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

[simonm29]

my brass band is looking for euphonium, and after 16 years of trumpet, tenor trombone and bass trombone (4 years on trombones), I was asked if I would take over the role of playing euphonium. I found these 3 that I like, can you give me some advice about them and which one would be the best for an orchestra of 35/40 people. I will post pictures of the above later. Of the new ones, I'm stuck on the Geneva symphomy, since these 3 new ones are too expensive for me.
Im lookimg that the euphonium is fully compensated.
Thank you very much

[iMav]

The E1 has a Sterling silver bell? If so, definitely get Dave’s input regarding suitability for an orchestra environment (especially as a “new” euphonium player).

[davewerden]

Personally, I'd be least likely to choose the Willson. Their tonal concept seems out of place in a brass band (although some people DO use them).

Of course, Besson is a widely-used choice in brass bands, so that is safe.

I have never played a Geneva, but I suspect its tonal match would be fine.

The Adams with a sterling bell is capable of a great variety of sound and should work fine. Adams description of this bell is that it is best suited to advanced players who can take advantage of its capabilities. You have a lot of brass experience, so I would think you could fit that description and get the horn to do what you want it to.

[TheJH]

Genevas will be fine, they are modeled after the old Sovereigns and have a very similar sound to them after all, maybe a little bit more core compared to Bessons but not as much compared to the large-bore Willsons.
At least, that was my impression from 8 years ago.

[CousinJack]

I've played A Geneva Symphony and wasn't impressed... compared to the models immediately below and above it in the example I played was quite stuffy and didn't project very well. Of course, it's a good instrument, but I would imagine the Prestige and the Adams would be better. Of course, it's up to you and what you can afford! All these instruments are good pro instruments

[simonm29]

Im more on the E1 side for now, googled a lot and mostly very good reviews.
Let see what seller is asking for, hopefully not too much

[iMav]

Im more on the E1 side for now, googled a lot and mostly very good reviews.
Let see what seller is asking for, hopefully not too much

Does it look like this?
https://www.thomannmusic.com/adams_e..._ss_060_bl.htm

Must be a popular configuration for Thomann to have it as one of their seven default Adams options. (You can custom order)

[spkissane]

If it's a British-style brass band, Besson or Geneva will get you the desired sound concept more easily. If it's a band that just happens to be all brass instruments, any of those are great options. The Willson will likely project the easiest, but the Adams will probably have the most tonal flexibility.

[simonm29]

thanks everyone for the tips, somehow I'm more interested in Adams, I hope I'm not wrong. But am undecided between Adams E1 and Willson 2900 TA

@iMav - the Adams E1 is custom yes, its like this :https://www.thomannmusic.com/adams_e...d_m_060_sp.htm
Silver plated patina/satin

[simonm29]

The Photos of Adams E1 are

[simonm29]

the photos of Willson are :

[franz]

The Photos of Adams E1 are [ATTACH=CONFIG]9924[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]9925[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]9926[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]9927[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]9928[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]9929[/ATTACH]

This is a Adams E2, not E1!

[simonm29]

Are you sure? Whats the difference ? Im new in euphonium so i realy dont know
Thx

[UglyGrayDuck]

I'm not sure if Franz can tell you more, but to my eye, the valve block is the heavier E2 style.

[franz]

Are you sure? What's the difference ? Im new in euphonium so i realy dont know
Thx

The difference between the Adams E1 and E2 euphonium models, as far as I know, are essentially the thickness of the slab and the heavier valve caps and buttons on the E2, which makes the instrument heavier and more massive with a darker tone. , while the E3 is essentially a copy of the old Hirsbrunners (Peter Hirsbrunner went out of business and gave his euphone-making equipment to Adams) with a few tweaks and improvements. The cool thing about Adams that I like is the fact that they can be customized in an almost infinite variety of variations, finishes, thicknesses, or whatever feasible one desires, from engravings to prototypes.

In the photo the options and prices (referring to 2018)