No, I'm not young, but I'm starting to think about getting an euphonium with which to doodle around.
I won't be giving up my tuba, but the sheer portability of the euph certainly is appealing.
I used to have a fairly large, 4-piston VMI. It had a lovely sound, but is certainly not what I seek now. Now I'm looking for something with a lot of core to the sound, along with some bark, bite and growl when I want it. Decent intonation and strong low end are a must. I'm thinking used, must be under $1000, preferably under $500. I like the bell-front models I've heard and I prefer the valves (3 or 4, piston or rotary) to be on the front, rather than the top.
Whaddaya think? Should I focus on an old Conn, King, Olds, Martin, Reynolds, etc.? Should I look at those oval pups from Miraphone, MW or R. Meinl? (I've tried the Cerveny--no thanks!) Should I think about one of those Chinese brands? All suggestions welcome. Thanks!
The Blush of Euph Is Upon Me
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circusboy
- 4 valves
- Posts: 671
- Joined: Wed Mar 08, 2006 6:15 pm
- Location: City of Angels
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eupher61
- 6 valves
- Posts: 2790
- Joined: Tue Oct 10, 2006 9:37 pm
Your difficulty will be finding a good quality front (side?) loaded instrument. Certainly they exist, older ones that are truly good will be pricey, and I haven't seen many 4 valve front action new.
Glenn Call has raved about an oval euph from Violin King (in Texas, maybe?) that are Chinese made. Matt Walters seems to have a good line on Chinese instruments at Dillon's. They exist, they're cheap, and can be good.
Glenn Call has raved about an oval euph from Violin King (in Texas, maybe?) that are Chinese made. Matt Walters seems to have a good line on Chinese instruments at Dillon's. They exist, they're cheap, and can be good.