Features of the Euphonium
When choosing what instrument to play in the euphonium world, there are a number of design features that can effect the sound of the instrument. Here are some things to consider when choosing a euphonium:
Bell Size
On most euphoniums the option is an 11 or 12 inch bell. The trade off is focus and clarity vs. overall bigness of sound. The smaller bell offers more focus while the bigger bell offers a bigger sound.
Bell Style
Most bells you find on a euphonium in the United States will be an upright bell. The other option is the forward facing bell. The upright bell allows for more of the lower overtones to be heard, adding to the darker, more mellow sound of the euphonium. The forward facing bell creates a more direct sound, like the trumpet or trombone, creating a brighter tone color which is more suited for marching band and outdoor performances.
Bore Size
Some beginner level instruments will have a smaller bore size than the intermediate or professional models. The larger bore is more difficult to play with good tone early on, but the increased size will allow for a better tone and more volume on the instrument and is recommended if you can afford it.
Shank Sizes
There are three shank sizes available on most euphoniums.
- Small, the same size as the small-shank tenor trombone.
- Medium/European, not as common on student level models and more favored by the Willson and Besson companies.
- Large, the same size as the large-bore tenor and bass trombones.
Finish
The vast majority of brass instruments will have a gold lacquer or silver plating finish. If taken care of properly, the finish should protect the brass underneath for a long time. Silver plating costs a little more, but it will last longer and is a worthwhile investment.
Piston vs. Rotary Valves
In the United States you will find mostly piston valved brass instruments. Piston valves tend to have a brighter tone quality, and have fewer moving parts so they are cheaper to manufacture. Rotary valves have a darker tone, and are less prone to over-blowing, allowing the player to play with more volume. Make sure you know what type of valve your instrument has so you use the appropriate valve oil. Rotary valves have less space between the valve and the valve casing, requiring a thinner oil to function.
Number of Valves
It is highly recommended that you get a euphonium with 4 valves. Adding the 4th valve adds range to the low end of the instrument and helps with the sharp intonation of the 1-3 and 1-2-3 valve combinations. Getting used to the 4th valve can be challenging for the trumpet player who is used to 3 valves, but technical exercises can quickly get you familiar with how and when to utilize the 4th valve.
Placement of Valves
Valves are typically placed in one of two places, the top or the front of the instrument. Top-action euphoniums are more popular in the United States, with front-action valves typically on European or rotary valve euphoniums and baritones. The placement of the 4th valve also varies on some piston valve, top-action euphoniums. Some student level instruments have the 4th valve in line with the other top-action valves, while most intermediate and professional models will have three top-action valves and one side-action valve operated by the left hand.
Conical Bore vs. Cylindrical Bore
Conical instruments like the euphonium, cornet, flugelhorn, French horn, and tuba, produce a more darker, more mellow sound. Cylindrical instruments like the baritone, trumpet, and trombone have a much brighter tone that can cut through the ensemble more, making cylindrical bore instruments better suited to play in marching band or outdoor performances.
Compensating vs. Non-compensating
A compensating euphonium is one with extra tubing to further help with the intonation issues of the 1-3 and 1-2-3 valve combinations. Not all 3 valve euphoniums are non-compensating, and not all 4 valve euphoniums are compensating. Make sure you see the extra tubing on the back of the instrument. Most professional euphoniums you find will be of the compensating variety. The drawbacks are the added cost, usually more than twice as much, and the added weight of the extra tubing can prove too heavy for some smaller students.