Posted by Kristof on September 14, 2000 at 09:35:01:
In Reply to: Huang Kaiser Oval Euph posted by BWare on September 09, 2000 at 23:31:33:
I think what "Common Sense" meant by his/her statement is that generally, euphonium players of years past and present have generally stuck with three or four major brands of euphoniums. Those would be Willson (the brand on which I play), Hirsbrunner (another expensive, yet fine playing instrument), Besson (not my personal favorite, but a favortie of others) and Yamaha (played it, liked it, but liked my Willson a whole lot more). Euphonium players in the majority would steer you towards any of those four brands. Common Sense was referring to that tendency. Although all four brands carry rather unattractive price tags, I would say that enjoying the euphonium is like fine wine. Usually, the more money you spend, the better it is. So, think of buying your euphonium as a lifelong investment. It is something that you can enjoy for a lot longer than a bottle of wine. It really is worth putting forth the extra cash for a nice playing instrument. Don't buy something cheap for simple price's sake. A nice horn could bring you many years of enjoyment. Now, don't get me wrong. In no way have I told you not to buy this supposed euphonium. My advice would be to go to a dealer and play a bunch of horns. That is really how you are going to find a horn you like. Drop Mike Russo at the Woodwind and Brasswind a line. He is the tuba-euphonium specialist there and his e-mail address is MRusso(AT)wwandbw.com. He will be able to direct you further. No one on this site, no matter how much experience or how big a reputation they have, is going to be able to tell YOU what YOU will like. So, ask what others like, but buy a horn because YOU love it. And...just to keep in mind...don't look at the price tags beofre you play the horns. They'll probably scare you away before you even get a chance to play that "dream horn" for which you are looking.
I hope that helps and Good Luck.
-Kristof Schneider
Undergraduate-Senior in Parking Meter Management (Euph. Performance)
The University of Michigan