TubeNet

A few weeks ago I played a new Sovereign for about an hour and really enjoyed the ease of play, the lyricism, and the warm sound I was able to get from the horn. I used my standard Wick SM3 mouthpiece.

I have a Yamaha 642, which I love, will keep, and which I am very happy with. But I'm thinking of getting the Besson as a second instrument, to explore this classic euphonium and what it can do.

People write things like "if you want to buy a Sovereign, play ten of them and buy the best." And so on. The implication is that only a small percentage are worth having.

OK, if so, what are the pitfalls? Do you have to play 10 to find one which is not dreadful on the concert E flat to F above middle C? Or do you have to play 10 to find one with good valves? Or 10 to find one which sounds good at all? Or all of the above?

If anyone can help me out with some facts, rather than just dark but non-specific warnings, that would be great.

Thanks,

John

Ive played on a besson 967 for around 5 years now and I love it. I love the sound that besson produces but if you dont get the right one they can be a dog to play. Play as many as possible, just like any other brand they all play differently. Find the one that plays the most freely in all the registers and has the best intonation. The valves will be fine.

I love my horn and it has done me very well in our time together. The one thing i would say is to try the 968 w/the smaller bell. I think that you can do more with color changes and dynamics with the small bell.