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Thread: Adams Sonic Euphonium?

  1. #1

    Adams Sonic Euphonium?

    Has anyone seen this yet? Adams is going to offer a non compensating horn called “Sonic”? Dave - do you know anything about this?

    https://www.austincustombrass.biz/br...-silver-plate/
    Adams E3 0.6 with SS Bell
    K&G 3.5D
    ---------------------------------
    Founder and Solo Euphonium
    San Francisco Brass Band

  2. #2
    "It is a non-compensating euphonium which helps to make it lightweight and responsive!"

    A long time
    ago I remember discussing on this forum about a non-compensating euphonium designed as a professional euph. This might be a terrific option, and I'm excited to see Adams break the mold and make such a horn. Over the years I've played or owned almost all the major compensating horns (none of them are bad, some of them are great)--but this new Adams really interests me and I probably will have to try one.

    John
    Last edited by JTJ; 02-29-2020 at 07:17 PM.

  3. #3
    I knew the Sonic line was coming, but I don't have many details yet. I just reached out to my sources, but won't hear until after the weekend I suspect. They probably cut back on some things besides the compensating system, but I'm not even close to being sure about that. But I was surprised to see it has the AGR!

    I'll get back to ya'll when I hear more!
    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

  4. One of these was at TMEA and I played it very briefly. It had many of the great characteristics of Adams horns (I play an E3); responsiveness, intonation, etc. For me it was noticeably freer blowing than my E3, to the point of it being a little too free blowing for my taste. Definitely a great budget option.
    JACE VICKERS, DMA
    Assistant Director of Bands
    Assistant Professor of Low Brass
    East Central University

  5. #5
    Interesting point about being so free blowing, which requires chop strength to control the horn and means the horn is channeling your sound less. I think some players could find it freeing up their sound.

  6. #6
    I’m not sure where a horn like this fits in the market. It seems like a lot to pay for a non compensating horn, particularly because the preference among “pro” players is overwhelmingly for compensating horns.
    Mike Taylor

    Illinois Brass Band
    Fox Valley Brass Band

  7. #7
    Quote Originally Posted by miketeachesclass View Post
    I’m not sure where a horn like this fits in the market. It seems like a lot to pay for a non compensating horn, particularly because the preference among “pro” players is overwhelmingly for compensating horns.
    I wonder if Adams is trying to make inroads on the market for Yamaha 321s? With this being free blowing, it seems like a good target market would pro trombonists doubling on euphonium.
    Adrian L. Quince
    Composer, Conductor, Euphoniumist
    www.adrianquince.com

    Kanstul 976 - SM4U

  8. #8
    Quote Originally Posted by davewerden View Post
    I knew the Sonic line was coming, but I don't have many details yet. I just reached out to my sources, but won't hear until after the weekend I suspect. They probably cut back on some things besides the compensating system, but I'm not even close to being sure about that. But I was surprised to see it has the AGR!

    I'll get back to ya'll when I hear more!
    Some cursory glancing around Trent's site I think sheds a bit more light - he's got video demos and explainers for the Sonic trumpet and flugel - apparently they don't offer custom options, which makes production more efficient?

    https://www.austincustombrass.biz/br...uild-your-own/
    https://www.austincustombrass.biz/br...-gold-lacquer/
    Sean Kissane
    Low Brass Specialist, Paige's Music
    Principal Euphonium, Indianapolis Brass Choir
    Principal Euphonium, Crossroads Brass Band

  9. #9
    Quote Originally Posted by spkissane View Post
    ...apparently they don't offer custom options, which makes production more efficient?
    Indeed! Offering a "fixed" lineup speeds up production, which helps lower the price. It also helps dealers who want to stock the products. Imagine trying to stock enough Adams euphoniums so a buyer can get a feel for all the options! Adams made their "Selected" series, with a standard setup, to help with that as well. Between the Sonic and Selected instruments, a dealer can probably sell more horns from stock and fewer as special orders. All this is just stuff I've gathered over the decades and is not specific to Adams. It becomes a little more important for Adams because their Custom series has SO many options!
    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

  10. #10
    I got some info from Adams. To sum it up, this horn is made like the E1 Custom series in most ways. Same bores (main and 4th valve). Adjustable-gap receiver is standard. It is still hand made of hammered .55 yellow brass. Valves are stainless steel. They are including a Bonna case for now, until they find a better match for the price point (so if you are thinking about one, buy it now!). Trim is simpler than the Custom series.

    Based on the comment above that it is very free blowing, I can see this being quite attractive for tuba/trombone players who need a good euphonium. Those folks tend not to like the compensating system very much, and they usually don't want to spend $8-10k to get a doubling instrument. It might also fit well for community band players who want a quality instrument but don't need the comp system. I'm very interested to see where it squeezes in!

    Here are some numbers and such (click to expand):

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Adams Sonic Specs.jpg 
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ID:	7474
    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

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