Current Hirsbrunner euphoniums

[miketeachesclass]

I was in contact recently with the guys at The Horn Guys. We were talking about euphoniums and they mentioned that they were getting a new model 479 from Peter Hirsbrunner. This surprised me because I thought Hirsbrunner horns were no longer made.

Am I wrong about Hirsbrunner not making horns? Did I miss a memo somewhere?

Can anyone tell me about these current hirsbrunners?

Thanks,
Mike

[davewerden]

Hirsbrunner sold their mandrels to Adams a while ago, but I believe HB is still making horns themselves on a low-production basis.

[miketeachesclass]

Hirsbrunner sold their mandrels to Adams a while ago, but I believe HB is still making horns themselves on a low-production basis.

Thanks Dave!

Can anyone comment on quality on these limited production horns?

I'm currently playing a sterling Virtuoso, and I'm looking for a horn to replace it. I'm also considering flying out to Austin Custom Brass to evaluate Adams horns.

[Art Lewis]

Hirsbrunner sold their mandrels to Adams a while ago, but I believe HB is still making horns themselves on a low-production basis.

"mandrel" - does that mean a hydraulic expansion mandrel? Don´t they need it for making all of their instruments?

[Markmc611]

They've been making them by request, they're not a stocked horn. My understanding of it, as Dave indicated, it's low production, with parts coming from Adams. It would be interesting to find out when that order was placed. I was under the impression that when enough horns were ordered, it was a batch job. Good luck finding one used. When they do come up, they're gone almost immediately.

[euphisto]

Interesting thread. I wondered about the Hirsbrunner euphonium listed on the Horn Guys webpage too. I've ordered spare parts from Mr. Hirsbrunner over the years for repairs on my euphonium. I've wondered how long the parts will be available. If Adams is producing the parts, then that's potentially good news for Hirsbrunner euphonium/tuba owners. I understand that Adams has their own design for their euphoniums, but would any of the Adams parts match the Hirsbrunner euphonium? They appear more similar than Hirsbrunner v. Yamaha or Besson.

[davewerden]

Not sure, but I'm pretty none of the small-tube parts would match, nor would the valves. But the new E3 model may match larger branches, assuming you know the thickness of the metal on your horn. I'm mostly guessing, but it is semi-educated guessing.

[Art Lewis]

I got a short Email notice (in German) from Peter C. Hirsbrunner today. He told me that he does not have any Euphonium on stock. But he has still all the parts on stock to build them. He himself will do that, because he is working alone at the moment. Price is around CHF 8'900.- for HBS 479, incl. case. Takes three to four months. He appreciates to make an appointment to visit him and talk about personal customization.

[miketeachesclass]

I got a short Email notice (in German) from Peter C. Hirsbrunner today. He told me that he does not have any Euphonium on stock. But he has still all the parts on stock to build them. He himself will do that, because he is working alone at the moment. Price is around CHF 8'900.- for HBS 479, incl. case. Takes three to four months. He appreciates to make an appointment to visit him and talk about personal customization.

Hi Art,

Thanks for the heads up. That's quite the price for a horn! Though, I'm sure it's very nice. The once I was able to play a Hirsbrunner (a horn from the late 90's), it was the nicest horn I'd ever played.

[SJWSEuph]

Tony Clements had an Adams E1 sterling silver bell installed on his Hirsbrunner euphonium. It plays beautifully, with the darkest sound I have ever heard. Joanna Hersey played it this week at BCMW (she was the euphonium coach) and sounded marvelous on it. Of course, she could make any euphonium sing!

[davidapaulson]

News on Hirsbrunner:

News is out on the street that the last few Hirsbrunner instruments are being made by Peter. The company is going to be managed by Adams, as Adams will continue making the Hirsbrunner horns. But the last ones by Peter Hirsbrunner are being made now.
dPaulson

I was in contact recently with the guys at The Horn Guys. We were talking about euphoniums and they mentioned that they were getting a new model 479 from Peter Hirsbrunner. This surprised me because I thought Hirsbrunner horns were no longer made.

Am I wrong about Hirsbrunner not making horns? Did I miss a memo somewhere?

Can anyone tell me about these current hirsbrunners?

Thanks,
Mike