Originally Posted by
EyeInSky
...And finally, it was time to critique the tuning and intonation of the instrument. Knowing this Euphonium lacked a trigger, I was well prepared for the same set of notes to be out of tune (using the ideal embouchure). To my surprise, this was NOT the case! Our son became quickly impressed because nearly ALL of the notes played perfectly in tune. Mid-range registers were perfect. Low (compensated) registers were perfect. Upper registers were almost perfect. He indicated Eb was the only note that was (slightly) flat - and he was able to correct for that by "lipping" the note. Now if the instrument had a trigger, I imagine he can (alternately) adjust that way to maintain a consistent embouchure. We did not bring an electronic tuning device with us to confirm this with 100% certainty. Our son does have a nifty iPhone tuning APP that may have done a reasonable job if we were smart enough to remember he had it (lol). Even so, we consider the intonation on this Euphonium to be shockingly accurate - especially for its price. I would rate the JP374 at a 9.5/10 (A+). The reason why I grade as an A+ is because I think this level of accuracy would require a trigger (that costs more money) or a step up to a much higher end model (which costs a LOT more money). I may be going out on a limb here, but I may confidently say no other Euphonium under the $2800 mark can achieve the same power, tone, and WIDE-RANGE intonation this instrument has. This could also be a by-product of our son's familiarity with the embouchure of his (lower end) mouthpiece, but I feel this is a fair comparison.
... TUNING & INTONATION Winner: JP (by a long shot) > Eastman > Wessex > Jupiter (cough)....