Euphoniums, Baritones, Tubas and Sousaphones
Build A Better Band From The Bottom
The excellence of an ensemble must be built from the bottom up. Correct pitch and scale beginning in the low brass section are absolutely essential to the intonation of the entire band. Projection and efficiency of the low brass sound are critical to the group's tonal color. And, as a practical matter, these same instruments must hold up for years, under sometimes less-than-desirable conditions.
We invite you to consider the benefits of King low brass instruments. Every King Euphonium, Baritone, Tuba and Sousaphone has been designed for sound and playability over years of use.
Sound design. It's what every director needs for low brass. It's what King delivers every time.
King Low Brass Sound Better
From the 623-size Euphonium to the full-size 2341 tuba, all King low brass sound big! For over a century, King has set the standard for low brass sound and continues to lead the pack. Bell and bow design, just the right ratio of conical and cylindrical tubing, critical material specifications – all work together to deliver the best sound your ensemble can have.
King Low Brass Are Designed Better
Students learn faster when their equipment is easier to use. King low brass instruments are designed to be easier to play. Designs that promote proper posture and encourage relaxed, stress-free playing make each King instrument not just superior, but a real educational tool.
King Low Brass Last Longer
How long do you expect your low brass instruments to last? Five years? Ten? How about an AVERAGE of fifteen years! With proper care and regular maintenance and a periodic overhaul, a King low brass instrument can provide fifteen or more years of music. There are more than a few King brass in use in schools today that are over SIXTY years old. That's cost-effectiveness your purchasing agent can take to the bank (or at least to the school board)!
King Euphonium Models 2280, 628, 623
The King 2280 (4 valve) and 628 (3 valve) euphonium models feature a .580" bore and provide excellent intonation with a full, rich sound. Both are well-braced to provide years of service. Their graceful wrap and larger bores provide for exquisite tone that compliments both the bass section as well as the entire ensemble. The model 628 features a tenor shank, providing an easier upper register. The 2280 has a bass shank for richer, fuller sound.
The King 2280 euphonium also offers a fourth valve with a .600" bore and a long pull. Its spring-loaded third slide enables the player to tune concert C and B when the fourth slide is extended. This permits the same result as the much more expensive "automatic compensating" feature on other euphonium models, at a fraction of the price, maKing the 2280 an exceptional value for ensemble OR solo work.
Valve guides are small parts that make a huge difference in the sound and longevity of an instrument. Most educators prefer metal valve guides for school instruments because they won't strip if a student mishandles the valve. Nylon valve guides are much quieter, but do require a small amount of care when removing or replacing the valve in its casing.
The King three-valve model 628 euphonium has metal valve guides as standard, while four-valve model 2280 features valve guides of nylon. Metal and nylon guides are interchangeable and you can specify either one for your instruments.
The King model 623-size euphonium is a superb choice for the beginner. It has a surprisingly big sound and is compact for travel in its slim hardshell case.
King Front Action Euphoniums
[American Bore Baritone Horns]
Three-Valve Models 625, 627 Four-Valve Models 2266, 2268 These instruments have been longtime favorites, especially when a bell front instrument is needed for marching AND concert use. Directors from all over the country choose King baritones for both sound and durability. Full bracing secures the precision-made parts that make these instruments proven winners. Count on King low brass instruments to last, with proper care and maintenance, an average of fifteen years or more!
King Model 1135, 2340 and 2341 BBb Tubas
Students come in all shapes and sizes and tuba players are no exception. Each of those tuba players should be able to achieve good playing habits and good intonation from the very start. These King tubas are perfect for all students and all ensembles for these important reasons:
- King tubas are designed to sit on the lap in excellent playing position. A larger player can find a good embouchure with his legs closer together. The smaller player can position the instrument lower in the lap or even down on the chair. The player with an overbite (most of us) can lean forward to pivot the embouchure. This is vitally important for beginner tuba players, who should NEVER have to struggle to develop a good embouchure. The King 1135 _-size tuba is the best beginner tuba for this purpose.
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Players of full size tubas deserve the same consideration. Tubas with top- action valves just can't accommodate them properly. Photos: short player right and wrong
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- The bore sizes are just right too! Especially when you consider that some tubas don't reach cylindrical bore until after a 17"or longer leadpipe, where the bore MUST be larger. King's .687" bore on the 2340 (three valve) and 2341 (four valve) models is the same bore size as that which the legendary Bill Bell used in the NBC Symphony and great Abe Torchinsky played in the Philadelphia Orchestra.
- Piston valves are increasingly preferred over rotors for many reasons. Pistons are faster (just ask any trumpet player), simpler (rotors have six or more moving parts), and respond better by providing for a more direct air stream (smooth redirection rather than sharp 90 degree turns).
Build A Better Band From The Bottom With King Tubas
As players advance, they need an instrument that advances with them, and gives your band a better low brass sound. The King 2340 (three valve) and 2341 (four valve) full- size tubas are specially designed to do just that:
1. The first valve slide is easily reached with the left hand. On the three-valve 2340, this permits tuning of low C and B natural. On the four-valve 2341, this also permits tuning to the very low (almost pedal) register. Just try this with a top-action piston tuba! [Photo: show easy reach of first valve slide]
2. Intonation is better, too. It's easy to see tubas with intonation problems. Examine the tubas in any high school band room. Note the instruments with first and third slides pulled out one inch or more. This is done primarily to improve low C and low B, but invites a host of other problem notes, including:
- Pulling the first slide to fix low C and B ruins second space C and makes all Eb's and G's suspect.
- Pulling the third slide to fix low C and B jeopardizes all Gb's and possibly (one ledger line) Db.
King tubas don't need such drastic slide pulling and play better in tune. The player can make minor pitch adjustments with mechanical assistance, and keep the fifth partial and all first valve notes better in tune. Compare the open notes of a King 2340 or 2341`to any other tuba. Fact is, you'll prefer King.
3. The large-throat bells on the full-size models 2340 and 2341 deliver an awesome (and more efficient) low brass sound! These King full-size tubas are more compact and also feature valve clusters that are easier for technicians to remove, when necessary, lowering downtime and expense
King Model 2350 and 2370 Sousaphones
The King 2350 Sousaphone is the standard for Sousaphones. This all-brass model is a favorite of many university and military bands. Many high schools insist on King sousaphones because they know that these instruments last longer than other comparable brands. Its fiberglass brother, the King 2370, is identical, but lighter in weight. Both King sousaphones feature removable "nests" (the valve and slide section) which means technicians have easy access for repairs, resulting in lower repair costs.
King Model 1140M Convertible Tuba
For schools that need the flexibility of one tuba for both marching and concert, the King model 1140M easily converts from a concert tuba to an on-the shoulder tuba in seconds. Slightly less than full size, the 1140 has a .640" bore and delivers a rich tuba sound. The concert mouthpipe is fixed, and the only separate part is the marching mouthpipe that is easily stored in the case during concert season.
King Low Brass
| Model | Instrument | Specifications |
| 623 | 3/4 Euphonium | Diplomat 3/4 size Baritone, Lacquered brass (Silver and Satin silver finish also available), Bell front 10" (254mm) bell, 3 top action valves, .562" (14.27mm) bore, Tenor shank 6-1/2AL mouthpiece, Hardshell case, Full warranty |
| 628 | Euphonium | Diplomat, Very responsive, Easy-to-play, all brass instrument. Ergonomically designed, with superb intonation. .580"(14.73mm) bore, 11"(279mm) Upright bell, top action, Nickel plated pistons, Lacquered brass (Silver and Satin silver finish also available), 6-1/2AL small shank mouthpiece, Hardshell case. Full warranty. |
| 2280 | Euphonium | Legend, 4 valve soloist model euphonium with upright 11" (279mm) bell, Yellow brass seamless bell, Lacquered brass (Silver finish available), European (Large)shank, .580" (14.73mm) primary bore, .600" (15.24mm) fourth valve bore, Top action valve, Spring-loaded 3rd slide trigger, Marcellus mouthpiece, Hardshell case, Full warranty |
| 625 | Baritone Horn | Diplomat, Lacquered brass (Silver and Satin silver finish also available), Bell front 11" (279mm) bell, 3 Front action valves, .562" (14.27mm) bore, Tenor shank, Pull rings on 1st and 2nd slides, 6-1/2AL mouthpiece, Hardshell case, Full warranty |
| 627 | Baritone Horn | Diplomat, Lacquered brass (Silver and Satin silver finish also available), Upright 11" (279mm) bell, 3 Front action valves, .562" (14.27mm) bore, Tenor shank, Pull rings on 1st and 2nd slides, 6-1/2AL mouthpiece, Hardshell case, Full warranty |
| 2266 | Baritone Horn | Artist, Bell front 11" (279mm) bell, Lacquered brass (Silver and Satin silver finish also available), 4 Front action valves, .562" (14.27mm) bore, Pull rings on 1st and 2nd slides, 3rd valve throw-ring, Tenor shank, Hardshell case, Full warranty |
| 2268 | Baritone Horn | Artist, Upright 11" (279mm) bell, Lacquered brass (Silver and Satin silver finish also available), 4 Front action valves, .562" (14.27mm) bore, Pull rings on 1st and 2nd slides, 3rd valve throw-ring, Tenor shank, Hardshell case, Full warranty |
| 1135 | ¾ Tuba | BBb, 3/4 size, 3 front action valves, .660" (16.76mm) bore, 14-7/8" (378mm) upright bell, All Yellow brass construction, Lacquer finish, 24AW mouthpiece. Available with hardshell case, Properly positioned leadpipe, Full warranty |
| 2340 | Full SIze Tuba | BBb, Full size, 3 front action valves, .687" (17.45mm) bore, 19" (483mm) upright bell, hand-adjustable 1st valve slide, Lacquer finish (Silver and Satin silver finish available), 18 mouthpiece, Available with wheeled hardshell case, Full warranty |
| 2341 | Full Size Tuba | BBb, Full size, 4 front action valves, .687" (17.45mm) bore, 19" (483mm) upright bell, hand-adjustable 1st valve slide, Lacquer finish (Silver and Satin silver finish available), 18 mouthpiece, Available with wheeled hardshell case, Full warranty. |
| 1140M | Convertible Tuba | Marching tuba, BBb, 3 top action valves, .640" (16.26mm) bore upright model, 15" (381mm) fixed Yellow brass bell, Lacquer finish, Convertible mouthpipe for "on the shoulder" marching, 24AW mouthpiece, Available with hardshell case, Properly positioned leadpipe, Full warranty. |
| 2350 | Brass Sousaphone | BBb, All Yellow brass construction, .687" (17.45mm) bore, 26" (660mm) bell, Lacquer finish (Silver and Satin silver finish available), 24AW mouthpiece, Extra large brass caps and guards, Wheeled Hardshell case, Full warranty |
| 2370 | Fiberglass Sousaphone | BBb, .687" (17.45mm) bore, 26" (660mm) bell, Detachable front-facing bell, Standard valve stroke, Yellow brass valve section, 3 Front action valves, Lightweight pebbled white fiberglass, #2 mouthpiece, Wheeled Hardshell case, Full warranty |
It's easy to boast about the benefits of any instrument. The proof is in the playing. We invite you to compare King low brass to any others. For sound, intonation, ease of playing and longevity, you won't believe the difference King can make in your band!
Three ways to test your low brass – without even playing them!
How long will
your low brass last? These large instruments often get the brunt of abuse,
just because of their size. It's easy to compare. First, check the bracing. Compare the
number of braces and the size of brace plates (that's where the brace is attached to the
horn. More bracing (logically placed for best sound) and larger brace plates keep the
instrument stable and secure for years.
You'll find King
low brass has more bracing where is really counts, and it's strategically placed, to
enhance the sound. Second, check the materials. Put your thumb against the bell
surface and press gently. Materials that "give" too easily will likely receive more
damage quickly. Of course, material that has no give
whatsoever will be aurally dead. King low brass has the right balance of material
strength and great sound throughout the range of the instrument.
Examine the wrap. Tight bends and sharp corners in the tubing increase resistance.
Graceful curves mean less resistance. Less resistance means a free-blowing, full sound.
The player doesn't need to push. He's more relaxed and lets the horn do the work.
