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No, I'm not young, but I'm starting to think about getting an euphonium with which to doodle around.

I won't be giving up my tuba, but the sheer portability of the euph certainly is appealing.

I used to have a fairly large, 4-piston VMI. It had a lovely sound, but is certainly not what I seek now. Now I'm looking for something with a lot of core to the sound, along with some bark, bite and growl when I want it. Decent intonation and strong low end are a must. I'm thinking used, must be under $1000, preferably under $500. I like the bell-front models I've heard and I prefer the valves (3 or 4, piston or rotary) to be on the front, rather than the top.

Whaddaya think? Should I focus on an old Conn, King, Olds, Martin, Reynolds, etc.? Should I look at those oval pups from Miraphone, MW or R. Meinl? (I've tried the Cerveny--no thanks!) Should I think about one of those Chinese brands? All suggestions welcome. Thanks!

Your difficulty will be finding a good quality front (side?) loaded instrument. Certainly they exist, older ones that are truly good will be pricey, and I haven't seen many 4 valve front action new.

Glenn Call has raved about an oval euph from Violin King (in Texas, maybe?) that are Chinese made. Matt Walters seems to have a good line on Chinese instruments at Dillon's. They exist, they're cheap, and can be good.