Plastic!? I tried a plastic euphonium

In recent years, wind instruments have become more costly due to the soaring prices of metals and woods used in wind instruments. Amid this situation, plastic wind instruments are attracting new attention.
This time, I tried out a euphonium, which is actually one of the most popular plastic wind instruments, so I’m going to review this based on my feelings and compare the differences between different materials.

Introduction

● What is a euphonium?

A euphonium is a brass instrument that produces a soft and beautiful tone. Its playing range is in the middle register, which is the same as the trombone and tenor saxophone.
Although less well known than the trumpet or trombone, the euphonium is a brass instrument that is able to perform fast passages, so it often plays melodies, obbligatos, and solos in brass bands.
It is also the instrument that the main character plays in the anime Sound! Euphonium.

PLAYTECH / PTEP-300SS Euphonium 4-Piston (Side Action)

Recommended Video↓

● Euphonium is recommended for those who...

As I already mentioned, the euphonium produces an appealing tone. It is good for playing fast passages and cool phrases, but it is also a perfect instrument for slow pieces of music. The euphonium is recommended for those who are looking for mental relaxation.

● Euphonium is an easy instrument to play

The size of the euphonium mouthpiece is about between that of the trumpet and tuba. The euphonium is said to be one of the easiest brass instruments to play since it is easy to control the sound. For this reason, the euphonium is recommended for beginners just starting out with wind instruments.

Plastic Euphonium

Now let’s move onto the main subject. This time I played a plastic euphonium that is available for purchase at Sound House.

PLAYTECH / PTEP-100BL Plastic Euphonium Blue

Metal euphoniums are not as heavy as other brass instruments, but plastic euphoniums are even lighter in weight! Surprisingly, they only weigh 2kg and they are easy to carry. The light weight makes it less tiring to play, and is recommended for people who are not confident in their physical strength or who want to continue playing the instrument but do not have as much energy as they did when they were younger.
In fact, some customers who have played tuba for many years changed their instrument to euphonium as their physical strength weakened.
There is a wide range of colors available, including cute colors unique to plastic wind instruments such as red and orange or even silver and gold colors.

Silver

Gold

This time, I played a red euphonium.

It’s so cute, isn’t it? The mouthpiece and the water key for draining accumulated condensation are white.

The inside of the slide is also red.

The slides move so smoothly! It works the same way as a slide from a metal instrument.

Please make sure to apply oil to piston valves before playing the instrument. You can use any ordinary valve oil.

In addition, a semi-hard case with wheels is included at this great price.

Impressions on playing the plastic euphonium

The sound is great and has a good response! Tone-wise, the plastic euphonium has less depth than the metal one, but I clearly felt the authentic tone of the euphonium. I think that the sound of the plastic euphonium is great for pop music.
I felt the pitch was slightly flat, but I could still control it with my lips and by actively listening . The reason I felt so was also because I played it in a cold room. Lol.
It is so light-weight and easy to play, so I believe those who are new to brass instruments can easily produce a decent sound, too!
This plastic euphonium is also recommended for those who usually play metal instruments.

AKI-C’s video↓

Conclusion

How was it? I usually play trombone and I hadn’t played euphonium for a while, but I think that the quality of plastic wind instruments is becoming better and better.
But anyway, playing a piston instrument was super fun. Lol. Of course, slide instruments are fun to play, too.
More plastic wind instruments such as trumpets, trombones, and tubas are available for purchase at Sound House. I hope this article will spark your interest in purchasing a plastic instrument.