Hi, I'm looking for a euph of my own to get but I have a couple questions. I am currently in high school and would like to get my own horn, one that compensates, but one that is also inexpensive.
I've been hearing some really good things on the Mack Brass Euphs, the Wessex Dolce, and the Schiller Elites so they're at the top of the list of the euphs I might get. However, there seems to be mixed emotions on their durability and that's one of my biggest concerns. Our band does go on several trips throughout the year and I don't want to get something that could be easily damaged on the bus or the bus' undercarriage. There is also a very tight squeeze in the band room so I would like something that can handle a few minor bangs. So I would appreciate it if someone could clarify what a couple of these horns can handle. As far as the sounds and intonations and qualities of these instruments go, I'm not too worried about that because I've been hearing lots of good things.
My other set of questions are about the JP274 MKII Euph, the Tuba Exchange Model 1150, the Sterling Royale, and the Tempest Fully Compensating Euph. These seem to run a bit more expensive but they also don't seem to be nearly as popular as Wessex or Schillers.
I was wondering if anybody has played a Tuba Exchange euphonium and could give some feedback on their quality and durability because I can't find really anything out about them.
For the John Packer MKII I was just curious if they are even good horns.
On the website for the Sterling instruments, it doesn't give any prices and I can't find them anywhere else online so I was curious if anyone has one and could tell me how much they bought it for, or if anyone knows roughly how much they go for right now. It seems like it should be a bit pricey.
Lastly, I was curious about the Tempest Compensating Euph. It's just about USD $2,000 but I'm wondering if they're good instruments. After listening to the videos they have posted the euph sounds quite nice but I would appreciate a less biased opinion than that of the Tempest Agility Winds company themselves.
If there are any other brands that I missed or anything you guys could recommend for me it would be greatly appreciated.
-TJ