Euphoniums and Baritones are very similar as we have seen. 

 

If you have decided to go forward with playing the Euphonium, be sure  that your instrument is in good working condition. Otherwise consider purchasing a newor used one.

 

When you are purchasing your first Euphonium aim for a 4 valve horn. You may start with a 3 valve instrument but eventually as you develop you will need to switch to more valves. WIth a 4 valve euphonium, your range is increased and intonation will be improved. 

 

When trying a new horn, always check that your mouthpiece is a compatible size to the lead pipe receiver. You may need to purchase a new one if your current mouthpiece doesn't fit. 

 

Check the instrument for any major dents. Particular areas to check for dents would be the lead pipe, valve tubing or the receiver. The dents can usually affect the pitch and tone. Bell dents are usually cosmetic and don't really affect the overall sound, but they are not as nice to look at.

 

In general, the finish of your instrument can affect your tone. A brass finish is the most common, but a silver plated finish will offer a  darker and full tone.

 

 

 

Euphonium Brand Suggestions based on durability and price:

 

Beginners - middle school use

 

 

 

Ideal choice - Yamaha YEP 321s (4 valves and Silver plated) lasts longer because of lacquer

 

Yamaha YEP 201 (3valves)

Yamaha TEP 321 (4 valves)

 

 

Intermediate - high school use (non compensating)

 

Ideal Choice - Yamaha YEP 321s (4 valves and silver plated)

Ideal Choice - Yamaha YEP 642s (4 valves compensating)

 

Yamaha YEP 321 (4 valves)

King 2280 (4 valves)

King 2280SP (4 valves and silver plated)

 

 

Advanced - high school and beyond (compensating)

 

Ideal Choice - Yamaha YEP 842s

 

Wilson 2900s

Wilson 2950s

Miraphone M5000

Miraphone M5050

Besson BE2051 Prestige

Besson BE2052 Prestige

Adams

 

 

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Parts of a brass mouthpiece

 

Mouthpieces for the different brass instruments vary in size, shape and other characteristics, but share similar design elements and components. Understanding how these elements affect tone and playability will help you zero in on the level of comfort, ease of play, and type of tone you want.

Every brass mouthpiece consists of the rim, cup, throat, and backbore. Let’s take a look at each of these components and how they affect the overall tone and playability of an instrument.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rim

 

The rim is the round edge of the mouthpiece that you place your lips against to play your horn, and it is one of the most crucial parts to consider.

A rim with a fairly flat contour allows even lip pressure across its surface. It also provides a good air seal and feels comfortable, but it doesn't offer much flexibility. Rounded rim mouthpieces, on the other hand, offer a lot of flexibility, allowing the lips to move back and forth in the cup allowing the player to produce a greater variety of tones and effects.

 

However, rounded rims also require more lip pressure and muscular lips to play. Players without the air volume and embouchure needed will end up pressing too hard against their lips, cutting off circulation and ultimately limiting the flexibility gained from using a rounded rim, defeating its purpose.

What many players, especially beginners prefer, is a medium-wide rim with a semi-rounded contour and a slightly sharp inner edge. This provides sufficient surface for comfortable lip pressure while offering the lip movement needed to produce a wide range of tones.

 

 

Cup

 

The cup is the area inside the rim that the player blows into. Generally, the larger and deeper the cup, the darker the tone and greater the volume the instrument can produce. Large cups require lots of control, which can quickly tire a player. In contrast, smaller and shallower cups brighten the tone, improve control and response, and ultimately require less effort. Going too shallow, however, can kill volume and flexibility.

In choosing cup depth, keep two things in mind: the pitch of the instrument and the player’s situation (i.e., embouchure, lung power and lip/teeth anatomy).

 

The diameter of the cup is also an important consideration. For most players, it’s best to choose the largest diameter you can comfortably play without tiring too quickly. Benefits include a more uniform response across all registers and easier lip control, resulting in more flexibility.

 

 

Throat

 

The throat is the opening leading out of the cup. There aren’t usually wide variations in throat size or length. The throat's job is to let you push air from the cup and concentrate it into a stream with the right amount of back pressure providing tone control.

A bigger throat will allow you to blow harder and produce more volume, but it also will require more air pressure from your lungs and make playing soft passages more difficult. A throat that’s too small will choke your tone and produce more back pressure than is comfortable.

Most manufacturers design the throat to complement the cup and backbore design to achieve the best balance of tone and projection. But again, due to the many physical and skill-level differences among brass players, slight differences among these three elements can have a surprisingly big impact on sound and playability.

 

Backbore

 

The backbore is the chamber that transfers your breath to the horn and its shape and size can produce a brighter or darker tone, raise or lower volume/projection, and raise or lower pitch. A well designed backbore helps maintain good intonation throughout the instrument’s range.

 

The backbore that has emerged as the best in all-around performance, tone, and popularity is one that’s neither very large nor small, with a smooth, slightly curved taper from the throat to a well-rounded, even backbore.

 

While important to sound, feel, and performance, the throat and backbore are matched to the cup and rim by the mouthpiece manufacturer and are of less concern. When all's said and done, most players will find that a mouthpiece with a medium cup and rim will suit them quite well.

 

Armed with this information, along with the feedback from your mouth during play, you're ready to begin your search for the ideal mouthpiece.

 

 

 

Euphonium Mouthpiece Suggestions

Mouthpiece numbers between brands have no correlation, be sure to check. Most manufacturers have their own comparison charts. For example here is Yamaha's chart

 

 

 

Basic Mouthpieces, but not recommended

 

Yamaha 48 (same as the 6 1/2 AL)

Bach 6 1/2 AL (same as Yamaha 48)

 

Intermediate Mouthpieces

 

Ideal Choice - Yamaha 51 

 

Yamaha 51 D

Bach 5G (not a 5G)

Dennis Wick 4 or 5

 

Advanced Mouthpieces

 

Bach 4G

Dennis Wick 3 or 3 1/2

Schilke 51D

DEG - Brian Bowman Signature Model BB1

Warburton - Gail Robertson Signature Model

 

 

 

 

Valve Oil

 

 

Valve oil is used to lubricate the valves and keeps them moving smoothly. There are many brands to choose from, I would research reviews or word of mouth. You can find these online as well as in any music store, but I recommend the brand Fat Cat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Slide Grease

 

 

Slide grease is used for as a lubricant for your tuning slides and valve slides.

It will help to keep all your slides  moving smoothly.  It is good to check your slides regularly to make certain they are not sticking.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other items to consider

 

Depending on the size of the player, You may need to consider a lap pad, cushion, or pillow that will help to elevate the instrument higher for playing.

As you progress, you may be interested in obtaining a mouthpiece pouch, an instrument stand and even euphonium mute. These items are generally available online and in music stores.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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