How rare is the Double Belled Euphonium?

[Uber-Brass-Boy]

Hello,
I recently purchased a Double Belled Euphonium and I would like to ask they experts (you guys) how rares they are?

Thank you for any insight possible.

[davewerden]

That's a hard question to answer. They are rare, but several have shown up for sale in recent history (look at the "For Sale / Wanted to Buy" section). However, some of those are repeat attempts to sell. Because they are rare, the owner(s) may have elevated expectations about the market value. That's understandable because there is no "Blue Book" that I'm aware of where you can look up prices.

I think the last models were produced in the 1960's, which means they had roughly 60 years of production. Holton, Buescher, Conn, and King are the most common brands, although there are several others, including a few Bessons. The last valve on each horn switches bells. They were made in 4-valve and 5-valve models. Most of them were American style, with front valves. The little bell was almost always curved (and adjustable) and the large bell was made straight or curved. Conn also offered some with short-action valves.

Rumor has it that at least one of the current Chinese clone companies is considering making new ones in the next year or two.

[davewerden]

Here are some examples for sale right now:

4-valve Conn, not quite ready to play:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Conn...item3aaa936097

Nice 5-valve Conn:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-1937-CO...item2800085e1b

Conn 4-valve:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/c-g-conn-dou...item3cfa2e682a

King 5-valve:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-King...item27ffcd1e7d

Conn 4-valve:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/tres-rare-Eu...item2a516a25db

[Uber-Brass-Boy]

Thank you,
Yes the last models where made about 50 years ago. My Double Belled Euphonium is from 1905-1910 we are unsure of an exact date as of now. It is a N.H White "The King". I have done a little research, but this is more than I already now.

Thanks

[davewerden]

You might find this page interesting if you have not seen it yet:

http://www.hnwhite.com/Euphoniums%20and%20Baritones.htm

[DaveBj]

*snip*

Rumor has it that at least one of the current Chinese clone companies is considering making new ones in the next year or two.

I would buy one. Seriously. Are you listening, Jinbao execs?

[Mederlock]

If Wessex or Mack Brass put out a double bell euphonium but made it like a British style 3+1 valve layout horn, but maybe do 4+1, I would buy it as fast as I could

[Uber-Brass-Boy]

Yes i have seen this site and i have contacted the company about this horn. I am still awaiting a response. Weird question but what would be a good price to insure it at?

Thanks

UBB

[davewerden]

If Wessex or Mack Brass put out a double bell euphonium but made it like a British style 3+1 valve layout horn, but maybe do 4+1, I would buy it as fast as I could

For my own taste, I'd prefer a front-valve American-style horn with 5 valves. That's the most commonly-seen style in old photos, so there is some history. And that configuration enables some (non-traditional) effects as well. Here is a "sneak peek" at a video that is not yet publicly findable on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/Izufz3geg-w

[Mederlock]

For my own taste, I'd prefer a front-valve American-style horn with 5 valves. That's the most commonly-seen style in old photos, so there is some history. And that configuration enables some (non-traditional) effects as well. Here is a "sneak peek" at a video that is not yet publicly findable on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/Izufz3geg-w

Wow, thanks for sharing! Not going to lie, that video has inspired me that I need to get a double bell Euph for jazz in a year or two into my music studies at university.

[Pat]

I understand the novelty of the design, but I just can't imagine where I'd play a double-belled horn.

[Uber-Brass-Boy]

John Philips SOusa and other composers wrote solos for them. But these parts are very rare.

[johan]

woww, that's very special, if i ever come across one of these i certainly will consider it!
Thx a lot for sharing!

[DaveBj]

Okay, Dave, that put the "oo-oo-oo" in "coo-oo-ool"!