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I'm in the process of testing new euphoniums that would possibly replace my current horn which is a Besson Prestige. I’ve owned my prestige since 2013 and it’s a wonderful instrument, but I’m looking at Adams and Miraphone because I’m looking for a different sound. I am playing in a brass band but I want an instrument that would have a better pitch and blend for wind ensemble playing.
I had the opportunity to visit Buckeye Brass and Winds in Plain City, Ohio. The owner, Rob Phillips, had a Miraphone 5050 in the shop that I was able to play next to my Prestige. Because his shop was formerly a Church, I was able to play in the old sanctuary where Rob and Dale, a local trumpet soloist and teacher, agreed to listen. Mouthpiece I’m using is a Parker 5G LaDuke.
This is the feedback that I received:
Besson Prestige: Rob stated that it has a tighter core, a sweeter sound but not necessarily a better sound that we agreed was more “British.” Dale stated that the Besson was like being wrapped in.”cozy warm blanket.”
Miraphone 5050: Rob stated that the Miraphone had more presence and had a bigger sound, maybe short of “tubby” but a different sound concept. Dale stated that the Miraphone had more color and depth and he preferred it. He did mention that he thought the high b natural was more in tune with the Besson, which was interesting because I have make an effort to play that note in tune.
From the players end, the Besson valves are incredibly fast and are almost cornet fast. Everything is solid, and I would compare it to driving a BMW. The low B natural is a challenge, and the notes above high concert B flat are also note as easy to find due to the resistance. 6th partial is sharp and needs the trigger, but easy to play technical passages.
The Miraphone was easy to play and free blowing, I could easily hit the high F and the reduced resistance may have been the reason. Pitch was reasonably consistent and I would tend to use the trigger less than I would with the Prestige. I was able to push both horns VERY hard with the solo form Mars and both handled it well. Miraphone’s valves were a bit more “clunky” and the position of the valve cluster seemed different compared to the Besson. The bell feels bigger and lighter on the Miraphone and it seems to “ring” more. I would compare it to driving a Lexus, everything is well built and well designed, does everything I want it to do, but different that the Besson.
My next step is to play an Adams, which I played briefly at the Army Band clinic in 2020, right before the Covid shutdown. I only played for a short time there, but I’m hopeful to have an opportunity to play an Adams next to a Miraohone at Midwest next month. I didn’t see Baltimore Brass on the vendor list this year, but I do see that Austin Custom Brass will be there.
I had the opportunity to visit Buckeye Brass and Winds in Plain City, Ohio. The owner, Rob Phillips, had a Miraphone 5050 in the shop that I was able to play next to my Prestige. Because his shop was formerly a Church, I was able to play in the old sanctuary where Rob and Dale, a local trumpet soloist and teacher, agreed to listen. Mouthpiece I’m using is a Parker 5G LaDuke.
This is the feedback that I received:
Besson Prestige: Rob stated that it has a tighter core, a sweeter sound but not necessarily a better sound that we agreed was more “British.” Dale stated that the Besson was like being wrapped in.”cozy warm blanket.”
Miraphone 5050: Rob stated that the Miraphone had more presence and had a bigger sound, maybe short of “tubby” but a different sound concept. Dale stated that the Miraphone had more color and depth and he preferred it. He did mention that he thought the high b natural was more in tune with the Besson, which was interesting because I have make an effort to play that note in tune.
From the players end, the Besson valves are incredibly fast and are almost cornet fast. Everything is solid, and I would compare it to driving a BMW. The low B natural is a challenge, and the notes above high concert B flat are also note as easy to find due to the resistance. 6th partial is sharp and needs the trigger, but easy to play technical passages.
The Miraphone was easy to play and free blowing, I could easily hit the high F and the reduced resistance may have been the reason. Pitch was reasonably consistent and I would tend to use the trigger less than I would with the Prestige. I was able to push both horns VERY hard with the solo form Mars and both handled it well. Miraphone’s valves were a bit more “clunky” and the position of the valve cluster seemed different compared to the Besson. The bell feels bigger and lighter on the Miraphone and it seems to “ring” more. I would compare it to driving a Lexus, everything is well built and well designed, does everything I want it to do, but different that the Besson.
My next step is to play an Adams, which I played briefly at the Army Band clinic in 2020, right before the Covid shutdown. I only played for a short time there, but I’m hopeful to have an opportunity to play an Adams next to a Miraohone at Midwest next month. I didn’t see Baltimore Brass on the vendor list this year, but I do see that Austin Custom Brass will be there.
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