Help!

[Baridude]

Hey y'all!

I'm a junior in high school and I'm searching around for a horn that can replace my school Neo that I'm on right now. Right off the bat, I don't like the Neo that much and only stuck with it because my mouthpiece (a SM4X, looking to go to a SM4U soon) helped me get a darker tone for me, and its the only horn my school had avalible. I'm debating between a Miraphone 5050, a Miraphone 1258A, an Adams E3,or a Wilson 2900. I would love a horn that feels "wider" (if that makes sense") and heaver, with a deep sound throughout. Price is obviously a concern, but I could make it work.

Any input would be appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

[JTJ]

I've played or owned all the ones you mention (and am now playing the Neo, which is the goldilocks horn for me). It's either the Miraphone 5050 or the Adams E3 you want. Nothing feels wider than the 5050; nothing feels deeper than the E3. Both have a larger bell than the Neo, which will spread the sound more and make both feel bigger than the Neo, and so on.

Every horn is a matter of what compromises you want to live with, as well as what strengths.

John

[davewerden]

Welcome to the forum, Baridude!

John gave an answer pretty close to mine, but I would add that you might also try to play a Willson 2950 or 2960. Both offer a bigger sound than the 2900. The 2900 is more compact in character.

Obviously my choice was the Adams, but I like the 5050. Of the lot, Adams has the best intonation if you don't use a trigger, and my personal preference is to not have a trigger.

[AwesomeDad]

John could you elaborate on the wider and deeper sound concept? Im also looking at both these horns and really wish someone would A/B them at the same time. I know they are both great but would be nice to hear the same piece played by the same person on both...

JJ

[djwpe]

I’ve played a 5050 for 7 years. I highly recommend the horn for intonation, flexibility, and sound.

Don

[RickF]

I agree with Don.

I was planning to post some comments about the M5050 but it would be easier to share a link that more than covers the M5050. Its 12 pgs long and spans about six years. Here’s that link:

Miraphone 5050 impressions from JTJ:
http://www.dwerden.com/forum/showthr...J#.XIaGgBopChA

[John Morgan]

I have owned the M5050 and I currently own the Adams E3. I have also owned many Bessons, a Yamaha 842, a Hirsbrunner, but no Willsons (have played on a few).

The M5050 was my all time favorite horn when I bought it around 5 or so years ago. It is the largest euphonium I have owned. The bore size is bigger than most, if not all. With that comes the requirement to be able to fill it with air (good lungs). It has a huge sound, and while some may think is sounds just a wee, tiny bit tubby, it is still a very nice, mellow, dark euphonium sound. Check out videos by Demondrae Thurman who is a Miraphone artist and plays the M5050. He sounds spectacular on that horn. An added benefit with the M5050 is that the high B natural (concert pitch) plays beautifully on this horn (on most other brands it is awful). So if you want a dark, mellow, huge sound, you really can't beat the M5050.

I decided to switch to an Adams E3 for a couple reasons. I was very interested in the Adams when I was thinking about selling my Yamaha 842 (which I did and got the M5050). And the M5050 was the other horn I was considering. But since I could not try an Adams, and I could get an M5050 on approval, I went with the M5050. But, I am a senior now who smoked for way too many years (fortunately I quit several years back), and having diminished lung capacity, the M5050 was tougher to play for me. I could do it, but just not to the level I wanted. So, I decided to switch to the Adams. Also, I could customize the Adams to my liking (which I did). And by the time I made the switch, the Adams was really getting some good reviews. So, it was a leap of faith, and came after chatting with Dave Werden, van Emmerik, and others.

The Adams E3 is for me, hands down, the finest euphonium I have ever owned, and I do not foresee ever switching to another horn. The sound is awesome, full, mellow, resonate, has presence and has sparkle. The response is outstanding. Slotting is easier on this horn than most. Intonation is excellent, best I have had on any horn. High B natural is easy. The horn just sings beautifully. I can play this horn all day and never tire of listening to it. And it is a beautiful horn, thanks in part to the full bell engraving I had done along with the brushed finish. You can do many custom things with the finish and metal selection.

So, in short, either one of these horns could work for you. From what you wanted in your post about wider, deeper, etc. I would be inclined to say check out the M5050. But I can't help recommending the Adams E3 as well.

[spkissane]

ITEC is in just a few months. If you're near Iowa, that'd be a great opportunity to try out different horns.

Even within the same make and model, individual horns can vary in feel. What some consider the best horn for them might not end up being the best one for you. All of these brands make a fantastic product, and it's honestly personal preference at this level of instrument.

[TheJH]

I agree with Dave, definitely try out a Willson 2950 or 2960. They are great horns with a big sound, and great slotting and intonation.

[drdrda]

in case it would be of interest http://www.dwerden.com/forum/showthr...e#.Xmq0vahKjIU

[MikeBMiller]

You are in high school and debating on which $8,000 euphonium to buy?

[davewerden]

Just a couple more thoughts.

The 5050 is great for some solos. The March from the Holst 2nd Suite is my favorite solo, and the 5050 shines there. Where it is not as strong is in playing lighter music that needs a bouncy/dancing feel. The Adams E3 does very well on the big solos but can still fit nicely when you want your notes to dance a bit. The Miraphone 1258 is a nice horn, but of the 2 Miraphones I very much prefer the 5050.

In the Adams line, if you like a big, dark sound, I would suggest the E3. Mine is .60 metal and has a sterling silver bell. That latter option is very expensive. You could save a bit and have a horn that is extremely close to mine, and would be easier for a younger player to manage, if you chose an E3 in .70 yellow brass.

[tbonesullivan]

You are in high school and debating on which $8,000 euphonium to buy?

Man, I wish I had those kind of deep pockets in HS, or parents willing to spend that much. But there were plenty that did, even 20 years ago, especially for very good stringed instrument players. I am STILL amazed that the Sterling Euphonium I own came in a case with an "All South Jersey Junior High School Band". So that means a 7th/8th grader was given a professional Euphonium.

I didn't even know that there was such a thing as a compensating euphonium until I was a Junior in HS.

[guidocorona]

To the OP.... At ITEC 2019 I play-tested most euphos... Various Adams, Yamaha, Besson, and Miraphone, just to name a few brands. My very favorite was the Miraphone M5050, for its ease to "speak" even though I am a nube, as well as for its intonation, iridescent harmonics, and "heroic" tembre when pushed, so much so that I have nicknamed it a Helden Euphonium.

Yet, since I have listened to Bente Illevold performing the Rococo' Variations on her brand new Shires Q41, I am getting the impression that this brand new shires offering might be capable of both an intense orchestral tone and singular agility:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLBy0KNIcvU

And at just below $6K, including case and mouthpiece, Q41 and its Q40 sibling are not as heavy a financial burden. Worth trying out/considering.

Regards, Guido

[tonewheeler]

Man, I wish I had those kind of deep pockets in HS, or parents willing to spend that much. But there were plenty that did, even 20 years ago, especially for very good stringed instrument players. I am STILL amazed that the Sterling Euphonium I own came in a case with an "All South Jersey Junior High School Band". So that means a 7th/8th grader was given a professional Euphonium.

I didn't even know that there was such a thing as a compensating euphonium until I was a Junior in HS.

Your not alone in your sentiment Mike, I had no clue about comp euphs until I restarted 25 years after college. I played the same Yamaha 321 through high school and college. In fact, the college horn I used was a 321. Sticker shock for sure once I restarted!