10 Best

Euphoniums

of September 2023

The euphonium is a brass instrument that name comes from the Greek word euphōnos, which means “sweet sounding”. The euphonium, like many other brass instruments, can be traced all the way back to the serpent, the oldest low horn instrument design found. The euphonium can be played in the treble clef if it is transposable but if it is not transposable, then it is played in the bass clef. The euphonium is the leading instrument for military bands in the tenor section. It was invented in 1843 by Sommer of Weimar. So if you are interested in playing a low brass instrument but you don’t like the lowness of the tuba, the euphonium might just be the instrument for you.

 

We’ve composed this buyer’s guide to help you make the right decision when selecting a euphonium. It'll help you:

• Choose the right type of euphonium,

• See useful tips about that type of euphonium,

• Select the right brand of the euphonium,

• Find accessories you may need for your euphonium.

Types of Euphoniums:

• Four-Valve Euphonium:

  • Compensating Euphoniums:

    • Have extra tubing within the euphonium to make up for the fact that some of the notes tend to go sharp.

    • They are heavier than non-compensating euphoniums as the extra tubing does add extra weight.

• • Non-Compensating Euphoniums:

    • This instrument has no extra tubing and thus it is up to the instrumentalist to get the pitch as closest to the tune as they need it.

    • The non-compensating euphonium is lighter than the compensating euphonium as it does not have extra tubing.

• Three-Valve Euphonium:

  • The 3 valve euphonium is strongly recommended for students as they are easier to play and cheaper as they do not have all the added features like 4 valve euphoniums.

  • Three valve euphoniums are built to be feasible and durable.

Items that Can be Used with Your Euphonium:

• Valve Oil:

  • This is oil used to ensure, that if your euphonium is played with valves, that the valves do not get stuck and remain well lubricated.

 

• Euphonium Strap:

  • The euphonium tends to be a very heavy instrument and can be tiring to hold up for long periods of time. Therefore to take some of the weight off your arms, you can use a euphonium strap to get more support.

 

• Euphonium Holder:

  • This a stand on which you can place your euphonium when you are not using it but want to practice without having to take it out of its case or if you simply want it on display.

 

• Euphonium Case:

  • This is a specially designed case that you can store your euphonium in for easy travel with damaging it in any way.

• Polish cloth:

  • This a cloth you use to keep the outside of your euphonium clean and without smudges or fingerprint marks.

• Mouthpiece Brush:

  • This is a brush that you use to clean the mouthpiece of your euphonium to make sure it has no dirt or saliva that could cause damage.

 

• Lyre:

  • This is a stand that instrumentalists in marching bands or brass bands use to hold their sheet music.

Tips for Consumers (100):

• Different Materials:

  • Euphoniums are made out of 4 different materials:

    • Yellow Brass

• • • Gold Brass

 

• • • Red Brass

• • • Sterling Silver

• • The different materials can affect what sound you will get, as they are made up of different components. For example, red brass has a very dark, deep and warmer sound whilst sterling silver has a brighter and clearer sound.

 

• Parts of a Euphonium:

• • Bore:

    • The euphonium has a conical bore.

    • The euphonium has a bore measuring between 0.57” and 0.66”.

  • Valves:

    • Valves on a student euphonium tend to be nickel plated and as a result, are more durable and require less maintenance.  

    • Professional euphonium players prefer to use monel valves which although they require more maintenance, create a better sound and are more rust resistant than nickel plated valves.

  • Bell:

    • It is important to remember that the bigger the bell, the louder and farther the sound of euphonium will travel.

  • Finger Hooks and Thumb Rings:

    • These are the small hooks and rings on the euphonium that allow you to hold it comfortably as well make small tuning adjustments.

  • Water keys:

    • This is a button that you can press on your euphonium to drain fluids from your euphonium and make sure that there is nothing in it that could cause damage or

• The Types of Finishes:

  • Lacquer:

    • This is the most common type of finish on all horns.

    • It is cheaper and more durable than silver plated euphoniums.

• • Silver Plated:

    • This is a more expensive option but is a very nice finish aesthetics wise and creates more vibration than lacquer, amplifying the euphoniums sound.

Different Brands of Tubas:

• Cecilio:

  • Mendini is one of Cecilio’s subsidiaries and makes euphoniums alongside their parent company. They aim to inspire musical talent through quality and talent. They are currently located in Rancho Cucamonga, California.

• Schiller:

  • Schiller was founded in 1884 Frankfurt, Germany by Gustav Johann Schiller. From the beginning as a manufacturer of pianos, they now produce a wide variety of instruments. Schiller aims to provide high-quality instruments to musicians all over the world at reasonable prices.

 

• Yamaha:

  • Founded in 1887 Yamaha produces a wide array of instruments for consumers globally. With the humble beginnings of designing an organ, they now manufacture and produce drums, pianos, horns, guitars and so on. Their headquarters are located in Hamamatsu Shizuoka, Japan.