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Thread: Brief Review of Geneva's range of euphoniums

  1. #11
    Quote Originally Posted by miketeachesclass View Post
    I own a Cardinal.

    After 2 years and professional cleaning, the valves are still heavy. Not slow, but heavy. I put some Mead light springs in there and it was considerably improved. It’s a nice horn. Overall good build quality with some fit and finish issues. (You can see crimp marks around the bell bead, and my first valve slide is slightly differently angled than the rest).

    The thing I find worst is the main toning slide adjustment. You have to unscrew the thumb screw and move the slide, then screw the thumb screw in again. Very cumbersome. I’m not sure why everyone doesn’t do a turnbuckle style adjustment. Otherwise, it’s the best functioning trigger I’ve used other than besson.
    That is good to know. They didn't seem slow when playing, just considerably more effort than both the Sovereign I played then and the York I play now (which itself has valves about as heavy as I would like to deal with in day to day playing). Spring changes are fairly easy and hastle free so it sounds like it would be the sort of thing I would want to do should I end up buying a Cardinal. I suppose as long as the crimping and slightly wonky 1st valve slide don't affect the way the horn plays it's not the end of the world, but would make me want to ensure I could test a few examples if I did purchase one
    Adams E2 | K&G 4D+

  2. #12
    There is one US distributor that I am aware of. The southeast Salvation Army region, run by Joe Johnson.

    Quote Originally Posted by iMav View Post
    I’m curious how you ended up with one. (Especially given how unfamiliar many are of the brand.)
    Mike Taylor

    Illinois Brass Band
    Fox Valley Brass Band

  3. #13
    Quote Originally Posted by miketeachesclass View Post
    There is one US distributor that I am aware of. The southeast Salvation Army region, run by Joe Johnson.
    That was the only U.S. distributor I've heard of as well. Unfortunately, they don't attend the ITEA conferences as far as I have even seen. It's too bad there is not more exposure here, because it sounds like they are an able contender in the high-level euphonium market.
    Dave Werden (ASCAP)
    Euphonium Soloist, U.S. Coast Guard Band, retired
    Adams Artist (Adams E3)
    Alliance Mouthpiece (DC3)
    YouTube: dwerden
    Facebook: davewerden
    Twitter: davewerden
    Instagram: davewerdeneuphonium

  4. #14
    Agreed. I would be interested to see their current offerings; If their QC has improved, they could gain traction.

    Quote Originally Posted by davewerden View Post
    That was the only U.S. distributor I've heard of as well. Unfortunately, they don't attend the ITEA conferences as far as I have even seen. It's too bad there is not more exposure here, because it sounds like they are an able contender in the high-level euphonium market.
    Mike Taylor

    Illinois Brass Band
    Fox Valley Brass Band

  5. #15
    I'll add to this conversation that I played my Geneva in last night's rehearsal because my gold lacquer prestige is in the shop, and I got some complements.

    Anecdotally, Tim Oldroyd told me when I bought the horn that the horns were sort of designed after the round stamp euphoniums. Take that as the speculation it is.

    If they sort their fit/finish issues, they could gain some ground. I know they've been very aggressive in the UK with sponsorships and partnerships with solo players and with bands.

    Mike
    Mike Taylor

    Illinois Brass Band
    Fox Valley Brass Band

  6. #16
    Join Date
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    Yeah when I tested some Genevas way back in... 2016? At a Glenn Van Looy workshop, they alsp mentioned that they based them off of the old RS Sovereigns. Didn't have my own RS Sovereign with me to compare, but I could tell some similarities.

    I can't wait to test some new ones to see if they changed the ergonomics around the valve block.

  7. #17
    I had a nice chat via email with Geneva - along with some talk about possibilities for more exposure particularly in the USA market. I'll keep the group updated if I know more.
    Mike Taylor

    Illinois Brass Band
    Fox Valley Brass Band

  8. #18
    That's really good to hear Mike. In my head for whenever I get round to getting my own instrument (not super urgent mind as my band instrument is very very good anyway) currently a Geneva Cardinal would be my first choice, but I've never played a Yamaha (should be playtesting a used Neo shortly) or an Adams (might be able to play an E2 soon, but will certainly try the range proper when I find myself at my nearest retailer) so it would be great to see if they can break into your busy US market.
    Adams E2 | K&G 4D+

  9. #19
    Quote Originally Posted by davewerden View Post
    That was the only U.S. distributor I've heard of as well. Unfortunately, they don't attend the ITEA conferences as far as I have even seen. It's too bad there is not more exposure here, because it sounds like they are an able contender in the high-level euphonium market.
    I asked Joe about that once about three years ago, and while I don't recall the exact reasoning behind not attending conferences, it is definitely a conscious decision not to. Something about competing with other vendors that he also stocks IIRC, but don't quote me on that!
    Sean Kissane
    Low Brass Specialist, Paige's Music
    Principal Euphonium, Indianapolis Brass Choir
    Principal Euphonium, Crossroads Brass Band

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