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I have a student who is in need of a 4-valve euphonium. He does not have a large budget (i.e. no pro horns). If possible he would like to get a 3+1 valve setup, and a non-compensating horn would be OK. His timeframe is short, so he can't wait for a nice used Imperial to show up somewhere.

Does anyone know of a good used horn that is available?

Or do you have thoughts on the following (my thoughts are included, but more input is very welcome):

Jupiter seems to have a decent horn with 3+1 setup. The few comments I have found are positive, but I have never tried one.
Jupiter 570 Silver - non-comp, 3+1 valves - $1,729
http://tinyurl.com/26ap9a

My standby favorite is the King 2280, but it is a 4-in-a-row valve setup. Otherwise it is a nice mid-priced horn.
King 2280 Silver - 4 inline valves - $2,549
http://tinyurl.com/233wrr

The Tuba Exchange has a 4-valve compensating horn for a mid-level price. It is their own brand. I have seen mostly positive comments about it, but it concerns me that there is no track record for durability, etc.
TE-1150L - compensating, lacquer, 3+1 valves - $2,295
http://tinyurl.com/28slzh

If you like yamaha 321's,there's always some on ebay.I got mine from a local college student who was upgrading to a Willson.I imagine there are lots of music majors who start on 321's and later upgrade.There may be lots of used 321's around college campuses.I'm not a real euph player,but the 321 certainly does what i need it to. 500.00 plus a chem clean...

I think the Tuba Exchange euph is a great buy.

"Durability?" Two things: I think Vince can always be persuaded to do the right thing. Second, how long is the student going to keep his first euph? I'd guess 4 years, by then he'll have enough cash to afford something better.

I also must confess that I was totally surprised by the TE compensating euphonium. I did not expect anything of this quality.

BTW, I think this horn buries the Yamaha 321 and stomps all over the Jupiter. It gives the upper line Yamaha's good competition at one third the price, and that's after having over 12 euphoniums in the house over the last year or so.

A friend of mine who is a comeback player purchased the 5-series Jupiter with the 4-upright configuration and is using a Schilke 50 on it. For him, being of slightly shorter stature, it is a great instrument. Granted, that combination does not yield the big, broad, dark, mellifluous tone that seems to be in vogue for euph soloists nowdays, but instead it has that little bit of "horn" tone to it that absolutely is perfect for its intended use: section player in a community band, so it both blends perfectly with both brass and woodwinds, and still projects when the section has the melody line.

knuxie wrote: Would this be too confusing for him?

I think it's a cool horn, but it is not the right one for this student.

Now if I really wanted to confuse the issue I'd point him to this double-bell:

http://tinyurl.com/yq87e6

While I can not comment directly on that particular euph, i will say that the Jupiter instruments I have played as of late have been very nice instruments (trombones and tubas). I also just bought their small 3/4 baritone and their 3/4 tuba for my elementary band and both are quality instruments. I would suspect that their four valve euph would be a fine instrument also and be worth checking out, especially at that price.

ken k

Sent PM

Hi, I have a Mirafone 5-rot valve oval euphonium for sale with case. It is in very good condition, circa 1972. Price is $1500 * shipping. Email me for pics. Thanks,

Hi Dave,

After playing a nice example at Midwest a couple year ago, I recommended that one of my students get a used Allora euphonium (3+1, large receiver, German made) that was for sale for $800. I think they are a little more from Brasswind now (about $1600 new). It plays just like any other decent horn, except that it's more free blowing than any compensating instrument in the lower register...

Might also keep an eye out for an older (1970's) Besson Sovereign in the $1200-$1800 price range... (Popular with the Marine Band these days, you know...)

I just saw this on ebay recently

http://cgi.ebay.com/Willson-Euphonium-4 ... dZViewItem

(sorry no html skills here)

Willson 4 valve, NON compensating. I have no experience with this model, but it looks like it's Willson quality just in a non comp version. Large shank, and 11.5 inch bell from the Willson website.[/url]

I just found this one at hornguys.com

here is a link

http://www.hornguys.com/hornsinstock.htm#euphonium

it is a VMI for $2457. Don't know if that fits your price range or not.

I have played the F.Schmidt euph which I believe is this VMI horn just stenciled with the F.Schmidt name, and it plays very well.

ken k

Wow - that's some very good input from all of you. As it worked out, my student was able to purchase a nice used Sovereign 967 so he should be in really good shape.

I learned a lot from all your input, and it should be helpful as I talk to more potential buyers.

Thanks for all the help!