!

[davewerden]

Are you sure she wants a baritone? The 301S is a true baritone horn, such as you always find in British-style brass bands. However, they are VERY seldom used in wind bands / concert bands. What many call "baritones" in a concert band would actually be classified as euphoniums. See this article:
Baritone vs. Euphonium

If you want a 3-valve instrument, the YEP-201 is a good euphonium. And DaTweeka's YEP 321 is a 4-valve version of that horn. If you are familiar with 3-valve brasses, you know they are a bit sharp on the 13 combination and nearly a quarter tone sharp on 123. The 4th valve would give you good choices to play in tune through the entire standard range of the horn. The YEP 201/321 instruments are excellent choices for school situations. They play well and are built well. ANY repair shop is familiar with them.

So am I on track, or do you really seek a baritone?

FWIW, here is the Yamaha line-up of euphoniums:
http://usa.yamaha.com/products/music...ds/euphoniums/

[SusanHoo]

Honestly, I would prefer to have a euphonium because I think it would last her longer if she really likes the instrument, and because of the intonation issues of which you speak. I just didn't know if it would be "too much" for a 75 pound nine-year old inexperienced player. WHat do you think? Would sincerely love to hear your opinion!

[davewerden]

Given her small size, a 321 could be a lot too handle. They are not especially light, and of course the 4th valve and its associated tubing add quite a bit of weight. Another option would be either a used American bell-front euphonium (with 3 valves) or a new Yamaha 211:
http://www.wwbw.com/Yamaha-YEP-211-S...-i1433742.wwbw

The shape of this design is easier for small folks to handle, and it still pretty common in school bands. She can probably get by with 3 valves for quite a while. A lot of students I've seen play 3 valves until around 9th or 10th grade.

A used sample would be like this one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1963-Conn-Eu...item20d7ac1557

The short-action valves would be easier for small hands. although standard valves would not be a problem for her. The Conns are fairly light and play nicely, with a very good tone for the genre.

Or the King line is also very good. This one appears to be brand new:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/King-Euphoni...torefresh=true

Lots to think about! A factor not to be overlooked is how a shiny new horn will affect her attitude. With some students, a used, somewhat worn horn will lessen their enthusiasm toward playing. With others it will not be much of a factor.

[davewerden]

Here's a nicely-restored Conn 3-valve. Buy-it-Now price is $695:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CONN-BARITON...item338573eeb4

[davewerden]

And here is an Olds 3-valve, also restored by the same shop. The Olds would have a little more focused sound than the Conn, while the Conn would be a little sweeter.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/OLDS-BARITON...item338507a783

[SusanHoo]

Thank you Dave! I have a line on a Yamaha 211 from the seventies or 80s from Doug Eliott that seems to be in great condition, so that's where I'm leaning now. HOpefully that will fit her nicely. really appreciate all of your feedback!

Susan

[SusanHoo]

...but I may just get a four valve to learn to play on myself!

[Northernlowbrass]

I have sent you a pm, I have a couple of instruments that would work for your daughter. You can check them out at www.northernlowbrass.webs.com or email at northernlowbrass@yahoo.com

Thanks,