Antique Musical Instruments/Holton double bell euphonium

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Expert: - 8/14/2008


Question
I've just bought a Holton double bell euphonium serial number 45872. Where can I learn more about these instruments and the type of mouthpieces used? I play with jazz, improvisation groups, and contemporary music ensembles. I am a composer and painter. By the way, if you are in France, there is a wonderful museum called 'Le Petit Musée des Cuivres de Thoard. That's where I first played a double bell euphonium and got the 'bug'! Claude, the owner, is quite amazing. And since its in the area Haut-Provence there are lots to see and visit. I live in Poitiers and the seller lives in Orleans.
I look forward to hearing from you.

Drake Mabry

Answer
Your horn dates to 1919.  And, it almost certainly will play with better intonation if you use a period mouthpiece.  Double bell euphoniums probably win the award for being the most desired impractical instrument sold.  They are fun to have and play, though.

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Kenton Scott

Expertise

Please note: My area is BRASS instruments, not other wind, string or percussion instruments. I will provide information on antique, obscure and out of production BRASS instruments. 1) Please don't ask for evaluations, I'll not provide them on this site. 2) I am often asked very similar questions, so I'd invite you to first check on Horn-u-Copia.net. Much of the information I have garnered about this topic, I have posted on this WEB site.

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I perform in several historical bands, have informally researched the area, repair brass instruments, and operate a Forum dedicated to the topic at http://horn-u-copia.net

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B.S. Ed, M.S.

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