John Morgan
The U.S. Army Band (Pershing's Own) 1971-1976
Adams E3 Custom Series Euphonium, 1956 B&H Imperial Euphonium,
1973 F. E. Olds & Son Studio Model T-31 BaritoneAdams TB1 Tenor Trombone, Yamaha YBL-822G Bass Trombone
Year Round Except Summer:
Kingdom of the Sun (KOS) Concert Band, Ocala, FL (Euphonium)Summer Only:
KOS Brass Quintet (Trombone, Euphonium)
Rapid City Municipal Band, Rapid City, SD (Euphonium)
Rapid City New Horizons Band (Euphonium)
"Classic" Yes, that is the word I wanted for it. Lacquer and silver plate are the classic ways to finish a horn. Stick with one or the other. The alternative looks patchwork. Not to say that a brushed/satin finish doesn't help to pull the patchwork off. Just that simpler is better, in my opinion. Often less expensive too.
You open a whole other can of worms if you introduce how it sounds into the decision. But there too, you should shoot for the "classic" sound.
I like the sound of that - classic. Which of course is going to mean different things to different people.... (laugh)
- Sara
Baritone - 3 Valve, Compensating, JinBao JBBR1240
Between the two, I prefer the monochromatic option, even if I don't love the yellow gold. What I'd really like, aesthetically speaking, is brushed brass body and bell. It kinda looks like the rose gold that's so trendy right now.
I don't mean to go fangirl on you (REALLY), but this made me laugh out loud for way longer than I should admit.
Wessex Dolce
"Suppose we have only dreamed, or made up, all those things -- trees and grass and sun and moon and stars and Aslan himself. Suppose we have. Then all I can say is that, in that case, the made-up things seem a good deal more important than the real ones." - Puddleglum in "The Silver Chair"
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
Well, now, let's look at this comparison. The instruments are both very nice looking. And you, Dave, look snappy as ever, however, you have elected to wear clothing that does not have very intense colors, sort of washed out looking colors. So, with what you are wearing, the satin-gold finish seems to provide a very nice contrast. But, if you were wearing something like a dark blue shirt, I think the brushed brass and sterling silver bell would look smashing. And upon further inspection, I find the satin-gold to be a little out of tune, whereas my favorite, the brushed brass and sterling silver bell is right on.
John Morgan
The U.S. Army Band (Pershing's Own) 1971-1976
Adams E3 Custom Series Euphonium, 1956 B&H Imperial Euphonium,
1973 F. E. Olds & Son Studio Model T-31 BaritoneAdams TB1 Tenor Trombone, Yamaha YBL-822G Bass Trombone
Year Round Except Summer:
Kingdom of the Sun (KOS) Concert Band, Ocala, FL (Euphonium)Summer Only:
KOS Brass Quintet (Trombone, Euphonium)
Rapid City Municipal Band, Rapid City, SD (Euphonium)
Rapid City New Horizons Band (Euphonium)
They are both beautiful instruments. I prefer the multi-colored version though -- it's an eye catcher done in a tasteful manner.
Steven Mead also plays a gold-plated euphonium, and I think it's a bit on the gaudy side. The brushed finish Adams has on its gold euphonium is a better look.
James Kircoff
Genesee Wind Symphony - principal euphonium (Adams E3 Custom .60mm yellow brass bell w/ K&G 3.5)
Capital City Brass Band (2019 NABBA 2nd section champions) - 1st baritone (Besson BE956 w/ Denis Wick 6BY)
Dave,
I love them both. Which plays better? That really is your decision. In your pictures above, I prefer the gold lacquer. It makes the horn "look warmer" like a euphonium should. I have seen several Wilson's with gold lacquer and/or gold plating on the inside of the bell. They are really beautiful.
Go for it!
Doug
Adams E3 0.60 Sterling bell - Prototype top sprung valves
Concord Band
Winchendon Winds
Townsend Military Band
OK, let's stir things up a bit more! Here is a video with audio clips comparing the two horns. A couple are with piano and a couple are without. The horns are labeled A and B in the video.
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