It is with a very heavy heart that I'm putting up this fully restored Boosey and Hawkes Imperial euphonium up for sale.
I dated this instrument based on its serial number to 1966, which is one of the years comprising Boosey's vintage glory years (~1950 to ~1970). Many, including myself, have argued that the newer Besson Sovereign and Prestige lines represent a step backwards in sound, projection, and intonation when compared with these vintage Imperial euphs.
Specifics of this instrument....it was fully restored one year ago in bright silver plate. It has the compensating system. It has an 11 inch bell, same size as the Besson 968. The felts and corks have been recently replaced. The intonation on this Imperial is FAR superior to any modern Besson I've ever played (or any other modern euphonium except the Willson). The screechingly sharp 6th partial which Bessons are known for (see the use of the triggers to account for this on the Prestige) is a mere 5 cents sharp on this Imperial. And no clumsy trigger mechanism is required!!! What a novel concept...building horn that actually plays in tune!!! The only note that requires any lipping adjustment whatsover is the A natural concert below high Bb....it is a little flat. The only modern euphonium that can touch the Imperial in intonation excellence is the Willson 2900. Perhaps the greatest advantage the Imperial has is its ease of blowing from top to bottom. The only modern euphonium that can touch it in this regard is the Custom Yamaha YEP-842S. All you have to do is think of the note...and it will be there. The pistons fortunately are of the stainless steel variety. They are very light and QUICK. This deal includes a gig bag style hard case....including a handle on the end and it also has wheels....very nice. Mouthpieces....including a 51D, a Wick 6B, and a Greg Black Joseph Alessi 2. And a bottle of Hetmans Classic valve oil.
The only potential negative I can come up with is that the horn's pistons have metal valve guides. I mention that as a negative, although to some it could be a positive as these last forever. The problem is they are known for being slightly noisier than the plastic valve guides (which have to be replaced eventually). Fortunately, on this horn valves 1, 2, and 4 are completely silent. The 3rd valve is touchy in that it does creak a bit if you actuate it a certain way....like pushing it down sideways.....but as long as you are mindful of that it can easily be compensated for (i.e., by making sure you are pushing straight down as you're supposed to do anyway). And if you ever wanted to change these out with the plastic valve guides, that is always an option.
Ok, so why am I selling? Well, I've played a bunch of Willson 2900s recently and fell in love with them. Its intonation matches that of Imperial. But the real reason is I blend with my section mates better with the Willson. Not because the Imperial doesn't blend well...far from it....its just that I'm the only non-Willson player in my section of 4 and because the Imperial projects like crazy, I'm constantly drowning them out and am getting "the hand" from my conductor. The Willson just doesn't project as well, but that affords me better blending with my section mates. I'd love to hang onto this one of a kind gem along with the Willson, but if you've priced Willson euphoniums recently, you'll understand why I have no choice but to part with the Imperial.
I've taken the plunge to buy a Willson and have one on order through our very own Bloke.
I've never tried to attach photos on this forum....See the following site for a photo of this beautiful axe. Click on the thumbnail for a larger pic:
http://forum.trombone.org/album_persona ... er_id=6991
Additional pics are available upon request.
Make me a reasonable offer.
