Buying First Euph

[radiatemilk]

Hello,

I am a rising senior in high school and have been looking to purchase my first euph. I plan to continue playing in college and audition for a brass band and possibly minor in music, so I have gotten to the point where I would like to move on from my not great condition school owned concert baritone to get something nicer I can continue to use in the future. I have already read some information online but I am looking to see if anyone has any advice before I purchase anything. (I have a job outside of school and some money saved up already). I have found this Wessex euphonium on ebay I was considering bidding on and seeing, but I again would like some outside opinion first or other suggestions.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/22561418663...Bk9SR8Tpm8aXYg

Thank you for your time.

[davewerden]

Welcome to the forum!

That horn looks pretty good to me. In fact, I have already listed it in the For Sale section. I only list instruments there when I think they are worth getting. Wessex has proven to be a fine, low-priced, 4-valve compensating euphonium. That would make a good choice for someone in your position.

[radiatemilk]

Thank you!

The Wessex horn no longer has a buy it now option, considering I have to bid what would you say the highest price the horn is worth if I have to compete with the other bidders? Thank you for your help, I will be sure to also check the for sale page.

[davewerden]

Thank you!

The Wessex horn no longer has a buy it now option, considering I have to bid what would you say the highest price the horn is worth if I have to compete with the other bidders? Thank you for your help, I will be sure to also check the for sale page.

A new one would cost you $1695. Note that the seller of this one charges $107 for shipping, so keep that in mind as your total cost. I think up to $1k would be a very good price in the current market for a known/proven brand like Wessex.

There is a new Schiller for $985. It is based on the same template, but doesn't have some of the improvements Wessex has made. It's still a good, proven instrument:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/255791452939

[iMav]

You can get a new John Packer 274 for $1300 from Capital Music Gear out of Madison, WI.

Go to their website, create an account, and put in a $1300 offer on this horn:
https://capitalmusicgear.com/Product/John-Packer-Jp274-Euphonium-Jp274mkii