Ever since wearing out my original plastic euphonium/baritone, I’ve searched for an instrument that I could play comfortably with my set of aging arms and fingers.
So far the instruments that have worked best for me have been a Wessex Duplex and my cherished Conn 24i.
As I was looking over some music examples recently, the thought occurred to me that when I began playing I had for some reason I can’t remember, gone directly from plastic to a Wessex Festivo, and never gave a true baritone a try. After listening to some YouTube soloists, I find the sound of the baritone appealing, and the weight might be better for me ergonomically.
I’d be interested in any thoughts euphonium/baritone doublers might have about the ergonomics of the 2 horns, and also whether I should attempt to rent a 3 valve or 4 valve baritone and also compensated or uncompensated for a trial.
Also possibly thoughts on favored brands and models of baritones.
Looking forward to your ideas.