TubeNet

I play a Hirsbrunner Euphonium but cannot afford another one for my 7th grade Euph-playing daughter. Could some of you share your experience with the Meinl Weston 451s Euph. I have never played one or seen one up close. The price is in the range that I can afford and am willing to pay at this point.

I'd like to know about the pitch, tone, quality of craftsmanship, etc...

Thanks in advance for your help,
Todd

I tried one in search for the horn for me (now with an 842S)............. the tone is very big and tub'a'ish, I kinda liked it, especially in the low range. But as bloke said, the pitch issues were awful , especially in the lower register where the ncie sound was....well there were issues everywhere. And the craftsmanship seemed pretty clingy, valves were noisy, the lacquer got partly removed just in transport, must be soft. For 7th grade, wow! your daughter is lucky. If you dont mind going for a non comp. the 321 would be great, but for that nice price/horn, it would be better to find something else IMO. Unless you happen to come across the odd nice one.


Kevin

I'm may be pretty old school, but I would suggest that your daughter not start out on a compensator. I think it is important for her to learn about having to adjust pitch with the embouchere, etc. For a 7th grader, I'd suggest a nice King or Conn. There is absolutely nothing wrong with them and they make great beginner horns. If you are looking at the Yamaha 321 or the Weril, definitely buy the Weril. Don't get fooled just because it says Yamaha - the Weril is the better horn and the better deal.

Give her something to work up to. If you start her out on a Porsche, what will she have to work up to She also might not like euphonium and end up on flute or something. I personally would wait to see if she sticks with it before I sunk a ton of $ in a horn. If she is still playing it 4 years from now, yes, move her up to something more top shelf.

Thanks to all of you who replied with the excellent detail and information I was hoping for. You've really helped in my investigation of horns!

Once again ,the TubeNet forum has proven to be a tremendous resource!

Todd

Heh good to hear, may have saved you time, money, and frustration.

Good luck to you and your daughter!

Kevin