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

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.

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.

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

58mark wrote: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.

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.

Dan Schultz wrote: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

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.

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

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

opus37 wrote: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.

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....

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.