Hi Everyone,
It has been several years since I have played my tuba and I was looking to downsize to the euphonium. Buying one these days is a challenge due to availability of inventory and locations near me that allow in store trials. Prices have also increased on horns not in stock. I have narrowed my search to four possibilities and am looking for some feedback on which one would be a fun to play and satisfying horn. They are all close in price, so sound and playability are my main considerations. All are from reputable dealers.
1. Used Boosey & Hawks round stamp Sovereign
2. Used Meinl Weston 451
3. New Yamaha 842 Custom (older version without trigger) 1K less than a 642 Neo
4. New Adams Sonic (non-Comp)
I am not interested in a horn from China or India and craftsmanship means more to me than price.
New horns
I have an idea on what I would be getting with the Yamaha sound wise but I am 6 feet tall and worry that the lower lead pipe placement will be an ergonomic issue. I have a four valve Bb large bore tuba (Miraphone 191) so the Adams Sonic is very intriguing to me but there is not a lot of info available yet and most people would advise to get a compensating model. I am not planning to do much more that play for my own fulfillment. Possibly a small ensemble after covid restrictions in CA are ended.
Used horns
I worry about the intonation, playability for a rank amateur with an average ear for tuning, and the consistency between horns with the MW 451 and the B&H. I do not know the date of manufacture of either horn. The MW 451 looks barely used, while the Sovereign has some dents, shows its age and much more usage. Is the B&H worth the gamble? I was hoping for some insight from experienced musicians out there about buying a used horn from a distance.
Thanks for the input,
Spotfire
It has been several years since I have played my tuba and I was looking to downsize to the euphonium. Buying one these days is a challenge due to availability of inventory and locations near me that allow in store trials. Prices have also increased on horns not in stock. I have narrowed my search to four possibilities and am looking for some feedback on which one would be a fun to play and satisfying horn. They are all close in price, so sound and playability are my main considerations. All are from reputable dealers.
1. Used Boosey & Hawks round stamp Sovereign
2. Used Meinl Weston 451
3. New Yamaha 842 Custom (older version without trigger) 1K less than a 642 Neo
4. New Adams Sonic (non-Comp)
I am not interested in a horn from China or India and craftsmanship means more to me than price.
New horns
I have an idea on what I would be getting with the Yamaha sound wise but I am 6 feet tall and worry that the lower lead pipe placement will be an ergonomic issue. I have a four valve Bb large bore tuba (Miraphone 191) so the Adams Sonic is very intriguing to me but there is not a lot of info available yet and most people would advise to get a compensating model. I am not planning to do much more that play for my own fulfillment. Possibly a small ensemble after covid restrictions in CA are ended.
Used horns
I worry about the intonation, playability for a rank amateur with an average ear for tuning, and the consistency between horns with the MW 451 and the B&H. I do not know the date of manufacture of either horn. The MW 451 looks barely used, while the Sovereign has some dents, shows its age and much more usage. Is the B&H worth the gamble? I was hoping for some insight from experienced musicians out there about buying a used horn from a distance.
Thanks for the input,
Spotfire
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