You are in high school and debating on which $8,000 euphonium to buy?
You are in high school and debating on which $8,000 euphonium to buy?
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.
Dave Werden (ASCAP)
Euphonium Soloist, U.S. Coast Guard Band, retired
Adams Artist (Adams E3)
Alliance Mouthpiece (DC3)
YouTube: dwerden
Facebook: davewerden
Twitter: davewerden
Instagram: davewerdeneuphonium
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.
Sterling / Perantucci 1065HGS Euphonium, 1952 B&H Imperial Eb Tuba, and a bunch of trombones.
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
M5050L - DC2&3, SM2&4U, BT16, Carbonaria Heavy & New
Wessex EP104 Festivo - available
Carolbrass CCR7772 Bb cornet - Available
Euphs:
Miraphone 5050 Ambassador
Wessex Travel (Tornister) Euphonium 'Maly' ER154
Yamaha 201 Baritone
Mp: Wick SM4 Ultra X
Groups:
The San Diego Concert Band