Hi all.
Having only started learning the euphonium in my mid 50's I am rather late to the brass party. It has proven to be an awesome way to spend time. After several years of lessons the dog no longer leaves the room as I settle in to play.
From the beginning I've been using a previously-loved student model 3-valve Yamaha YEP-321. It has been very faithful and patient. But, eventually one starts to wonder if they'd be a better player if they had a better instrument. For the past couple of months I have had the loan of a fully compensating 4-valve Besson Standard (Thanks, Salvation Army!). I am starting to get the hang of it. The additional weight has been great for my biceps. The fourth valve still remains a bit mysterious, given that my brass teacher is actually a trumpet player. Fortunately I do know a very well-qualified euphonist(?) who is willing to fill me in this weekend (for a small fee of course).
Although my euphonium career aspirations remain modest - possibly only going as far as playing for someone besides the dog - I do like the idea of upgrading to a fully compensating 4-valve machine. But being a Scotch Presbyterian it is hard to justify spending large amounts of money on it. It seems that used euphoniums are quite scarce up here in the wilds of Canada. I had been toying with the idea of getting a new Austin Custom Brass ACB Doubler. However, I just got a line on a 1947 B&H 4 valve Imperial, supposedly in excellent condition. Taking in to account the $CDN/US exchange rate, taxes and shipping the final cost would be about the same.
I would be most grateful for anyone's expert thoughts/suggestions.
Best Regards,
Mike
Having only started learning the euphonium in my mid 50's I am rather late to the brass party. It has proven to be an awesome way to spend time. After several years of lessons the dog no longer leaves the room as I settle in to play.
From the beginning I've been using a previously-loved student model 3-valve Yamaha YEP-321. It has been very faithful and patient. But, eventually one starts to wonder if they'd be a better player if they had a better instrument. For the past couple of months I have had the loan of a fully compensating 4-valve Besson Standard (Thanks, Salvation Army!). I am starting to get the hang of it. The additional weight has been great for my biceps. The fourth valve still remains a bit mysterious, given that my brass teacher is actually a trumpet player. Fortunately I do know a very well-qualified euphonist(?) who is willing to fill me in this weekend (for a small fee of course).
Although my euphonium career aspirations remain modest - possibly only going as far as playing for someone besides the dog - I do like the idea of upgrading to a fully compensating 4-valve machine. But being a Scotch Presbyterian it is hard to justify spending large amounts of money on it. It seems that used euphoniums are quite scarce up here in the wilds of Canada. I had been toying with the idea of getting a new Austin Custom Brass ACB Doubler. However, I just got a line on a 1947 B&H 4 valve Imperial, supposedly in excellent condition. Taking in to account the $CDN/US exchange rate, taxes and shipping the final cost would be about the same.
I would be most grateful for anyone's expert thoughts/suggestions.
Best Regards,
Mike
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