longer leadpipe on euphonium

[elimia]

I've searched the archives but haven't gotten a direct answer on this. I'm interested (**in theory**) of installing a removable longer leadpipe extension (like a bit set or something) on a compensating euphonium with an upright bell. The reason is to see if it is possible to sling the big bugger under the left arm, allowing the bell to point forward but without having to lean down to reach the mouthpiece, and attach a shoulder strap for the weight. I don't want a marching horn but would like to try a solution for this.

It's my goofy idea - no judgments here - but what technical reason is there for why this will or won't work. I've read something about it increasing the bore through the first three valves. I'm very much an amateur player and have no idea what that means.

I know the real solution would be to get something like a Cervany oval euphonium and turn sideways to play but I don't have the money.

Thanks ya'll - Ryan

[imperialbari]

Placing a bit the way you suggest will move the instrument’s center of gravity further away from your body. That hardly will make it easier to carry.

I never tried any bits on a euphonium, but I cannot imagine such thing improving the tuning between the partials.

Klaus

[Dan Schultz]

Bear in mind that a leadpipe extension of similar length to a tuba tubing bit will make twice the difference in pitch on a euphonium. A bit the length of a sousa bit will be like pulling your main tuning slide out over an inch.

[elimia]

Dan, I had been thinking that would be the problem - taking up the difference in the main tuning slide. Would adding a longer (albeit butt ugly) main tuning slide that juts out help absorb some of that issue? Tuning...that is a different problem. And I certainly don't want to have the bell removed and have a curved bell soldered on.

I may end up having to get a cheap retired marching horn but I really don't want to lose the 4th valve and the lower register I have now. It gives me the sound I'm looking for.

[imperialbari]

How would a longer main tuning slide diminish the problems you introduce by adding tubing to the leadpipe?

The best of the 3+1 piston compensating euphoniums represent a finely adjusted set of acoustic compromises. Please do not expect any useable results from messing with the bore length and the bore profile. The latter will inherently happen, if you shift length of tubing from one place to another.

If you want the leadpipe angle changed, then a very competent might do that. I have seen leadpipes become an oval bore from somebody tinkering with them.

Klaus Smedegaard Bjerre

[Dan Schultz]

Dan, I had been thinking that would be the problem - taking up the difference in the main tuning slide. Would adding a longer (albeit butt ugly) main tuning slide that juts out help absorb some of that issue? ...

I hope I didn't misread you post.... but... you would need a SHORTER main tuning slide if you extended your leadpipe. If you want to experiment with the leadpipe thing, just get a piece of hose that fits over the receiver and you can insert the mouthpiece into. You can also create a shorter main slide situation by using another piece of hose there. It's not going to be an ideal situation but it might give you a start.

[imperialbari]

bloke and I both liked the Weril 4 top piston almost-Yamaha-321-clone euphonium, when it was introduced some 10 years ago. I didn’t buy one, as I needed no street euph to supplement my YEP-641. bloke developed on the idea.

He with fairly simple means turned some of these very relevant student euphs into convertible marching instruments to be put on the shoulder almost contra-bugle style. He hardly has any left, but it might be worth asking him via TubeNet email.

Klaus

[dave]

My Alex 151 has a 16" leadpipe, which is quite a bit longer than the leadpipe found on most euphoniums (of the Willson or Hirsbrunner style), and it has excellent intonation. However, that is the way the 151 and similar German baritons have always been made, and the rest of the horn is sized appropriately to match.

-Dave

[elimia]

I was expecting to have to buy a new horn, that seems to be the way to go. I think the 641 is a great horn, and I certainly don't want to start hacking on slides (shorter to compensate for longer leadpipe - that makes sense).

I need to keep that rich open low register provided by the 4th valve; I'll start the saving of my spare change for another addition to the stable.

Thanks for all the knowledgable and thoughtful answers, much appreciated!

Ryan

[elimia]

Both - I'd like a 4 valve horn with bell facing forward supported w/ a strap. Preferably, this would be a compensating horn.