Step-up?

[iMav]

I’ve been curious about the Besson 100-series, non-compensating horns. (The BE-165 is the 3+1 configuration). Seems it would be a decent option if one is not, necessarily, interested in a compensating horn.

Hello Larry, you might be referring to the price of the Sonic flugelhorn. Actually, Thomann lists the Sonic euphonium for more than twice as much.

i was referring to the Besson…

[iMav]

Admittedly, Thomann may feature attractive pricing, and no hassle cross-Atlantic shopping.

Yet, in my final decision on where to source my upcoming new eupho baby -- more about it before long -- I did not deem pricing and instant fulfilment to be my only priorities. A good relationship and the technical support from the respected low brass tech working for one of the several well-established US dealer has been crucial to my eventual choice.
After all, peace of mind is a very long-term concern.

I got very personal service from Thomann. 30-day no questions asked return policy (shipping on their dime)…and assurance from Adams proper that there are no warranty issues buying through Thomann).

After all, I BOUGHT a foreign-made horn…it’s not like there was a “made in the USA” play to be had. (Had I determined a S.E.Shires horn was right for me, I’d see no reason to hop to Europe and back for it!)

[and no local techs to be had in my area…aside from the local tech at my college I have full access to!]

Bottom line…order from whomever you choose…and make sure you are educated regarding the options!

[guidocorona]

I agree with you Larry, it is the eternal "caveat emptor"... And after some four years of pondernings, phone calls, creating comparative spreadsheets, and assorted caveanda, I opted to purchase in the US.

Personal priorities are rainbow-like, isn't it?!

Saluti, Guido

BTW, thank you for the Bessonic correction.... A dangling pronoun had thrown me for a loop

[JTJ]

I've owned a Sonic for a year, got one right after they were introduced. It plays beautifully, is super resonant, and is very much like the E1 as Dave notes. But it is not a bargain horn and will cost more than most non comp euphs. No reason not to get one, but if you decide to sell it, it will not have a good resale value relative to it's cost, because demand is so slight for a non comp euphonium at this price point. I'm keeping mine because it is fun to play and I like the weight reduction relative to a comp euphonium. For times I might need a compensation, I go back to my Yamaha 642 Neo.

[Pat]

"Geriatric novice"... you crack me up! If you love your horn and it's doing everything you'd like for it to do, why change?

[ann reid]

"Geriatric novice"... you crack me up! If you love your horn and it's doing everything you'd like for it to do, why change?

Brief answer to your question-- I need to know if the improvements and innovations in currently built instruments could potentially allow me to advance at a faster rate than I’m advancing on my Willson.

My Willson has served me amazingly well for the year I’ve used it, but it has a couple issues that concern me, and I won’t experiment with changing them. If I buy another instrument I’ll keep the Willson and use it, but less often than I’m using the Willson now. (12-15 hours/week). So I’m looking for something approximately the same size as the Willson with potential current upgrades.

I’ve come from a single undergrad course in brass instruments that I took 55 years ago to participating in 3 ensembles (one of them playing Gr. 4- Gr. 5 music), and I do everything possible to advance my abilities.

I have a GREAT teacher and a lot of encouragement, not much sophistication in brass instruments per se but learning as I go.

Thanks for asking!

[iMav]

I have a GREAT teacher and a lot of encouragement, not much sophistication in brass instruments per se but learning as I go.

Is your teacher’s primary instrument the euphonium? Have you asked them their opinion on a possible horn upgrade? (Just curious)

[MichaelSchott]

Brief answer to your question-- I need to know if the improvements and innovations in currently built instruments could potentially allow me to advance at a faster rate than I’m advancing on my Willson.

My Willson has served me amazingly well for the year I’ve used it, but it has a couple issues that concern me, and I won’t experiment with changing them. If I buy another instrument I’ll keep the Willson and use it, but less often than I’m using the Willson now. (12-15 hours/week). So I’m looking for something approximately the same size as the Willson with potential current upgrades.

I’ve come from a single undergrad course in brass instruments that I took 55 years ago to participating in 3 ensembles (one of them playing Gr. 4- Gr. 5 music), and I do everything possible to advance my abilities.

I have a GREAT teacher and a lot of encouragement, not much sophistication in brass instruments per se but learning as I go.

Thanks for asking!

From what I’ve read here, if you like the 2900 sound, good alternatives are the Adams E2 and the Shires Q41. Horns are very personal choices so I hope you get the chance to play as many as possible. I played a 2900 for 40 years. It has that beautiful centered tone and is robust. It has well known tuning quirks but they are not hard to deal with. But I switched to my E3 because I wanted a different tone concept and because it plays so well in tune.