Which euphonium should I buy?

[oldbandnerd]

After shopping around and doing some research I have come up with four horns that are in my price range . These seem to be the best available intermediate . I would like to know which would you choose and why. They are as follows :

- King 2280
- Jupiter 570
- Weril H980
- VMI 3171

Here's a brief history of me so will understand what I need. I just started playing again two years ago. The last time I played was 22 years ago when I was in high school. I play about as well as a good high school player. I now play in a community concert band. I do play in Tuba Christmas and the occasional 4tet ,sometimes 5tet. I just want to get the best horn possible for what money I have to spend. This will probably be the only horn I will own and have to play for many,many years .
Any suggestions and advice from those more knowledgeable and experienced that me is greatly appreciated .

[Bob Mosso]

- King 2280
- Jupiter 570
- Weril H980

I'm in your exact same situation, not played for 20 years and joined a community band. When I asked around for recommendations nearly everyone said stay away from Jupiter. I don't know about the King or Weril. One person recommended to stay away from Amati and Bach.

IMO, as a minimum you should look for a brand name 4 valve such as YEP-321, Besson 7065, or Willson 2704. The 4th valve will help get those low notes in tune.

Try bizrate.com to search for the lowest prices. On wwbw.com sometimes the price drops once you add it into your shopping cart, i.e. the YEP-321s shows $2449 but once in the cart it is only $1749. I've got the YEP-321s on back order with wwbw.com.

Happy shopping,
Bob

[elimia]

I have a Weril 980 and absolutely love it. It is very, very, very close to the Yamaha 321 but has a larger leadpipe, which allows you to get a better sound I think. And it is the cheaper too (around $1,100 new). Nice case too.

I play in exactly the same scenario (comm. bands) as you and the Weril does great. I highly recommend it. My only complaint is the 4 in-line valves; I personally prefer the 3 + 1 on the side, but I've learned to live with it.

Good Luck!

[oldbandnerd]

I appreciate the feedback I have gotten so far. A Yamaha 321 is what I would really like to have . Unfortunatley my price range is $1000 to $1,200 . Those other better known intermediates are just too much. It is all I can do to scrape up the 1 K . Seems the wife has this crazy ideal about our kids going to college and us being able to retire and all that nonesense !!!!!!
Anbody else got any good ideas ??

[tubarepair]

Patience will have you a Yamaha 321 for <$1200.00. They are out there. I have the Jupiter and like it. Removable valve section and leadpipe. I can have it apart in 5 minutes. Makes for an easy clean. Intonation is good and it blows freely in the low register. Daryl

[oldbandnerd]

I have talked to a couple of people that say Jupiter has come a long way from the bad old days when their horns were not durable. Has anbody heard the same.

Can anybody tell how the VMI compares to the others?

[Alex F]

I own a VMI 3171. I can't compare it to the others because I have not played them.

My teacher, a pro player and teacher in the area, has played my VMI and was very impressed. He said is was better than some of the compnesating euphs he's played. He was impressed with its sound and construction, and found the intonation to be reasonably good.

I play it with a Schilke 51D, IMHO a better mouthpiece than the stock 6 1/2AL clone mp that comes with the horn.

A couple of posters have found fault with the VMI's intonation. This suggests a possible consistency issue. If at all possible, check it out for yourself - you seem to have enough experience to judge a good sound.

Good luck

Alex F.

[oldbandnerd]

A Yamaha 321L for less then $1,600 ..? I would like to know where I could a deal like that . Tuba Exchange has the best price I have seen so far. That is a YEP-321L for about $1750.
If anyone knows of a dealer sell it for less ( new ) how about letting me know.