Recommendations for Lightweight, tall and narrow brands?

[ann reid]

I thought I’d never be able to play a compensating euphonium, but I happened to play a rather heavy one a couple weeks ago and was pleasantly surprised to find that I actually liked some aspects of playing it.

Are there any euphonium brands that are typically lighter in weight, more narrow, and taller than others?

I have arthritis in my fingers and wrists, and light weight, narrow and tall works best for me.

Any thoughts? Recommendations?

[58mark]

if you want a lightweight instrument with a professional sound, what about a 3 valve compensating besson?

They are SO light. I have one here that I am considering parting with, but it's at the shop right now getting cleaned up and a a few dents removed.

[davewerden]

Well, most compensating horns are heavy for good reason - all the extra tubing involved and the longer pistons. Among those, the lightest option would be the Adams E1. The selected model is cheapest and comes in .60 thickness (thinner than most). Because the metal makes up a LOT of square inches, thinner metal can make a difference. If you want to go to a Custom model, which is a bit more money, you would get one in .55 metal (I would not advise going to the .50, and I'm not sure if they still even offer that one). The Selected model is around $7500 so...

If you don't actually need or care about the compensating system itself, but want the 3+1 design, the Adams Sonic is around $4400, and would be lighter than the E1.

[Shinn]

Simply as a reference, here are a couple pictures of a Besson 3-valve compensating euphonium (Model 176) along with associated catalogue sheets with descriptions.

[guidocorona]

Hello Ann, the non-comp Adams Sonic non-comp sounds to me a very impressive horn in this substantive demonstration by Mauro Martins:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...6ZTtmEGl492H9k

If you give a buzz to Austin Custom Brass, Trent and his crowd should be able to dredge up actual weight and dimentions for you.

Regards, Guido

[aroberts781]

Ann,
Some have suggested a three valve compensating Besson for having a great sound and being lightweight. I really like mine and it is lightweight. A couple things that I think you should consider if you were interested in that horn is I don't really think it is very tall. More significantly, there is no hand bar behind the valves for your right hand, just a curved brace between the first valve and the inner branch/tubing. Those ergonomics took a little while for me to get used to and I wonder if it would be difficult with arthritis.
I'm happy to take some photos/measurements to share if you are interested.

[bayoung36]

I’ll agree with Dave on the Adam E1’s weight. I had to switch to something lighter after playing on an older Yamaha 642S. It was painful to play standing up due to the weight and strain on my back! The Adam’s is incredibly light, you almost don’t notice it when holding it.

[58mark]

I'm 6 foot 8, so height should be a major concern to me, but with Euphonium, I just build a lap pad out of foam to fit the contours of my leg, and then set the horn on that. Weight doesn't matter, height doesn't matter

[aroberts781]

That's a good point 58mark. I've tried small pillows and rolled up towels in the past but for some reason I've never found a setup that I like. Admittedly I haven't tried very hard so maybe I'll revisit it. I'm currently using a Comfy Euph Strap with my 3 valve New Standard which works fairly well.

[Snake Charmer]

Playing the French C Tuba and Bb Saxhorn Basse I use the Ergobrass system. With the 3+3 or 3+2 valves there are no fingers left to hold the horn (and they are all quite heavy!).
With the Ergobrass stem (www.ergobrass.com) the horn is floating weightless in front of you with more freedom to move than with a knee pillow. And using a belt pocket you can play while standing.

[Shawn]

Anyone know off which 3-valve bessons are compensationg models?
176 mentioned above.
Others?

Thanks.

[tjjc]

Besson also produced a 3-valve compensator marked as a model 766. There is one on eBay right now, located in Switzerland I believe:

Euphonium in Bb, BESSON, 700 SERIES BE766-2-0, Student-Serie, versilbert | eBay

Willson also made 3-valve compensators, but apparently these are much harder to come by.

I owned a Besson 3-valve compensating adjustable-bell horn for several years and can attest to all of the pros and cons that others have posted. Intonation was also very good, noticeably better than Besson 4-valve compensating horns that I've played.

[Shinn]

In addition to the Besson Model 766 referenced/linked above, there are currently three Besson ‘New Standard’ 3-valve compensating euphoniums listed on eBay - two have lacquer finishes, one has a silver finish, and all are in varying conditions.

If the horn is pre-1974, it came with a euro mouthpiece receiver. And if after 1974, it came with a large mouthpiece receiver (typical of today’s horns). Here is a serial number / cross-reference.

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

There are of course Boosey/Hawkes 3-valve compensating euphoniums as well.

[Shawn]

thanks very much!

[MichaelSchott]

That's a good point 58mark. I've tried small pillows and rolled up towels in the past but for some reason I've never found a setup that I like. Admittedly I haven't tried very hard so maybe I'll revisit it. I'm currently using a Comfy Euph Strap with my 3 valve New Standard which works fairly well.

The Quick Horn Rinse Lap Pad is the best I’ve found. It has a grippy surface and the height is adjustable.