102154
102155
Code: 102154,102155
The JP374 Sterling is JP's flagship 4 valve fully compensating professional level Bb Euphonium. Created in collaboration with Paul Riggett of Sterling Brass, the JP374 Sterling represents a fusion of professional level Sterling components and design with the affordability and durability normally associated with the JP brand. Widely respected as one of the leading designers and manufacturers of brass instruments in the UK, Paul previously worked as a production manager at Boosey & Hawkes before creating Sterling Musical Instruments in 1987.
The JP374 Sterling Bb Euphonium is constructed from high grade 80:20 brass throughout and features a 12" bell for superior sound projection. As expected from an instrument of this level, the JP374 is fully compensating and includes a 3+1 bottom sprung valve system enabling an alternative fingering system. With high quality components and a pedigree many other makers cannot match, the JP374 Sterling offers players a professional level instrument at a highly affordable price. The JP374 Sterling Euphonium incorporates an exclusively designed trademark Sterling leadpipe.
A triumph of engineering! How can such quality be so affordable? I have been using the euphonium as a soloist and in brass band and it is at home in both environments. The tone is true at the extremes of pitch and throughout the dynamic range. The Euphonium is all about sound. With the JP Sterling Euphonium I can create the very personal sound which is in my heart, in my soul. That's simply not possible on many of the much more expensive brands.
As part of my job I recently had the pleasure of appraising 3 of the superior John Packer euphoniums on behalf of our students. All were striking examples of the modern style of instrument design as well as displaying a high quality of build. Added to this the fantastic prices being asked and they almost seem too good to be true. So to the testing…….
The JP374 Sterling and the JP374 Sterling (Trigger) are both essentially the same fully compensating 4 valve euphonium. Each has the benefit of a larger 12” bell which seems to aid projection for the more advanced player. They feel exceptionally comfortable to hold and the playing position dictated by the design seems completely natural assuring the performer that they are playing an instrument of pure quality. Articulation, dynamic extremes, intonation and freedom of flexibility are outstanding. Tuning on the trigger model is of course perfect in the hands of a knowledgeable and proficient musician. The case is smaller than that of the JP274 and has a ‘gig bag’ feel to it—ideal for the busy professional. These really are instruments that demand a place high up in the brass retail market and I will be happy to recommend any of them to prospective purchasers of the appropriate standard.
I have been using mine now for going three years. And I figure its about time to make a review of it.
Tone is clear, warm, and crisp. It does not take much effort in the extremes, and retains tuning in the pedal register and the high range.
Valve action is great. They do not have lots of resistance.
The look of the instrument is stunning as well: mine is silver plate, which sometimes can cause the instrument to be funny tuning wise. But with this euphonium the silver plate does no harm.
It beats some of the top brands, in my opinion, being better than Besson, Yamaha, and miraphone. And it is far more cost friendly than other brands as well.
I heartly have recommend this euphonium to other players. And plan to continue to play mine for as long as I can!
Firstly, I have to mention that I've been playing a Silver B&H Imperial from the 70s medium shank that belongs to the band for some 40+ years. Also, I have a natural tendency to sound very bright on my instruments so I was looking for a darker sound.
I drove 7 hours to the closest John Packer dealer to be able to personaly assess what I had been reading about it. Once at Dillon Music in New Jersey, I tried both Yamaha (642 Neo and 842), a used Perantucci Sterling, both JP374 Sterling (Silver and gold brass) and two different Willson (2900S and 2960ST).
Not being a big fan of Yamaha, I still gave them a chance and, as expected, they were very good, but sounded too bland and bright to my taste. The Preantucci had the best valves I ever tried (like a Ferrari). I then tried both JP and was charmed, more so by the gold brass than the silver.
Afterward, I got both Willson and put aside the 2900S which was too small compared to the 2960ST and the John Packer.
I gave both the John Packer and the Willson a good ride, trying technical, brassy and slow sonorous exerpts to compare properly and both sounded great. It was not until I blew with everything I could in both that made me decide. The Willson started blasting with yet some power to add while the John Packer took everything.
Price was no object for me and I chose the JP... Or should I say it chose me. For half the price, I got a better horn.
I also have to mention that I play alongside a Besson Sovereign and that even that horn has nothing on my John Packer 374 Sterling.
The JP374 Sterling is supplied with a mouthpiece, Ultra-pure maintenance kit and high quality JP852 Pro case. The case features a lightweight fibreglass construction and adjustable padded blocks for maximum protection. Ergonomic handles are well placed and feel of a high quality.
David Thornton on the Sterling Virtuoso Euphonium joined by Riki McDonnell on the all new JP374Sterling Euphonium launched at the 2011 Frankfurt Music Fair, playing the famous duet from the Pearl Fishers.
The JP374 Sterling is a 4 valve compensating Bb euphonium which has been designed for the professional player. It comes complete in a hard case manufactured in Germany and also includes a specially designed mouthpiece. Paul Riggett from Sterling has overseen the design of this new edition to the JP Brass range using many of the techniques that he has perfected for his own Sterling professional range of brass instruments which are truly the choice of champions.
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