Instrument Type: Compensating Euphonium
Stencil Model Number: MACK-EU1150 Comp
Manufacturer Model Number: JinBao JBEP-1150S
Reference Model: Yamaha 642
Price: $1007.00
Purchased From: MACK BRASS
Purchase Date: October 11, 2011
Bore Size (inch): 0.590- 0.661
Bell Size (inch):11.81
Material: 22 Gauge Brass
Finish: Silver Plated
Accessories: 24K Gold Trim
If you are considering buying one of these compensating euphoniums, do yourself a favor and stop reading IMMEDIATELY and head over to www.mackbrass.com and place an order!!! I cannot understate how much of a deal this horn was at barely over $1000. The fit and finish on the horn is top notch. The silver and gold plating is bright and beautiful. The pictures provided do not do it justice!
Having played a Yamaha 642 during college and a Yamaha 321 during high school, I can say that this euphonium is AT LEAST on par with the 642, if not BETTER. The valve action is great. I know some people have switched out the valve springs for aftermarket ones(the ones for the 642), but the OEM springs are fine with me. Playability on the horn is fantastic. It is open and has a wonderful tone throughout all ranges. Of course the mouthpiece that came with it was the typical JinBao mouthpiece...so that went straight in my desk drawer never to see the light of day again.
The compensating euphonium I bought from Mack Brass is the EXACT same one that is being sold by Jim Laabs(the Schiller Elite Compensating Euphonium) and by Big Bottom Music for hundreds more, so the price Mack Brass has them for is truly a steal. I can see no reason to spend $4000-$6000 on a compensating euph, when you can get this one for a fraction of the price. Honestly, since I only play as a hobby, I never expected to own an instrument of this calibur...surprise, surprise!!!
Now, on to the pics:
Figure 1. In the Case
Figure 2. Valves
Figure 3. Bell Etching
Figure 4. Back View
Figure 5. Mouthpiece Receiver
Figure 6. Rest Bar and Comp Slides
Figure 7. 4th Valve
Figure 8. 4th Valve Depressor
Figure 9. Valve Tops
Figure 10. Valve Bottoms
Figure 11. 4th Valve Top
Was the gold trim an option or did it just come with the instrument?
ReplyDeleteThe gold trim was an additional option. When I ordered from Mack Brass I believe it was only about $125 extra or so. The pictures don't do the gold trim justice, it looks spectacular on the horn.
DeleteDid you order the gold trim from Mack brass?
ReplyDeleteHow are the pistons after a few years of use now? The "Monel" ones on my Chinese trumpet have started sticking and corroding after a mere 6 months. Hopefully Tom does a better job managing his manufacturing line.
ReplyDelete