Greetings Everyone,
Newbie member here! I was referred to this site by Dave Werden, and this forum has been a great resource of information to help us decide which direction to take in purchasing our son's first Euphonium. He's graduating high school this year, and CBU is in need of a Euphonium player. The purchase will not only allow him to get a partial scholarship, but will likely become an instrument he uses throughout his life. There are a lot of brands and models out there (too many, actually), so discovering this forum has been a blessing to help filter through the information (and misinformation). The largest chunk of this decision rests on what sounds and feels best to our son, but I would still like to narrow down the options to help guide him towards a manageable handful of choices to look at. I was hoping the experienced members on this site can chime in on the findings I discovered, and if the considerations we're leaning toward are sound choices knowing this will be his first owned instrument.
Below is what is currently on the "short list" - ranked from most-favored choice to least-favored choice (but still in the top 4). Please keep in mind the comments I make are just my impressions from the hours of research I made. Neither of us have any personal "hands-on" experience with these instruments yet - and I'm guessing the models I'm looking at are going to be of no surprise to you:
#1) John Packer - JP274 ($1600 shipped, and my personal favorite on the list)
- Sounds very close to an $8000 Besson Sovereign. I LOVE the dark & rich tone quality this has.
- This unit is not manufactured from the usual JIMBAO factories, but through another Chinese company under JP's specs.
- People who own this model report the finish is virtually flawless and free of blemishes - just like the higher end models.
- Out of the gate, there doesn't seem to be any issues with the valves or slides either.
- JP has been around for 40 years, but seem to be more of an "underdog" company.
- Their business appears to spend more resources towards quality engineering instead of marketing.
- I watched Matonizz's YouTube comparison with the Schiller Elite and was shocked with how silent the valves were.
- I generally I feel that valve clanging noise should be as invisible as possible.
- The JP274 appears to fit the perfect bill for price + tone quality + silent valve operation.
- Correct me if I'm wrong, but the only downside might be that it's the heaviest of the bunch (over 10.25lbs).
- I believe it comes with a 1 year warranty, but hope there is a return window if we're unhappy with it.
#2) Wessex Dolce ($1570 shipped)
- I read comments how the business owner openly stated this was not a JIMBAO unit.
- Although I do suspect maybe some PARTS of the unit are likely from the JIMBAO plants.
- Each instrument is Q/C'd and tested before it ships to the customer - something I consider important.
- However, there have been comments about black smudge around the valve caps that should have been wiped off.
- Many users have also experienced blemishes on the finish, but I read the company has since updated their finishing process.
- I really like the silver plated finish w/gold accents - it's quite attractive!
- I haven't heard what it sounds like, but am thinking the tone is between the JP and the "brassier" Schilling Elite models
- Our local Sam Ash may have this model in-house that we can look test out.
- I believe Wessex has a 3 year warranty.
#3) Yamaha - YEP641 ($4,000 used)
- A very well respected and well sought-after instrument.
- This is the only true "professional grade" (or near pro-grade) model, would you agree?
- Or is any compensating Euphonium considered to be advanced / professional grade?
- Resale value is likely the best with this Yamaha over any of the other instruments listed.
- I suspect the Yamaha will have the best quality and reliability over time.
- I have minor concerns the other Chinese models may need more tweaks, repairs, and parts replacements over time.
- I'm speculating the Yamaha was built around the late 1980's, and was rarely used. Is there concern about valves rotting?
- If other maintenance type repairs are needed, how often?
- The downside is that it's above our comfort zone of affordability.
- I'm not sure if $4,000 is a good price for a near-mint condition YEP-641, but it does sound like it's at least a fair price.
- I think I read on this forum a good price point is around $3,500 but that was about 3 years ago.
- We prefer to keep the purchase around $1500, but also realize best value and quality often requires more money up front.
#4) MackBrass - EU1150S ($995 shipped)
- If the JP274 is a clone of the Besson, this unit is a clone of the Yamaha YEP641/642 models.
- As such, it should sound very close to the Yamaha in tone quality - even if it doesn't have the same performance.
- The finish is reported to be very thin - causing areas to rub off after several months of ownership.
- Using gloves is strongly recommended - not only with the MackBrass but possibly most of the Chinese models.
- It's hard to argue the MackBrass option is probably the GREATEST value for the price!
- Especially when you consider compensating + silver finish + sound quality.
- The next comparable models cost around 50% more ($1500-$1600) for a comparable silver plated Euphonium.
- I'm not sure if there is a warranty, but I can check their website.
For financial reasons, we can't be looking at a new Hirsbrunner/Adams, or the Besson Prestige/Sovereign models. I also considered Eastman, but felt they were over priced considering the other Chinese brands you can get for half the cost. The used Yamaha YEP-641 is at least ALMOST affordable, but still costs around $2500 more than I would like to spend. I can't throw it out completely - as it is an opportunity of getting a name brand pro-grade instrument that would likely be an investment over our son's lifetime. The Yamaha's case and instrument are both in XLT/Near Mint condition, and it also has the "mystique" quality of being owned by a Hollywood film score pro musician. It's also within a reasonable driving distance - which allows us the chance to thoroughly examine and test it out in person. Our current financial constraints may still push us to walk away from it even if our son loves the Yamaha. It sounds the seller is fairly firm on the $4,000 price.
My apologies for the long-winded post, but I wanted to give as much information as I could.
Best Wishes,
~ Sheldon (EyeInSky)
Newbie member here! I was referred to this site by Dave Werden, and this forum has been a great resource of information to help us decide which direction to take in purchasing our son's first Euphonium. He's graduating high school this year, and CBU is in need of a Euphonium player. The purchase will not only allow him to get a partial scholarship, but will likely become an instrument he uses throughout his life. There are a lot of brands and models out there (too many, actually), so discovering this forum has been a blessing to help filter through the information (and misinformation). The largest chunk of this decision rests on what sounds and feels best to our son, but I would still like to narrow down the options to help guide him towards a manageable handful of choices to look at. I was hoping the experienced members on this site can chime in on the findings I discovered, and if the considerations we're leaning toward are sound choices knowing this will be his first owned instrument.
Below is what is currently on the "short list" - ranked from most-favored choice to least-favored choice (but still in the top 4). Please keep in mind the comments I make are just my impressions from the hours of research I made. Neither of us have any personal "hands-on" experience with these instruments yet - and I'm guessing the models I'm looking at are going to be of no surprise to you:
#1) John Packer - JP274 ($1600 shipped, and my personal favorite on the list)
- Sounds very close to an $8000 Besson Sovereign. I LOVE the dark & rich tone quality this has.
- This unit is not manufactured from the usual JIMBAO factories, but through another Chinese company under JP's specs.
- People who own this model report the finish is virtually flawless and free of blemishes - just like the higher end models.
- Out of the gate, there doesn't seem to be any issues with the valves or slides either.
- JP has been around for 40 years, but seem to be more of an "underdog" company.
- Their business appears to spend more resources towards quality engineering instead of marketing.
- I watched Matonizz's YouTube comparison with the Schiller Elite and was shocked with how silent the valves were.
- I generally I feel that valve clanging noise should be as invisible as possible.
- The JP274 appears to fit the perfect bill for price + tone quality + silent valve operation.
- Correct me if I'm wrong, but the only downside might be that it's the heaviest of the bunch (over 10.25lbs).
- I believe it comes with a 1 year warranty, but hope there is a return window if we're unhappy with it.
#2) Wessex Dolce ($1570 shipped)
- I read comments how the business owner openly stated this was not a JIMBAO unit.
- Although I do suspect maybe some PARTS of the unit are likely from the JIMBAO plants.
- Each instrument is Q/C'd and tested before it ships to the customer - something I consider important.
- However, there have been comments about black smudge around the valve caps that should have been wiped off.
- Many users have also experienced blemishes on the finish, but I read the company has since updated their finishing process.
- I really like the silver plated finish w/gold accents - it's quite attractive!
- I haven't heard what it sounds like, but am thinking the tone is between the JP and the "brassier" Schilling Elite models
- Our local Sam Ash may have this model in-house that we can look test out.
- I believe Wessex has a 3 year warranty.
#3) Yamaha - YEP641 ($4,000 used)
- A very well respected and well sought-after instrument.
- This is the only true "professional grade" (or near pro-grade) model, would you agree?
- Or is any compensating Euphonium considered to be advanced / professional grade?
- Resale value is likely the best with this Yamaha over any of the other instruments listed.
- I suspect the Yamaha will have the best quality and reliability over time.
- I have minor concerns the other Chinese models may need more tweaks, repairs, and parts replacements over time.
- I'm speculating the Yamaha was built around the late 1980's, and was rarely used. Is there concern about valves rotting?
- If other maintenance type repairs are needed, how often?
- The downside is that it's above our comfort zone of affordability.
- I'm not sure if $4,000 is a good price for a near-mint condition YEP-641, but it does sound like it's at least a fair price.
- I think I read on this forum a good price point is around $3,500 but that was about 3 years ago.
- We prefer to keep the purchase around $1500, but also realize best value and quality often requires more money up front.
#4) MackBrass - EU1150S ($995 shipped)
- If the JP274 is a clone of the Besson, this unit is a clone of the Yamaha YEP641/642 models.
- As such, it should sound very close to the Yamaha in tone quality - even if it doesn't have the same performance.
- The finish is reported to be very thin - causing areas to rub off after several months of ownership.
- Using gloves is strongly recommended - not only with the MackBrass but possibly most of the Chinese models.
- It's hard to argue the MackBrass option is probably the GREATEST value for the price!
- Especially when you consider compensating + silver finish + sound quality.
- The next comparable models cost around 50% more ($1500-$1600) for a comparable silver plated Euphonium.
- I'm not sure if there is a warranty, but I can check their website.
For financial reasons, we can't be looking at a new Hirsbrunner/Adams, or the Besson Prestige/Sovereign models. I also considered Eastman, but felt they were over priced considering the other Chinese brands you can get for half the cost. The used Yamaha YEP-641 is at least ALMOST affordable, but still costs around $2500 more than I would like to spend. I can't throw it out completely - as it is an opportunity of getting a name brand pro-grade instrument that would likely be an investment over our son's lifetime. The Yamaha's case and instrument are both in XLT/Near Mint condition, and it also has the "mystique" quality of being owned by a Hollywood film score pro musician. It's also within a reasonable driving distance - which allows us the chance to thoroughly examine and test it out in person. Our current financial constraints may still push us to walk away from it even if our son loves the Yamaha. It sounds the seller is fairly firm on the $4,000 price.
My apologies for the long-winded post, but I wanted to give as much information as I could.
Best Wishes,
~ Sheldon (EyeInSky)
This post first appeared on Euphonium-Tuba And General Music Forums - Recent B, please read the originial post: here
