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My grandson plays euph very well for a 7th grader and his father is thinking about getting him a better horn than the one he's playing now. He would like to spend not much more than $1500 if possible and is looking at some 3+1 non-compensating models (Jupiter 570 and Nirschl I-700). Anyone have opinions on these choices or any other suggestions to look at? My grandson seems to like the idea of the 3+1 setup rather than 4 in-line, probably for no other reason than that's what two other players in the all-state jr. high band had. General comments or specific recommendations would be welcome.

I played a 3+1 noncomp at the BAC Horndoctor in Overland Park, Kansas. I believe the brand was Eastman Brass. Good pitch and good sound. Better than the Jupiter and cheaper.

Possibly this one:

http://www.dalyantubas.com/html/kaiser_euphonium.html

3+1 non-comp models are very uncommon (though not quite "rare" per say) to come across. The main market for these horns involves people who want the 3+1 setup but don't want to drop a bunch more on the compensating system. This market isn't very large or expansive, which is surprising (since there are obviously people such as yourself looking for such a deal). I'm primarily a Euphonium player and feel I know more than some to most about various models of horns, but I don't really have much experience with these models. They've become much more common in recent years, but it seems most people either opt out for the comp model or just stick with the cheaper "4-banger" when shopping for a horn.

However, I did play on one particular model at TMEA about a month ago, from what I am almost positive was Eastman Winds (but they don't advertise such a horn on their site which is rather puzzling). It wasn't a bad horn at all, and it was in the lower $2k price range if I remember correctly which is about what you'd expect from a new horn. Finding a good, NEW horn in the $1500 range is a task....compensating or not. Actually finding a good, USED horn with a 3+1 non-comp setup in this price-range is also difficult.

I will however, recommend the Tuba Exchange 3+1 COMPENSATING model. Buying one new (As I think you'd be hard pressed to find a used version since it's still a pretty recently produced horn--you could check with them though) will set you back $2395; a little beyond your specified range, I understand but I've played the prototype before it went into production and it's an amazing horn considering the price. It doesn't stack up to the established state-of-the-art comp. models (Willson, Besson, Yamaha, Custom's line etc.) but it is fully compensating, has the 3+1 setup, and costs half as much as these beasts while being 90% as good, and I still would buy it over a Yamaha 321 (which I also recommend if you want to go the 4-banger route...it's a tried-and-true, cheap and very easy to find horn, afterall).

I really wish I knew more about the 3+1 non-comp market though, then I might be more helpful, sorry .

Eupharitone wrote:3+1 non-comp models are very uncommon (though not quite "rare" per say) to come across.

In North America, perhaps. They're quite commonly in the UK and France.

Amati makes a 3+1. The bore is on the small side, but the playing characteristics are OK if you accept that it is not going to have a big bottom end range. I got mine when Yankels Warehouse was blowing them out for about 1/4 the price on the following web site. Scroll down the page.
http://prosites-allmanmusic.homestead.c ... tones.html

I am not familiar with the Jupiter. I have played about 6 of the Nirschl non compensating instruments and believe that they outperform the Yamaha 321. The silver plated and lacquered instruments have been about equal. Great sound, great intonation, great playing characteristics.

These instruments performs at a very high level, a friend of mine has used this instrument in professional situations on more than one occassion, has been comfortable with it and conductors have liked it.

The Tuba Exchange euphonium is one you might also consider. It is the most responsive euphonium I've ever played. It doesn't produce a "Willson sound" but it's a great little horn. I think, in the long run, you will get more resale value out of the Nirschl... but that's a long way down the road.

A couple of people on this board speak highly of the Weril euphonium, you might look into that one, too.

I would avoid the off-brand Chinese instruments. Dalyan has had problems with their distributor in the US and that might be a problem to avoid also.

IF you can get one, Yamaha makes a 3+1 model. It's the Yamaha 621.

Here's a link with more info:

http://www.thomann.de/it/yamaha_yep621_bbeuphonium.htm

I have not personally played this model, but have heard great things about it. Doing a search here may also turn up more info.

It looks like Dillon has a house brand 3+1 horn that fits your budget.
http://tinyurl.com/2czf2u