Euphonium Buyer's Guide

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Yamaha YEP321 Series Euphonium

The modern day baritone and euphonium were first developed around 1828 when the first brass instrument family with valves was built. These deep, rich-sounding instruments that can be equated to the cello voice of the symphony orchestra. Baritones are easier to handle for younger players. Many students start on a baritone and then switch to a euphonium. There are a few differences between the baritone and euphonium and the variations on each.

Baritones and Euphoniums differ slightly in construction. Baritones are cylindrical, meaning they have a bore that stays mostly the same size until the bell flare. Euphoniums are conical, with a bore that gets larger all the way through the length of the instrument and gives a slightly darker tone than a baritone. Euphoniums are very common in most bands in the United States; however, both the euphonium and baritone are used in brass band music.

Euphoniums are available with three or four valves. For advancing players, a four-valve instrument is always the preferable choice. The addition of the extra valve helps extend the low range of the instrument and improves the intonation. Four-valve euphoniums can feature valves that are all together, or in a 3+1 combination. The 3+1 refers to the main three valves are grouped together while the fourth valve is positioned on the side of the instrument to be played by the left hand. This valve arrangement makes the instrument more comfortable and easier to hold for some players.

Recommended Three-Valve Euphoniums
Recommended Four-Valve Euphoniums

Euphoniums come in two basic groups: non-compensating and compensating. The non-compensating euphonium has a fourth valve that acts as any other valve. In this case, the pitch is lowered 2 1/2 steps. The performer must do any other adjustment needed to bring the low range in tune. A compensating euphonium simply adds extra tubing to “compensate” for the low register tendency of being sharp. When the fourth valve is depressed, air is redirected through an auxiliary set of slides on valves 1 through 3, when they are used. These auxiliary slides lower the pitch even more to help bring the lower notes closer to in tune.

Recommended Non-Compensating Euphoniums
Recommended Compensating Euphoniums

Many years ago, there was no industry standard for euphonium mouthpiece receivers. Over time, manufacturers found that they needed to make instruments that were compatible with modern mouthpieces. They found that the only difference between trombone and euphonium mouthpieces was in the shank size. The shank size is the diameter and taper of the end of the mouthpiece that goes into the instrument. Now, there are three main categories for euphonium mouthpiece receivers:

• Small shank mouthpieces are the same as those used on small tenor trombones.
• Large shank mouthpieces are the same as those used on large tenor and bass trombones.
• Medium shank mouthpieces (also called European shank) are standard on several euphoniums manufactured in Europe. There are a limited amount of mouthpiece makers that offer this style of shank.

Baritones and Euphoniums are available in lacquer or silver-plated finish. Silver-plated instruments can be slightly brighter sounding, but they tend to have a more immediate response compared to lacquer instruments.