Types of Euphoniums
Euphonium
The basic euphonium is your ideal instrument to create the most beautiful sound in the tenor range of the brass section. The conical bore and large bell give the euphonium a mellow, dark tone much like that of the French horn. The range and tone of the instrument make it suitable for many roles within the ensemble, from technically challenging melodies to rich chordal harmonies, and everything in between. While the best case scenario would have you playing a 4 valve, compensating euphonium with a silver plated finish and an upright bell, factors like cost, weight, and availability may limit your options. If sacrifices must be made and you can only choose one advanced feature for your euphonium, try and get one with 4 valves. The added range and improved intonation far outweigh any the benefits from any other improvements made to the instrument.
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Baritone
The baritone is like the euphonium in every single way except for once critical difference. While the euphonium has a conical bore, meaning that the diameter of the tubing gets gradually larger as it makes its way from the lead pipe to the bell, the baritone has a cylindrical bore, which means the diameter of the instrument stays approximately the same until the last bend before the bell flare. This type of bore contributes to the brighter, more penetrative tone of the baritone and makes it better suited for marching band and outdoor performances. In addition to the cylindrical bore, the baritone also tends to have a smaller bell than the euphonium, adding more focus to the sound and further contributing to the overall brightness of baritone's sound. Like the euphonium, baritones can be found with 3 or 4 valves, lacquer or silver finishes, and compensating or non-compensating models, and any combination thereof.
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Rotary Valve Euphonium
The rotary valve euphonium, also called the tenor horn in some European countries, is most simply put a euphonium with rotary valves and a slightly curved bell. The large bell and rotary valves allow the tenor horn player to play louder without adding brightness to the tone, but still have some lightness to the overall sound. The tenor horn is rarely seen in British or American bands, though it still has life in more traditional Germanic and Czech groups. This instrument should not be confused with the Wagner tuba, or Tuben, which was treated as a doubling instrument for French horn players, which is why it uses the same mouthpiece and left handed fingerings as the French horn. The fact that most schools in the United States favor piston valve euphoniums and baritones will cause blend and balance issues if you suddenly try to throw a rotary valve instrument into the mix. It is best to avoid this instrument unless you specifically want the tone color of a tenor horn, such as in a German style brass band for Oktoberfest performances.
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Double Bell Euphonium
The double bell euphonium was an invention unique to the United States dating back to its design in the 1880s. Essentially a 4 valve euphonium, the 5th valve changes which bell is being used. The larger bell is used by default, producing the classic warm euphonium sound. The smaller bell is used when the 5th valve is pressed and produces a much brighter, trombone quality sound. First put into production by the C.G. Conn company, the double bell euphonium gained popularity in 1888, when virtuoso Harry Whittier of the Patrick Gilmore Band began to play the instrument. Other bands of the time, including the famous John Philip Sousa Band, soon followed suit, and the golden age of the double bell euphonium would last until the early 20th century. The decline of the double bell euphonium would come as more favor was placed on the sound of the large bell and musicians realized they were basically carrying around an extremely heavy single bell euphonium. The last double bell euphoniums were produced by the King company in the 1960s, and are now mostly sought after by collectors and euphonium enthusiasts.
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Marching Euphonium
The marching euphonium is a variant of the upright euphonium, designed specifically for marching band performances. Having the look of an enormous trumpet, the marching euphonium is a different instrument from the smaller and lighter marching baritone or marching trombone. Depending on the strength of the musician, the sheer weight of the marching euphonium may be too heavy to easily wield and cause health problems such as back, neck, and shoulder pain. In that case, a switch to one of the lighter options may be necessary. Besides the obvious weight difference, the marching euphonium and baritone differ in the same way their upright versions do, with the euphonium having a conical bore and the baritone having a cylindrical bore. The forward direction of the bell leaves the marching euphonium well suited for field band and pep band performances.
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Five Valve Euphonium
The rarest of all the euphoniums, the 5 valve euphonium was seen in production in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Designed to address some of the tuning issues of the euphoniums of the day, the 5th valve would lower the pitch a flat whole step. As 4 valve euphoniums became better pitched with compensating systems, the 5th valve became an unnecessary addition to the euphonium and not worth the added cost and weight. There are, however, 5th valve attachments made for 4 valve non-compensating euphoniums to help with tuning issues. The added 5th valve is a thumb operated rotary valve, much like that of a 5 valve tuba. The only company currently producing 5 valve euphoniums is the Czech company Cerveny, and they only produce this version in a rotary valve model.
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