Recommendations
Euphoniums
When choosing which euphonium to buy there are many things to consider. If it is your first time buying a euphonium it would be a good idea to have your band director or private euphonium teacher accompany you to the music store to help you try out and decide on a euphonium. It is important to do your research before you step foot into a music store and begin the purchasing process. Figure out how much you are willing to spend, review the different options for instruments in the "Features of the Euphonium" section of this webpage, and find the instrument that is right for you. Notice that I have yet to mention the word "internet." That is not a mistake. Do not buy an instrument without playing it first. Every euphonium plays differently, even those with the same model number from the same factory made by the same people and machinery. A final item to consider is that of spare parts. Due to limited resources and availability, some repair shops don't carry spare parts for some of the smaller instrument manufacturers. If you've found a euphonium that you like, but it isn't one of the major brand names, check with your local repair shop to make sure they can fix your euphonium if major damage occurs. If not, it can be a very costly and time consuming process to ship your euphonium off to get repaired, or in the worst case scenario, you have a very expensive paperweight. Here are some euphonium suggestions for different euphoniums based on your goals as a musician.
Beginner Euphoniums based on prices and durability for long-term use.
Suggested for Middle School:
Yamaha YEP 201 (3 valves)
Yamaha YEP 321 (4 valves)
Yamaha YEP 321S (4 valves and silver plated)
Yamaha YEP 321 (4 valves)
Yamaha YEP 321S (4 valves and silver plated)
Intermediate Euphoniums based on price and durability for long-term use.
Suggested for High School:
Yamaha YEP 321 (4 valves)
Yamaha YEP 321S (4 valves and silver plated)
King 2280 (4 valves)
King 2280SP (4 valves and silver plated)
Yamaha YEP 642S (4 valves, silver plated, and compensating)
Yamaha YEP 321S (4 valves and silver plated)
King 2280 (4 valves)
King 2280SP (4 valves and silver plated)
Yamaha YEP 642S (4 valves, silver plated, and compensating)
Advanced Euphoniums based on price and durability for long-term use.
Suggested for High School, College, and Professionals:
Yamaha YEP 842S
Willson 2900s
Willson 2950s
Miraphone M5000 Ambassador
Miraphone M5050 Ambassador
Besson BE2051 Prestige
Besson BE2052 Prestige
Adams Custom
Willson 2900s
Willson 2950s
Miraphone M5000 Ambassador
Miraphone M5050 Ambassador
Besson BE2051 Prestige
Besson BE2052 Prestige
Adams Custom
Mouthpieces
It is recommended that euphonium players use as large a cup diameter as they can, but not too large (like a bass trombone mouthpiece) or the sound will become tubby and flat. On the other hand, a mouthpiece that is too shallow will have a thin, bright sound that is uncharacteristic of the euphonium. Playing on the correct mouthpiece should result in a rich low register, greater flexibility, feel comfortable on the face, and provide good intonation with a consistent, uniform sound throughout the entire range of the instrument. Just like the euphonium itself, you would want to try a mouthpiece before purchasing it. Bring your euphonium with you to make sure the mouthpiece fits in the lead pipe (small, medium/European, or large shank), and see how your embouchure responds to the mouthpiece. The difference between mouthpiece prices is fairly small compared to other cost considerations involved in euphonium purchases. If you can afford it, I would begin with one of the intermediate level mouthpieces. Here are some mouthpiece suggestions based on your goals as a musician.
Beginner Mouthpieces
Yamaha 48
Bach 6½ AL
Bach 6½ AL
Intermediate Mouthpieces
Yamaha 51
Yamaha 51D
Bach 5G
Dennis Wick 4 or 5
Yamaha 51D
Bach 5G
Dennis Wick 4 or 5
Advanced/Professional Mouthpieces
Bach 4G
Shilke 51D
Dennis Wick 3 or 3½
Dennis Wick - Steven Mead Signature Model
DEG - Brain Bowman Signature Model BB1
Warburton - Gail Robertson Signature Model
Warburton - Demondrae Thurman Signature Model
Shilke 51D
Dennis Wick 3 or 3½
Dennis Wick - Steven Mead Signature Model
DEG - Brain Bowman Signature Model BB1
Warburton - Gail Robertson Signature Model
Warburton - Demondrae Thurman Signature Model