Originally Posted by
adrian_quince
Two other things to consider:
One, you don't know where you're going to go to college yet. If you're going to be studying Euphonium in college, I'd wait until you get there and consult with your professor before shelling out for a top of the line instrument.
Two, do you really want to subject a $7000-9000 instrument to life in a high school band room? As conscientious as you may be, there are others who will play and roughhouse around the instruments. Personally, I'd feel a lot less bad about dinging a $1300 Wessex than an $8000 Besson.