J. Gras Paris Bb Euphonium (Five Valve)

[Kevin Hendrick]

Interesting-looking "wee beastie":

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Five-Valve-J-Gr ... 46013b39fc

Anybody ever played one of these?

[Bob Kolada]

Quint valve!!

[Mike-ICR]

I have one and love it! It has its quirks, but its very versatile. A beautiful high end and a booming low end. Eventually, I'd like to make slide extensions for it so it can be played as a 5v euph or a 4v Eb tuba (while the 5th is depressed). A great horn once you get used to it.

[Tom Coffey]

I have never seen one of these--does anyone know when they were made? If that fifth valve turns it into a workable Eb tuba, this could come in very handy for German Band work.

[Mike-ICR]

Mine was made in 1871. This one looks a little younger because the engraving, finger buttons, and valve caps are all a little different from mine. The 2nd and 4th valve slides need extensions to play in Eb. From what I can tell, it will play well enough in Eb.