Adams E1 and E3 Compared

[davewerden]

Lovely David! Quick question, why do you sometimes use 3rd valve for the middle G concert? Is it a bit sharp played 1 and 2? Otherwise the intonation seems to be right on with normal fingerings.

Yes, 1&2 is typically sharp by a little bit on most horns. If you watch my video of the Sparke Fantasy (in the 5G mouthpiece thread) you'll see me using 3 on my Sterling for the same note.

[davewerden]

Thanks for the information. I have an Adams E1 with a Sterling Silver Bell. I'm trying to decide if I should switch to an E3. The E1 seems to have projection issues when I play in a large group like a community band or a brass band for that matter. I'm thinking the E3 might be better at that. Unfortunately I can't afford to keep two of these euphoniums, so it's one or the other. And I don't really have a venue to try out the E3.

I think the E3 is a pretty safe bet. It really does have better projection but it is not harder to play. In fact, I find it easier to play.

[MichaelSchott]

Yes, 1&2 is typically sharp by a little bit on most horns. If you watch my video of the Sparke Fantasy (in the 5G mouthpiece thread) you'll see me using 3 on my Sterling for the same note.

I was just wondering if Adams had solved this problem. As one who plays a Willson 2900S, I'm quite familiar with the intonation on that note :-(. Unfortunately it's flat when played with 3rd valve.

[davewerden]

I was just wondering if Adams had solved this problem. As one who plays a Willson 2900S, I'm quite familiar with the intonation on that note :-(. Unfortunately it's flat when played with 3rd valve.

On the Willson, the A is quite flat (by reputation). Perhaps that still affects things for the G???

On the Adams I have played the upper G is just fine with 12. It is always fine on my E3. On the E1 is was usually fine, but sometimes I wanted to use 3.

[daruby]

Hi all,

I use 3rd valve on my Adams E3 (for G in the staff) and use 1/2 with trigger or 3 without trigger on my Sterling. My 2001 Besson Sovereign was in tune with 1/2, my Prestige was 3rd or 1/2 with trigger. My Sterling baritone is also 3rd. As David says, havinbg a sharp G (in the staff) is pretty common.

Doug

[MichaelSchott]

On the Willson, the A is quite flat (by reputation). Perhaps that still affects things for the G???

On the Adams I have played the upper G is just fine with 12. It is always fine on my E3. On the E1 is was usually fine, but sometimes I wanted to use 3.

Overall the intonation on my horn is good except in that part of the staff. The A is very flat, the G is sharp and the F is sharp. 1 and 3 for the F works well. But these issues and that I play in a brass band make me consider a new horn when budget permits. The E3 is high on the list.

[razorbacks1898]

I just played the E1 with the sterling silver bell at Midwest this past week, and I really loved it! In fact, I wanted to buy it right out off the exhibition hall floor. I haven't yet had the chance to play an E3 with the SS bell, though I'm sure I would like it very much. With how much I liked the E1 though, I'd probably be hesitant to order the SS E3 without actually playing it. For those who bought the SS E3, what made you choose it? Were you able to play it? (and if so, where??) I know the SS bell is right for me regardless of if it's an E1 or E3, because I noticed an immediate and favorable difference as soon as I picked up a horn that had it. The votes for the E3 are convincing, but I'm just hesitant to jump in without getting a chance to try one. Are the differences really that noticeable?

[daruby]

Comparing the E1 to the E3 is a bit like comparing an Imperial/New Standard to a Sovereign. The first is a bit lighter, great response, and very flexible with a sweet sound. The second is very similar, but a bit more robust sound and more power. I have lived with my E3 now for nearly 2 years and played a number of E1's but never owned one. I think Dave Werden is the best source for living with both instruments.

[davewerden]

Please read the first post in this thread, which is my own description of the difference. The E1 is a great horn, and the primary reason you might yearn for the E3 at some point is if you are playing solos in front of or with a large ensemble. The E3 has more ability to project higher volumes. But you might find the E1 a better fit for work with piano or chamber ensembles and/or playing in smaller rooms.

You can hear my own audio comparison of the two horns here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Uc_Ag0bYiE

[pvflanigan]

Comparing the E1 to the E3 is a bit like comparing an Imperial/New Standard to a Sovereign. The first is a bit lighter, great response, and very flexible with a sweet sound. The second is very similar, but a bit more robust sound and more power. I have lived with my E3 now for nearly 2 years and played a number of E1's but never owned one. I think Dave Werden is the best source for living with both instruments.

I agree with you about Dave's knowledge of the Adams instruments and have followed his advice in the past. I think he is providing us a great service in evaluating the instruments. He is why I have the Adams instrument I have at the moment.