Best All-around Euphonium

[9811matt]

I've found the 642 to be consistent between several different examples of this horn. If it has certain tendencies, then most all of them are the same way, and I've learned to compensate for them. I currently play a mix of a Willson 2900, 2 Yamaha 642s, and an late 60's Besson.

Observations...

The Willson 2900 is indeed built like the proverbial tank. It can take more abuse than a modern Besson, and not show dents (as readily, but ANYTHING can be broken if hit just right). Response is even, but the overall feel of the instrument is quite "compact". A 2900 will back up on you at anything over a FF.

The old Besson has a pitch-center a mile wide. You play out of tune, and it very happily plays out of tune, with a beautiful smooth, (not too) dark sound. Short valve stroke, but kind of a long reach to the 4th valve. Phenomenal soft response. Only problem with the Besson, is that it'll "fuzz" out at anything over FF.

The same soft response, and lack of upper volume may be found on the Yamaha 842. If I were to play a single modern instrument for myself, and not in a concert band setting, then the 842 would be it. Lovely for chamber works, quintets, etc, but it lacks the projection at high SPL (Sound Pressure Level) needed to sing over a band.

This leaves me with the Yamaha 642. As far as an all around horn goes, the 642 seems to cover all the bases. What it gives up in soft response (which it still has plenty of, only demurring slightly to the 842 and vintage Besson) it makes up in maintaining focus at FFF and higher volume levels, with the appropriate mouthpiece (a SM3 in my case). I've played two primary 642s and lots of school/demo 642s since 1995, and would have to recommend it for a developing euphoniumist with aspirations of playing professionally.

The Yamahas also have the shortest (most ergonomic) reach between the 3rd valve tubing and the 4th valve, making them ideal instruments for those who may have smaller hands, not sized to the Besson or Hirsbrunners.

For an instrument that plays darn close to the level of these professional horns, the Brasswind's "Allora" euph for $1600 in silver, is a 4 valve (3+1) horn which, at least in the example I played at the Midwest Clinic, plays better than any other non-compensating horn I've held. Eyes closed, I don't know that I could tell the difference between it and the old Besson. A superior choice to the Willson 2704 or Yamaha 321. The 321 is designed as a student instrument, and without modification, the leadpipe is too far down on the bell for the average sized adult, resulting in an awkward playing position. Yes, I do own a YEP-321S as well (#003957).

This has grown lengthy, but I'll be happy to elaborate on any point described here, in a followup...

Matt Summers

[Alex F]

For an instrument that plays darn close to the level of these professional horns, the Brasswind's "Allora" euph for $1600 in silver, is a 4 valve (3+1) horn which, at least in the example I played at the Midwest Clinic, plays better than any other non-compensating horn I've held. Eyes closed, I don't know that I could tell the difference between it and the old Besson. A superior choice to the Willson 2704 or Yamaha 321.

This Allora looks a lot like a MW451 w/p the compensating tubing. Actually, I think MW does, or did, make a non-comp euph

[Rick Denney]

But its finding the horn that fits the player, wouldnt you agree?

Well, of course. But that wasn't the question. The question was which euphonium was the best all around instrument, regardless of cost.

All of the instruments mentioned have their artist-grade proponents, and must therefore be capable of producing artist-grade results.

But they all seem to have faults that take them out of consideration for a significant percentage of the euph-playing population. I once watched a euph player sitting next to me spend most of a rehearsal trying to make that gold-plating tuning thingy go back together on his new Prestige after it sprayed its guts all over his lap. Every brand seems to have issues.

It's just that the 2900 seems to have the fewest issues. That, to me, makes it the best all-round horn with cost out of the formula. That isn't the same thing as being the very best horn at any one thing.

Rick "whose extremely battered Besson is all he will ever need" Denney

[JTJ]

I believe the Yamaha 642 is the best all around euphonium. It has the characteristics one would expect from such a designation: no real enemies, receives faint praise, few complaints, yet can be, and is, played by artists at the highest levels. And no one ever says you made a mistake buying your 642, although they will say "did you try the...?"

John

Who bought his 642 after a playoff between Willson, Besson and Miraphone, but who would like to give the 842 a try someday.