Buying advice: first second-hand euphonium

[daphne]

Hello,

I am buying my first euphonium to learn to play on. I only have a small budget and am looking at second-hand instruments.

I found a Boosey & Co London Class A euphonium. The serial number is something like 71916 (a bit hard to see in the picture). Would you say it is advisable to go for such an old instrument, or is it better to look for something newer?

I wouldn't mind changing to something more expensive once I get the hang of it. But as I am still learning, I am thinking to buy a cheaper second-hand one (I also like the look and feel of a beautifully engraved, old instrument). On the other hand, I wouldn't want to make learning to play the instrument harder than it already is.

These are some pictures of the euphonium I am looking at:







Any advice?

Many thanks!

[Shinn]

The older Boosey & Hawkes euphoniums have a great reputation. Based upon the serial number, the horn you are looking at is from 1906 -

http://www.dwerden.com/Special/bandh_handlists_web.pdf

[davewerden]

Welcome to the forum!

I would advise staying away from that lovely old horn, which was made somewhere around 1909. There are questions about whether it is made to play at A440 for starters. And it is always possible for a very old horn to have leaks around the pistons (from wear) that would greatly affect how it plays. If you have an experienced euphonium player test the horn for you before purchase, then it could be a good instrument if the price is right.

A safer bet is to buy a horn made to today's standards, like the Austin Custom Brass (ACB) Doubler or the Wessex Dolce. Both have been reviewed well and are at reasonable prices. They are made to be tuned to A440 and would have smooth response.

[daphne]

Thank you both for your quick response! I decided to let this one go.

Instead, I went for a 1920s Hawkes & Son (as I'm based in the UK, Hawkes and Boosey seem to be the more available second-hand/vintage brands) from a trusted, experienced brass instrument seller. He assured me it is converted to modern tuning and doesn't leak around the pistons.

I look forward to learning to play and am happy to be on the forum!

[davewerden]

It's nice to have some help from a trusted player, and it seems you came to a good solution.

Now all you have to do is practice (and take lessons if possible)!

We don't usually see questions like this resolve so quickly - must be the time zone you're in