Euphonium Triggers - tone and clarity
Hi Folks - I've seen several threads over the years detailing the pros and cons of having a trigger - with most of the discussions about balancing the need to improve the intonation of certain sharp notes versus the increased complexity, maintenance, belly guard, etc. associated with these systems. That isn't what this thread is about!
Over the years, there have also been a number of discussions about adding weight here and there, and the resultant impact on the tone and/or response, e.g., different weight mouthpieces, valve caps, or the Lefreque plates. I saw a video of some new plastic water catchers that Steven Mead was recommending a couple of years ago, and he mentioned that these didn't have the sound/response disadvantages of most of the clip-on metal water catchers. And the whole time I was reading all of this, I wondered to myself - why is no one talking about the change in your sound for instruments that have triggers versus those that don't? In my mind that additional weight is bound to have some impact. Well, lo and behold, Yamaha is now making the following statement in describing the features on both the triggered 842 and Neo euphoniums:
Also, the additional weight of the trigger system helps to achieve a greater depth of tone and clarity of articulation.
What say y'all?
- Scott
Euphoniums: Dillon 967, Monzani MZEP-1150S, Dillon 1067 (kid’s horn)
Bass Trombones: Greenhoe GB5-3G, Getzen 1052FDR, JP232
King Jiggs P-bone