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5 Valve Euph!

Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2006 5:11 pm
by Bob Mosso
How would this euph sound in comparison to the standards (Yamaha 642, Wilson 2900)? Anyone with experience playing it or it's 4 valve brother?

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Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2006 8:59 pm
by Tom Gregory
I just sold one of these (5rv). I had it for about 4 years. It had a great sound that I thought was more colorful than the traditional english- style euphonium (only my opinion). The OUTonation tendancies were more like what you would find on a tuba than on a euphonium, but workable. I used in the quintet and in an orchestra (Bydlo, Midsummer's Night Dream) and it woked well.

If you think it going to be your main euphonium axe, I'd say it probably wouldn't work great in that capacity but it is an interesting sound. Give it a try.

TG

Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2006 9:49 pm
by Chuck(G)
The only 5rv Miraphone like this that I ever got to test-play was "interesting" in its intonation. I'd probably pass on it.

Now, if I really wanted a 5-valve model, maybe one of the French 5-piston saxhorns might be interesting:

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Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2006 5:37 pm
by Highams
My two vintage 5 valve euphs (for those who have not seen them yet, lol) are the 1891 Highams;
http://www.euph9.freeserve.co.uk/newhigh8.jpg

which sounds like this;
http://www.acidplanet.com/artist.asp?PID=467934&t=330

and the later 1902 model;
http://www.euph9.freeserve.co.uk/5v1902a.jpg

which sounds like this;
http://www.acidplanet.com/artist.asp?PID=392597&t=330

There really is no way to compare them with modern instruments as the bore is tiny throughout. The later 1902 model is also a bit 'leaky' at the moment. Both are uncomfortable to hold with valves 4 & 5 at right angles.

I use my large Doug Elliot mouthpiece on both with a small shank adaptor.

CB

5V Euphonium

Posted: Thu Dec 07, 2006 10:47 am
by Lyle
Hi, Just to echo Tom Gregory, I have a Mirafone 5V rotary, oval euph that is simialr to Tom's horn. It plays more like a Mirafone tuba for intonation, & needs a 51D type mpc to get a English euph sound. It is a great solo horn. I am selling mine, with case for $1500.00 + shipping. Any interests, email me for photos.

Posted: Thu Dec 07, 2006 11:32 am
by Tom Gregory
I just wanted to post that Lye's horn played more open (in the oval version) than did the upright version I had. The intonation tendancies were similar. Thanks for the help on that, Lyle.

Lyles horn has a very pretty sound. I've heard him play it many times on very technical to very lyrical music. Nice horn, good player.

TG