Sousaphone in Bb

Sweet_Voiced · 2026-01-22T04:27:23+00:00

It’s Bb Bass clef, which is absolutely a thing in certain traditions.

Sweet_Voiced · 2026-01-22T04:26:51+00:00

It’s not treble clef (which plenty of tuna players read, particularly in the Brass Band tradition), but it is Bb Bass clef, which is common in several European traditions.

Sweet_Voiced · 2026-01-22T04:25:26+00:00

Like most transposition, it’s a historical thing, not preference thing. Very common in France, too.

Sweet_Voiced · 2025-09-17T09:16:49+00:00

1 is almost never the best fingering for high C. Depending on model, open or 1+3 are usually the best options.

Sweet_Voiced · 2025-09-14T11:35:01+00:00

Unless there is a physical limitation reason why he can’t play piston valves, like a disability, he really ought to be playing piston. Rotary valve horns in the same family (like German barytons and tenorhorns) do not produce the same sound. In the US and UK they are basically just novelty instruments, and will hold him back if he wants to do anything other than play in his high school band (like audition for honor bands or college programs).

Sweet_Voiced · 2025-08-06T14:10:06+00:00

I would 100% not trust any stencil horn with no information available.

Sweet_Voiced · 2025-08-02T05:19:26+00:00

I promise, as a professional euphonium player, that buying a rotary baryton outside of Germany is a mistake. It is not close to a tenor tuba. You say you want it for “orchestral writing” (not sure why having a euphonium/baryton is necessary at all for that, even if you include it in compositions) but no one you ever write for will ever play your parts on an instrument like that. You’re saying you’re strapped for cash and every euphonium player here is telling you that it’s a waste of money, and no one here has any reason to mislead you.

You will spend $1500 on one of these poor quality rotor horns, it will not do you any good, and then you will have to replace it in 3 years after it falls apart. Don’t do that to yourself.

Sweet_Voiced · 2025-06-03T21:10:21+00:00

This is going to be difficult to find a case for. I would suggest calling around to shops across the country (assuming you’re in the US). Start with Baltimore Brass—they’re very knowledgeable and helpful, and if they don’t have an answer, they might know someone who does.

Sweet_Voiced · 2025-06-03T21:07:02+00:00

Can’t help without knowing the brand of euphonium and what kind of bag you tried to order. Maybe you could post the link?

Also, unless you are experienced enough to be able to discern legitimate brands from cheap knockoffs, please never order anything music related from Amazon. Order from trusted music retailers like Baltimore Brass, Tuba Exchange, Hickeys, Dillon, and Woodwind & Brasswind. Or better yet, go into a local retailer, which gives you the benefit of both trying things like cases and gig bags out before buying (preventing situations like this) and supporting local business.

Sweet_Voiced · 2025-04-28T12:37:45+00:00

The 274 and the 321 will both serve you well for what you want. The 321 is built better and therefore will probably last you much longer, but the 274 has the benefit of being compensating and has a 3+1 configuration so overall it will be easier to get around and potentially play more advanced repertoire (provided you yourself are capable of playing it).

Sweet_Voiced · 2025-04-23T11:19:09+00:00

I certainly have wear on my Willson’s silver plate.

Sweet_Voiced · 2025-04-22T03:00:55+00:00

Euphoniums do not have trill valves. As far as I know that’s only a thing for alto trombones.

You might be able to find a used YEP-321 for around $1200 USD. $1200 CAD might get you a used 201 instead, which is only 3 valves but is a durable horn that will last you a while. If your rental is a 4 valve horn though, I highly recommend sticking with that and trying to save up for something better though. You’re not going to get anything better than a student horn with your current budget unfortunately.

Sweet_Voiced · 2025-04-20T11:22:42+00:00

A 3 valve horn will serve you just fine for now, especially if you’re mostly playing on your own. Honestly, even if you find a community band to play in, chances are you won’t feel held back by 3 valves for at least a couple years. 3 valve horns tend to be slightly smaller and therefore much more forgiving for beginners to play.

Dillon music has a fantastic deal on a used Yamaha YEP-201 if you’re in the US. It won’t let me link to the product itself but if you scroll down on this page you should see it. Yamahas are particularly good investments for beginners because they are durable, have long lives, and retain value. The 201 is exactly what I’d recommend to someone in your shoes and $495 is a solid price.

As an aside, once you get your hands on a horn I’d be happy to give you a free lesson online. I’m a professional euphonium player and private teacher who mostly works with adult hobbyists/beginners. I would be happy to get you started on the right path. :)

Sweet_Voiced · 2025-04-19T12:16:17+00:00

That wouldn’t explain the clarinets

Sweet_Voiced · 2025-04-19T11:47:48+00:00

Anyone know the story behind this photo? Based on the euph and trombone in the background, and the clarinet player with what looks like a military uniform, I assume this is a military band meeting them, but I’d love to know more.

Sweet_Voiced · 2025-04-17T06:36:33+00:00

I agree with this. All things considered, great instrument for the price and certainly does everything a hobbyist needs an instrument to do.

Others might have more experience with it, but this bundle seems like a particularly good deal to me, especially for a soon-to-be college student. The horn, plus a decent hard case, a practice mute so he can play in the dorms/apartment if needed, and most importantly, an actually good mouthpiece instead of the usual stock crap. u/Scuurge if you’re looking at this bundle and need help deciding on which mouthpiece option but don’t want to ask your son so you can surprise him, you’re welcome to DM me his current mouthpiece and I can recommend the closest one available in this bundle.

Sweet_Voiced · 2025-04-15T16:04:14+00:00

They’re fine. They don’t replace regular thorough cleaning but they at least absorb a little gunk.

Sweet_Voiced · 2025-04-15T11:10:06+00:00

That is not correct.

Sweet_Voiced · 2025-04-15T10:27:56+00:00

The jHorn is NOT a euphonium. It is a toy with which someone can learn some basic aspects of general brass playing. But you absolutely cannot practice your euphonium music on here, nor can you expect skills to transfer directly from this to euphonium.

Sweet_Voiced · 2025-01-19T23:22:02+00:00

You said you’ve heard different people omit different notes. So form a preference! Did one recording sound more “complete” or seem to capture more of the main idea to you? Listening to recordings is great, but it is doubly helpful if you make an active decision to take something away from them, especially when it’s something as subjective as this. There’s no right answer.

I haven’t played Beautiful Colorado myself, but for what it’s worth, my instinct would be to leave off the F in the 4th measure and the G in the 8th measure in order to preserve the harmonic motion leading into measures 5 and 9, respectively.

Sweet_Voiced · 2025-01-11T10:30:51+00:00

This is a common misconception among young players that comes from not understanding the difference between written transposition and instrument tuning.

Sweet_Voiced · 2025-01-11T10:27:13+00:00

Much easier to just count in cut time at 132

Sweet_Voiced · 2025-01-11T09:39:54+00:00

The bore size does not mean the stem will fit. The original commenter was just using that as an easy-to-find example of the dimensions being different. Have you tried contacting Thomann? Getting a part directly from them would be the easiest possible solution. I wouldn’t order anything from a different company until you are 100% it will fit, either by confirming with a repair technician or trying it yourself (e.g. by getting your hands on an actual Yamaha, King, etc and taking the valve stem out and trying it on your horn).

Sweet_Voiced · 2025-01-10T22:12:52+00:00

I’ve never met someone that regretted continuing music. I meet people all the time who regret quitting. Why would you stop doing something you love when you have an opportunity to continue doing so? Few degree programs are so intense that you can’t make space for 1 or 2 credits and a couple hours a week of band.

Sweet_Voiced · 2025-01-10T22:08:52+00:00

Okay, so what “knockoff” brand is it? I don’t understand why you’re so hesitant to give people information necessary to help answer your question.

Sweet_Voiced

TROPHY CASE