Hey, May I borrow some experience and wisdom. My wife and I are presently on vacation in England. In the area we are visiting, there are three Euphoniums in my price range.

1. A York Eminence 4052, in good used condition (one small ding and a little brass showing through where the right hand rests). $3474.75.
2. A new John Packer 374 with a Tuning trigger with silver plate, $2940.93.
3. A new John Parker 374 with a tuning trigger and lacquer finish, $2460.

I haven’t played in decades and so I have no lip, so test playing would give an unreliable assessment. My present priorities are first tone, I could be frustrated striving to improve limitations that are actually the instruments. Then intonation, I’ll be paying duets with a friend who is an accomplished tuba player. Thus, I have preferred triggered euphoniums. Even low brass out of tune can be as deadly as two piccolos. I have sung classically and music theater for years, yet with age, my voice is beginning to leave me. Returning to my first love, euphonium, will allow me to still ‘sing’.

All opinions are welcome,
Thanks,
Richard