Front Valve Compensating Euphoniums

[ann reid]

I have arthritis in my right hand, tenosynovitis in my right wrist, and a partially detached rotor cuff in my right shoulder, so just the way the Festivo lies isn’t comfortable. I tried everything, no luck. The Wessex Duplex, while pretty hefty, is easier for me to hold. I just had the right hand thumb ring moved a little closer to the valves.

As to the Conn, I have the adapter that will work for using a tenor trombone mouthpiece, and also the original mouthpiece that was sold with the horn. Kelly’s sells two plastic mouthpieces that fit, in their European Shank size. A little larger than the trombone size, a little smaller than the standard large shank euphonium size.

My only concern about the Conn is that although I baby it, I’m not sure it can stand up to an hour of practice every day, given it’s advanced age.

[1Cor13:4]

I wonder if a rotary tenor tuba like the Alexander 151 would be good for you? They're a bit pricey though.

[ann reid]

Thank you for the thought.

I’ve considered that very carefully, but have never had a chance to try one. I would certainly not rule out the idea. Isn’t there at least one other besides the Alexander available that is similarly arranged?

After several failures I’ve realized that I’m a throwback to the early 60s when EVERYONE who played euphonium/baritone held them close to the body, and NO ONE worried about where their pinkies were.

[guidocorona]

Hello Ann, Wessex does offer a rotary Tenor Horn with a 10" bell, as well as a French C tuba with 10" bell and 6 pistons....

I checked them briefly at ITEC 2019.... They feel both definitely a little smaller and narrower than a euphonium, and than my Festivo in particular. In case the idea intrigued you, you will find them at:

https://wessex-tubas.com/collections...-and-baritones

Regards, Guido

[Shawn]

Hi Ann,
Would the Ergobrass system, or something in that vein, solve any of the issues?
https://www.ergobrass.com/euphonium/

S