BESSON 2052 PRESTIGE, SILVER, M.I. UK, Adams E1 sterling silver or Willson 2900 TA?

[John Morgan]

Is is really E2 or E1?
Please
Ty

That is an E2 model of Adams. No doubt.

Edit: Well, after seeing the spec list on this horn in a later post, it appears to be an E1. But with what looks like an E2 valve set up.

[simonm29]

I really don`t know what to do, im just in need of a instrument that will last for more then 10 Years for sure ( until i can play ). - and that has a good intonation etc etc.

The instrument has to be durable and well constructed that will last, don`t know if the brass has to be thick or not....

That the reason i am indecisive..... thinking between this Adams or Willson I posted.
Or maybe this Besson 2052 made in UK :



Thx all, i am opened for all the advices

[iMav]

The instrument has to be durable and well constructed that will last, don`t know if the brass has to be thick or not....

I know someone who’s had the same 2900 (actually owns two) since at least the early/mid 1980s. I suspect that a well kept for Besson and Adams would fair equally as well. If the Adams is an E2 (as mentioned above), perhaps even more so (based on the thickness).

All other things being equal, it should come down to your personal preference.

[NLeuph]

Hello Simon, I think you would be better off buying a non-compensating euphonium to learn the instrument well enough. Once you know how to play the instrument, upgrade to a compensating instrument. It is very hard to advise you on any euphonium at this stage. It will also spare you a lot of money and in a few years time you will be able to choose a compensating euph that fits your playing and your tonal concept will be more developed.

[simonm29]

Hello Simon, I think you would be better off buying a non-compensating euphonium to learn the instrument well enough. Once you know how to play the instrument, upgrade to a compensating instrument. It is very hard to advise you on any euphonium at this stage. It will also spare you a lot of money and in a few years time you will be able to choose a compensating euph that fits your playing and your tonal concept will be more developed.

When I played the trumpet and trombone, forced because there are always lacking for this instruments, now finally one spot is free and my desire for playing a euphonium comes true. Now, finally , once in a lifetime want something that is quality built, quality tone and with compensation system.

On the trombone/bass trombone I used the f - attachment , doesnt it work similar as the 4th valve on euphonium and for going down the staff for low notes ?

Kind regards

[franz]

These are all 3 excellent solidly built instruments that will last for many years, whatever choice you make will be a winner. The only problem is the fact that if you don't try them you will never know which one suits your preferences the most. The Willson, according to the experiences of some on this forum (eg .http://www.dwerden.com/forum/showthr...n-2950-vs-2900 ) has a slightly different sound than the Prestige/Adams E2, moreover Prestige and Adams have the trigger, which can be useful, I would say indispensable on the Prestige, to correct the high tone on some critical notes. The British Prestige, according to some here, may have defects due to poor quality control in the famous lottery years before the move of production to Germany. I've been playing for 16 years on a Prestige 2052, it still looks like it just came out of the factory, solid as a German panzer, whose sound is what I want from a euphonium: excellent intonation (with the use of the trigger), ease in get high register (G above staff) and low, blends well with the band I play in, great projection. The only flaw, if we want to find one, is the slightly excessive weight of my specimen (about 5.6/7 kg), but I use it almost exclusively sitting down, while to drive I rely on the compensated New Standard 3 valves.

[spkissane]

I really don`t know what to do, im just in need of a instrument that will last for more then 10 Years for sure ( until i can play ). - and that has a good intonation etc etc.

The instrument has to be durable and well constructed that will last, don`t know if the brass has to be thick or not....

That the reason i am indecisive..... thinking between this Adams or Willson I posted.
Or maybe this Besson 2052 made in UK :



Thx all, i am opened for all the advices

If you're not able to try before you buy, and if *proven* durability is a top priority, my vote would 100 percent go to the Willson. Adams euphoniums are certainly well constructed, but they just haven't been around long enough to prove their longevity in the way that Willson has. And the UK-era Bessons such as the horn in those pictures were known for being somewhat inconsistent, so not being able to play it first is more of a gamble.

I have owned two Willson horns in my life and they were both tanks. Willson, to me, is a company that never skimps on build quality, and the fact that you can get a 30-year-old horn that still plays beautifully proves that.

Edit: I thought of a couple more things to add in the Willson column - Willson euphoniums have very forgiving left-hand ergonomics. I have pretty average-sized hands, and the prestige (and even my Adams E1 a bit) just never felt as comfortable in my left hand due to the third valve slide being set a little farther from the body of the instrument. The other thing, when thinking about durability, is that a horn with a tuning trigger is by nature going to be much more likely to malfunction. I know a lot of people like having them, but it's definitely going to be the most fragile part of the instrument. Just a couple other things to consider!

[NLeuph]

Then i would definitely go for the Adams. It is easier to play than the other options you mentioned (imo). And durability is good too. Lighter Adams models are more prone to denting though. But with the e2, that problem is non existent. Good luck hunting euphoniums!

[guidocorona]

The Adams E2 is a "heavy" build euphonium which shares the same construction/design phylosophy of my Adams A4 heavy trumpet.... Built like a main battle tank. Delicate/flimsy construction on E2 would be the least of my concerns... E2 was in fact at the top of my preferences together with M5050 and Shires Solo when I was looking for a new eupho. I considered only full-service US dealers with top reputation. My personal relationship with knolegeble&friendly sales/support specialists was also a major consideration: ACB with Josh and Trent, Paiges Music with Sean Kissane, and Dillon with Matthew Walters. Pricing was comparable. While in the end I opted for the Miraphone M5050, I am confident I would been as exstatic with E2 or the Shires.

Best, Guido

[simonm29]

thank You all for your advices.

The heart is saying Adams, but the brain says Willson