WTB: Used Compensating Euphonium

[IPlayEuph]

The deal fell out because they wouldn't let me play on it before I could pay for it, I'm not going to purchase a random 50 year old horn on Craigslist without making sure it works.

I am not going to buy a stencil horn.

The reason I'm even in the market for a 20-40 year old horn is the fact it even lasts that long. Especially when horns like mack, wessex, and jinbao barely last 2. I'm buying a horn that I know won't immediately fall apart in 2 years versus one that'll just a need a few repairs

[ametropia]

I don't blame people for not allowing play-testing of horns. Have to treat even in-person deals like online remote deals, because sanitizing a horn over and over -- PROPER sanitizing -- may be unrealistic for many owners selling their horns.

As for old horns... my Besson New Standard from 1978 is a great little horn, is it dented, yes, but I love the sound and even my technician said it plays great and the dents aren't compromising it.

Wow I think I just talked myself into not selling my Besson (I was intending on selling it along with two other horns I have), but I forgot how much I love that horn. I may not be able to play it much right now but I think I'd rather hold onto it.

[IPlayEuph]

I don't blame people for not allowing play-testing of horns. Have to treat even in-person deals like online remote deals, because sanitizing a horn over and over -- PROPER sanitizing -- may be unrealistic for many owners selling their horns.

As for old horns... my Besson New Standard from 1978 is a great little horn, is it dented, yes, but I love the sound and even my technician said it plays great and the dents aren't compromising it.

Wow I think I just talked myself into not selling my Besson (I was intending on selling it along with two other horns I have), but I forgot how much I love that horn. I may not be able to play it much right now but I think I'd rather hold onto it.

And this right here, ladies and gents, is why I'm buying from the used market. They're being bought and kept for a reason. and that reason? Quality. Quality that spans DECADES. I'm happy that you've rekindled your love for you horn ametropia!

[leisesturm]

And this right here, ladies and gents, is why I'm buying from the used market. They're being bought and kept for a reason. and that reason? Quality. Quality that spans DECADES. I'm happy that you've rekindled your love for you horn ametropia!

I don't want to sound mean, but ... how is that working for you so far? That seller didn't want you play testing the horn because if you did you wouldn't buy it! They knew that, even if you didn't. It was/is a project horn for a buyer with the skills to refurbish it. The horn listed in post #14 looks (literally) like a better bet but horns always look better in pictures. Always. I would never buy a used horn sight unseen and I would be very suspicious of a seller who didn't expect a buyer to want to play the horn before buying it, Covid or no Covid. I'm not going to try and convince you of anything, but you might want to keep a more open mind on things. A quality horn is only worth your time if it has been well cared for. Don't just jump on anything offered for sale because it is from an old, established manufacturer. I'll check in after two years with my stencil horn to report on how well (or not) it has held up.

[IPlayEuph]

I don't want to sound mean, but ... how is that working for you so far? That seller didn't want you play testing the horn because if you did you wouldn't buy it! They knew that, even if you didn't. It was/is a project horn for a buyer with the skills to refurbish it. The horn listed in post #14 looks (literally) like a better bet but horns always look better in pictures. Always. I would never buy a used horn sight unseen and I would be very suspicious of a seller who didn't expect a buyer to want to play the horn before buying it, Covid or no Covid. I'm not going to try and convince you of anything, but you might want to keep a more open mind on things. A quality horn is only worth your time if it has been well cared for. Don't just jump on anything offered for sale because it is from an old, established manufacturer. I'll check in after two years with my stencil horn to report on how well (or not) it has held up.

It's lovely how much you doubt my preference after only one problem. You do realize that not every vintage horn is a project horn right? You do realize Newer doesn't always equate to better. Right? I'm not immediately jumping on to the first horn I see. I make contact with the seller and see if I can playtest the horn, and guess what? If they are from a reputable seller? I'll buy the horn outright. The fact you can't be comfortable with someone wanting a vintage horn from a reputable brand over a stencil horn is what's peeving me. So how about this? Everybody is different, from their tastes to their opinions. So please, stop trying to tell someone who doesn't want a stencil horn that they should get one anyways.

Kind regards,

IPlayEuph

[longhornpatino]

In my assessment, people are trying to be helpful in your instrument hunting. leisesturm's consideration of a new horn within your budget is a valid one, but your preference for a time tested classic is also valid. For the link I sent to the Besson New Standard, if you choose to watch it, the seller will likely go lower on the euphonium. I received an offer for $1550. Perhaps you can get the seller lower... The pictures tell a story of a solid instrument for your budget, and the picture of the valve pistons and slides is also very telling of a horn in decent shape. Anyhow, there is always risk when purchasing from eBay, but if I did not already have a New Standard and Sovereign, I would be all over this one.

[davewerden]

I like to hear different opinions on the forum...as long as the conversation stays respectful to both side of a discussion. In this thread, there is a case to be made for either side of the "used pro horn" vs. "new clone-ish horn" decision. I could see myself going for either type depending on my needs at the time (and the market, to some extent).

leisesturm and IPlayEuph - please keep this in mind. Thanks.

[IPlayEuph]

Apologies. No excuses, I lost my temper there. Also I have read the listing you sent me longhornpatino, I indeed have added it to.my watch list while I keep hunting.

[Shawn]

It's lovely how much you doubt my preference after only one problem. You do realize that not every vintage horn is a project horn right? You do realize Newer doesn't always equate to better. Right? I'm not immediately jumping on to the first horn I see. I make contact with the seller and see if I can playtest the horn, and guess what? If they are from a reputable seller? I'll buy the horn outright. The fact you can't be comfortable with someone wanting a vintage horn from a reputable brand over a stencil horn is what's peeving me. So how about this? Everybody is different, from their tastes to their opinions. So please, stop trying to tell someone who doesn't want a stencil horn that they should get one anyways.

Kind regards,

IPlayEuph

Good call--don't get talked into something you'll regret.

[Fujiifilm]

Here's another listing for an old Besson that seems to be in solid shape, and from a reputable seller: (they also have a BIN listing of the same horn for a little higher, but still under $2k)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Besson-Imperial-Compensating-Euphonium-SN-486599-VERY-NICE-GREAT-PLAYER/264977093489?hash=item3db1dd9371:g:
RtwAAOSwa9Nf05OU

It is raw brass, if that makes a difference.

Edit: wanted to clarify that this is not my euph for sale, nor am I affiliated with the seller.

[daruby]

The horn Fujifilm is referring to is being sold by quinntheeskimo out of Seattle area. He is a low brass player and I have found him to be reputable to deal with. You can call him directly and talk to him about condition, etc. The price is very attractive.I purchased a 2001 Sovereign 967 from him a few years back for just over $3k and it turned out to be a steal.

Doug

[longhornpatino]

That is also a nice euphonium, however; I might be a bit wary about the plating on the valve pistons. Can be a bit pricey to address. He also documents this euphonium to be an Imperial, and it is actually a Besson New Standard. Similar horns, but not accurate to label it as such. 30 day return policy, though, so if you don't approve, you can send it back at your own expense!

[IPlayEuph]

Thank you everyone for helping me in my search for my own horn! Your work is appreciated and I'm glad to have finally made an account so I can engage with fellow musicians.

[Shinn]

Very nice Boosey & Hawkes Imperial 3+1 compensating euphonium listed by ‘Quinn the Eskimo ’ yesterday-

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Boosey-and-...-/333839997848