Leyland Band’s Solo Euphonium, James McLeod, puts the Willson 2950 TA Euphonium through its paces and discovers a competitively-priced contender in the market.

It seems that, for some time, Besson, Yamaha and, more recently Sterling and Geneva, have cornered the brass band euphonium market in the UK. However, in America other instrument brands have a much larger ownership.

Endorsed by the well-respected and highly experienced clinician, Dr. Brian Bowman and many others, Swiss brand Willson has, for many years, been producing sought-after euphoniums for the American wind band market. Willson’s 2950 TA Euphonium, however, has been designed with the British-style brass band in mind and, with a price tag of around £4,000, puts itself in a favourable price bracket with some old favourites.

This four-valve compensating model has been designed to give a big, warm sound at strong dynamics. When playing mezzo-forte and louder, the instrument really allows you to sing, particularly in the extremes of the range. Playing
loud, high and low on the instrument is done with great ease - good news for many, I’m sure! There is no question that this instrument can take the large amount of air required to play in those areas although, for me, playing in what should be considered the ‘comfort zone’, in terms of dynamics and range, is hard work in comparison with some of its competitors. Playing quietly, for example, is harder than it needs to be.

The main tuning slide trigger is a welcome addition to most ‘professional’ euphonium models and the Willson is no exception. The usual danger areas are the same on the Willson as with many euphonium models: low G and below, and high F and G are all sharp, requiring a significant amount of trigger and a lot of listening to get in tune. Ultimately though, the general intonation of the instrument is good and, in the hands of a good player should perform well in a band setting.

Although not a market leader in the UK yet, ‘the Willson’ is a good solid instrument that, against its rivals, falls a little short when it comes to aesthetics and design features. The valve ‘reservoir’ has quite ugly plastic edges and the fourth-valve catch is very basic, awkward and destined to be lost or broken.

Willson is, however, putting its front foot forward with this release and is sure to continue with improved development. With a £4,000 price tag, it certainly rivals other instruments on the market, but only time will tell whether comparable value can be found in the instrument’s sound, versatility and design.

More information about this instrument, courtesy of the Euro Music Corporation, can be found here.

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