Which model do you mean? I can not open the link. They really have good specs, especially for the price...
Can only share an experience for oval baritone (german-style). I was able to test a new oval baritone of Thomann (600 Euro) and a new one from Miraphone (5000 Euro) on the same day. There was nothing wrong with the Thomann, it was a normal instrument, but really great value. Better than some other used instruments I had at my hands so far.
The Miraphone however was really high quality, you could feel it with your hands. The most striking difference for me was that I could play higher notes with the Miraphone and that I could "sing" more, the tone just had more volume and sound. Not sure if this is comparable with the euphoniums of Thomann and the top-brands.
The "singing", the richness of tone, would be an argument for me to purchase an euphonium from the 80s, even if the rational part of my brain says I am stupid for paying big money for 40 year old brass.
Groups
Valley City Community Band
Valley City State University Concert Band
2024 North Dakota Intercollegiate Band (you're never too old!)
Larry Herzog Jr.
All things EUPHONIUM! Guilded server
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
It would seem many people get fixated on new instruments. I just saved a couple of the horns Dave linked to. If I can sell a couple of instruments, I would jump at one of these. I agree that the fourth valve is rarely needed. And having that classic sound is very appealing. I would be using it for community band.
Richard
King 1130 Flugabone
King 2280 Euphonium
King 10J Tuba
Conn 22B Trumpet
hi Michael, if you pass Boosey & Hawkes Imperial please let me know/give contact. i would be interested.....in case you dont want it. thx
When I get to test the B&H Euphonium from the 80s next weekend - what do I have to look for? Points I have in mind:
- to look that the valves are working well
- instrument should not lose air anywhere
- check intonation with tuner
- check overall condition of instrument
Any other ideas?
Groups
Valley City Community Band
Valley City State University Concert Band
2024 North Dakota Intercollegiate Band (you're never too old!)
Larry Herzog Jr.
All things EUPHONIUM! Guilded server
You should wipe off and oil all valves before starting.
I would play some 1/8th note scales and listen/feel for notes that are stuffy sounding/feeling. Keep in mind that a little variation is normal; just see if there are any "dogs" in there.
Play a couple of trills at a medium-slow tempo. Listen for clarity between the top and bottom note. Use simple fingerings so your fingerings are sure to operate accurately. If the separation is mushy, that might point to leaky valves.
A quick check for leaky valves: pull the 1st slide out smoothly out of the horn. Don't press the 1st valve while doing this. There should be a "pop" sound as the slide comes off the horn, which would indicate the valves are capable of maintaining compression.
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