Ergonomic Euphonium Design

[eupho]

Wondering what the general feeling is about the "valve front" compensating euphonium design? Those who have played one-what are the pluses and minuses?

[MikeMason]

I've had thoughts about the new Wessex one. I wonder if my conductors would be more open to its occasional use on high,delicate parts if my tenor tuba looked more like my other tubas. Just pondering.

[Dan Schultz]

The most ergonomic euph I've ever seen/played is the one Willson built for Fred Marzan. I'm TOTALLY partial to front-action horns.

[oedipoes]

Never head ergonomics issues with my standard Besson 3+1 euphonium...

[bort]

While I do find that I like 4 valves in a row more, my problem with front action euphoniums is they are not as easy held off the lap, and unlike tubas, I can't play with one resting in my lap without 9 inches of pillows under them.

You are also a million feet tall.

[Will Jones]

Biggest problem with the 3+1 setup is the 4rth valve is always on the back of the horn (sans some newer student models). I don't know anyone who's never had some wrist discomfort because of that.

[rodgeman]

The most ergonomic euph I've ever seen/played is the one Willson built for Fred Marzan. I'm TOTALLY partial to front-action horns.

+1

[MaryAnn]

I had the same problem as Mark and I am definitely not his height. I bought a front action Conn baritone thinking it was going to solve my ergonomic problems with top valves, and it was a Kompleat Failure. Could not find a way to hold the thing that worked, and sold it.

[EdFirth]

I played two seasons on two different circuses on baritone and just cradled it in my left arm right up to where it was comfortable on my chops. Ed

[opus37]

The British Baritone is so light and the valves are kind of out front (almost like a trumpet), I find it hard to believe it was a problem to hold and play. I guess I'm used to upright valves so maybe it is more natural feeling for me.

[Eflatdoubler]

The bell points to the left, so if you are playing in an orchestra it is good.

[GC]

The British Baritone is so light and the valves are kind of out front (almost like a trumpet), I find it hard to believe it was a problem to hold and play. I guess I'm used to upright valves so maybe it is more natural feeling for me.

The British baritone is a very different critter from the American baritone (many of them are also very different from each other) and the euphonium is a different beast still. The 3+1 euphonium has a whole different level of stresses from the Brit bari.

A few companies have made American front-valve baritones similar in sound to the Britbari, but they are not nearly as popular here as the larger Ameribaris.

[pjv]

British euphoniums are dogs to hold.
And as far as that's concerned, so are ALL euphoniums.
A lot of weight.
Where to put it?
Stands, straps, pouches. Anythings better then holding the dxxn thing cause it's either restrictiong my finger movement or breathing or both.
I see a bright future for carbon fiber....

[bman94]

I've never had an issue with + prefer the 3+1 design. It's very comfortable and you're essentially "hugging" the horn and gives me a secure grip of the horn.

In terms of bell front/valce front Euphoniums it was always awkard to hold the horn sitting down and a little less awkward while standing up. We used those in college and the most comfortable way of holding those horns was by gripping the bell.