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I have recently taken over a community band that does as many parades as concerts. We are talking about purchasing a pair of marching baritones/euphoniums and a pair of mellophones. Is it better to get matching pairs or would it be ok to get two different models of each. I've found some good deals that fit within the budget, but the better deals are if I buy mis-matched horns.

In your opinions, what are the better models?

As always, thank you.

We had the band board meeting tonight and I was only approved to purchase one baritone right now so for the moment it won't matter. Kiltie, you make a valid point, I appreciate that, thank you.

Bloke, as always, I appreciate your insight.

sound = bore profile of horn + mouthpiece used + person.

you'll only get "matched" sounds with same instruments, same mouthpieces and twins.
anything else can be compensated for.

You mention these are going to be used for parades, 50% of the time. I don't think matched horns are going to make a noticable difference in overall sound of the group. I would only worry about matched horns if you were in a very competitive situation like drumcorp, or judged field band competition. Even then the reasons for matching are going to be more visual than aural. Do you match horns for sit down concerts? If you don't worry about it in a concert situation for sound purposes, why worry about it for a parade?

There are lots of groups that insist on matched horns sets for concerts..............like nearly every one of the major symphonies. They don't do it for looks.