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So 3 buddies and I are putting together a tuba quartet for ITEC. I've been delegated to play euph 2 because of my past experience and because good euph players are hard to find.

Here's the problem: I sold a very good euph a while back that would have been perfect for this job. Now, I need another one. I don't have a lot of money right now, but have been looking for instruments on the various websites because I need to get my chops in shape like yesterday.

I know a lot of tuba players double on a YEP321. There are always a crap-ton for sale on Ebay for decent prices (read: in my price range RIGHT NOW). Here's my question for those who double/play on these; would this work for a 2nd euph in a quartet? I worry about intonation playing lower parts on a non-comp instrument. Will it work, or should I get something like a 642, MW, or Miraphone? I'm not looking to be the next Steve Mead, and don't need a $5,000+ euph at this time. I just want to sound good, and in tune.

Thanks for the advice...

d(thinking that compy euph at Tuba Exchange HAS to be worth the money)temp

dtemp,

I think the 321 should work quite well. In our comm band with 4 euphers, there are 3 compensators (2-642s; 1-641) and 1 - 4 valve 321. The only note we have trouble with is the low 'B' natural (2-4 fingering). According to Dave Werden's Compensating Euphoniums - Intonation comparison, all compensators tested were flat on low B natural (B2). The 321 is a bit sharp with 4-2 fingering... and of course really sharp with 123. Other than that, intonation is good between these.

Having said that, not sure what type horn euph1 is playing.

You will find that the range for 2nd euph in a 4tet will probably be Bb 2nd line of bass clef up to F above bass clef. Here and there it might go as low as F below that 2nd line Bb... but I can't imagine why it would go lower (there are tubas in the group, right???). In other words, compensating system unnecessary. Only problem with 321 is small bore/shank.

dt,

Depends on what the OTHER horns are, their players abilities, expectations, and also yours.

Regardless WHAT people say, even a piano isn't "in-tune". Rather, it's tuned to even-tempered tuning (except for the "Stride" bass... )

The point is, it's your ears, and those of the quartet around you. And, as you point out, what you can afford to work with it. I wouldn't sweat it so hard. Do whatcha gotta, and play the hell out of it!

I would recommend trying to find the cheapest used "pro" compensating euph you can. I think you'll be much happier with the larger bore size, especially as a tuba player, and it will have a more characteristic sound. Not to mention the lower notes you may encounter on a 2nd euph part will be more in tune (never perfect).

What would I consider "pro"?

Willson
Besson
Yamaha
Miraphone
Meinl Weston
Sterling
Hirsbrunner

May be others I'm forgetting, but these are horns I've tried before, and at least have all the right ingredients of a pro horn, in different flavors.

If you could find a 642/641, miraphone or meinl weston used, you'd probably get the best cost-value ratio. Especially if the laquer is a little worn but otherwise structurally sound.

Remember, make sure you're paying money for what counts, good build quality and specs, rather than "new factor" and looks.

I would second the idea of a used pro horn.

While the 321 is a sweet sounding, in tune horn (other than the very low range), the tone quality may be a bit bright for the 2nd euph parts.

Your quartet and you are unknown to me, but as I read your posting, you are all young, ambitious, and serious at the same time.

That leads me to think, that one or more of you are affiliated with a university or a conservatory. The first thing I would do would be to investigate if such type of school hasn’t a relevant instrument in storage, which can be lent for a defined period leading up to and including your ITEC contest or presentation.

If 3 quartet members play pro-level instruments, then you need an instrument at the same level. The YEP321 is a fine instrument within its own league of student instruments, and some pro’s even have used it as a marching instrument for weight reasons. But it doesn’t have the dynamic range of a pro instrument, and if you force it beyond its inherent limits, then you will stick out from the ensemble sound.

At least some of the quartet arrangements I have seen treat the 2nd euph as the top line soloist in some passages (if for no other reasons then to save the chops of the 1st euph). Your seat is not there just for the formal filling of a space.

Good luck with your project!

Hi dtemp,
I use a 321 to play 2nd Euph when my cohorts (and these are m-f'er players) get together for Tuba 4tets. It works great. I use a Wick 4AY (which I understand was designed for the 321 and I suppose is on the large side for Euph mouthpieces) and have no trouble balancing the fellow on 1st (who playes a Besson) either soundwise, intonationwise, etc. I happen to have the dependent 5th rotor (slide lengthened to a flat whole step) - if you can find one of those it makes the low register complete.
Go for it!

Yup.

There's a 321 for sale here on the board with a price drop to $1200 (+ shipping). This one has been modified with a pull ring for the 1st slide with a stop.

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