The Montreux ‘Concert’ Series range of Brass Band instruments is definitely taking centre-stage when it comes to quality & affordability.
The Montreux CV is growing contest by contest, section by section. Adjudicators comments such as “impressive tone and control”, “best soloist”, and “filled the arena with a sonorous delight” are just some of the impressive performances attributes to those using an Montreux instrument. The British Brass Band Sound at its affordable best.
Prepared to be amazed at Montreux! Taking inspiration in its design, materials and build quality from some of the greatest, professional Cornets available, the new Montreux ECR01 is definitely ‘punching above its weight’. The sound production, tone and beautiful silver-plate finish is gaining a reputation of similarity to that of the high-end Besson & Yamaha models, but at a fraction of the price. It is aimed at the dedicated and improving player who strives for perfection in tone, articulation and intonation with 1st & 3rd valve tuning triggers.
First introduced at the Cheltenham and Royal Albert Hall Finals, the best-selling Montreux ECR01 Cornet has dumfounded players! With similar professional specifications as the Besson Sovereign, such as tuning slide triggers, the sound is outstanding and easy-blowing, but wait until you see the price! “Why pay more”, and “I can’t believe how good it sounds at a fraction of the cost”, are the continuous comments passed.
Montreux Engineering at its finest. Brilliance is the key description! Brilliance of sound, finish and performance. The precision engineered valves articulate rapidly and smoothly throughout the most demanding of passages and volumes, and provide the player with the perfect feedback when performing.
Supplied in a deluxe, bespoke protective solid case, the security you gain from this wonderful Cornet is not only limited to your performance, but also the safety.
You, as many, many others have experienced, will not be disappointed!
Again, taking inspiration in its design, materials and build quality from some of the greatest, professional Tenor Horns available, the new Montreux EAH01 is definitely making waves.
Featuring the finest resonating brass alloys, the emphasis is on pure sound quality and performance enhancement. The body and bell are yellow brass giving a bright and direct tonal projection, whilst the lead pipe is gold brass, offering a complimentary fuller, warmer tone. The precision valves result in a smooth and efficient operation, supporting the player and enhancing the performance. This is a truly stunning looking and sounding instrument. Supplied with a Denis Wick styled mouthpiece, and securely protected in a deluxe moulded case, this really is the best ‘value-for-money’ Tenor Horn you will find!
First Impressions on opening the box. “Wow”!!
The first thing that strikes you is the bespoke, deluxe case. Montreux have spent a lot of time, effort and money on a brilliant looking case. It is one of the most attractive cases that you will find in the band room. It features excellent attention to small details such as the leather-look trim, brushed silver locking catch and robust handle. It's solid, to ensure that your beloved Baritone is safe and protected. The exterior has a thick and resistant impressed nylon covering to withstand the bumps and scrapes. The interior is soft-lined to prevent scratches to the lustrous silver-plated finish. If the case is this good, how good is the actual Baritone?
Answer; “exceptional”! A deep and rich, nickel-silver plate covers the Baritone throughout. Unblemished, pure, and reflecting the quality which is to come when played. The finish doesn’t impede in any way the brass band tone. It merely amplifies and supports it in a musical and coherent manner. Others will look on with jealousy and envy at the Montreux quality, I assure you.
They have succeeded!
The first aspect that caught my attention is the precision engineered valves. Pristine. Dynamic. Smooth. There is nothing detrimental about them. They do their job efficiently, with minimal of fuss, to ensure an accurate and rapid articulation throughout the fastest passages.
Starting with the lower register, it has a solid foundation of tone and projection, without any faltering of sound production. Even pedal notes seem effortless. As it travels through the ‘middle C’ register and above, it truly comes into its own. The rounded, full tone is ‘Pavarotti-esque’ and naturally ‘sings’ out to the audience. Intonation is secure throughout its range, and the sonorous timbre will certainly get heads turning and ears pricking! I love it!
The Montreux EBH01 Baritone is aimed at the player who strives for perfection in tone, articulation and intonation. An instrument for when only the best will do. You must play this Baritone, because trust me, the proof is in the pudding!
Montreux Excellence; A British Brass Band Classic in the making, and, at only a fraction of the cost of other professional instruments. Montreux have taken inspiration in design, materials and build quality from some of the finest, professional Euphoniums available. The new 4-Valve Concert Series Euphonium is definitely ‘punching above its weight’, and is a true, Super-Middleweight champion!
There is much more to an instruments finish than simply ‘to look good’ (which this Euph certainly does!). The Nickle-Silver plate finish on the Montreux EEP01 Euphonium is simply outstanding. Just the correct thickness to ensure the tone is not impeded or restricted, but enough to give it a luscious longevity and enforcement. Fellow musicians will look at it/you with envy, and reflect (pristinely!) on what ‘they could have had’!
The precision engineered Valves, all 4 of them as you would expect on a professional Euphonium, are superb. Not a hint of any lag or delay when articulating between notes. They can efficiently overcome the most difficult of ‘Presto’ chromatic passages as well as romantic Tenor classics. Grandfathers Clock will always be in time, and you will have a Carnival in Venice with this Euphonium!!
What a sound!
I can’t believe the depth and fullness of tone this Euphonium can achieve. Sweet, sonorous, engaging and entrancing. Montreux developers have certainly taken the blueprints from top-end, professional brass band Euphonium design and incorporated them into this instrument.
Through all registers, this Montreux EEP01 Euphonium impresses. The ‘Three Tenors’ of Pavarotti, Domingo and Carreras have just got a new star member! From the lowest pedal notes, and through up to the stratosphere, it has a natural, effortless feel about it. I would only expect to find such a high quality of sound and projection on instruments costing many thousands of pounds more.
Montreux have spent a lot of time, effort and money on a brilliant looking case. It is one of the most attractive cases that you will find in the band room. It features excellent attention to small details such as the leather-look trim, brushed silver locking catch and robust handle. Plus, it has sturdy set of wheels to make your journey one of comfort. Alas, no engine though! It is solid, to ensure that your beloved Euph is safe and protected. The exterior has a thick and resistant impressed nylon covering to withstand the bumps and scrapes. The interior is soft-lined to prevent scratches to the lustrous silver-plated finish. If the case is this good, how good is the actual Euphonium?
‘Ding, Ding’, welcome to the Heavyweight Champion of the World! No, not Muhammad Ali, or Mike Tyson, or even Rocky Balboa.
I present to you… the Montreux Fully Compensating EEb Tuba.
Strong, resilient, powerful, immense, and yet with the sublime ability to be sensitive and supportive. A born winner.
On opening the (large) box, the first thing I noticed was the quality of the case. Tough nylon exterior, thick strong handle, nice leather panels, rubber ‘buffers’, and wheels. You can see that Montreux have gone to a lot of trouble to fully protect your new Tuba. They have focused on ease of transport, for both the Tuba, and for sheet music with a great pocket.
Round Two
Secondly, the finish is outstanding. A luscious and deep nickel silver plating covering the vast surface area. No expense has been spared! A great deal of attention to detail has obviously gone into the manufacturing process. Every joint is unblemished, every brace perfectly enforcing the structure. The main valve block and 4th valve have a ‘Rolls Royce’ class about them. Smooth, quiet, understated efficiency as they travel. Beautiful pearlescent cap inserts amplify the touch and articulation. Montreux is becoming the first name in professional and musical functionality and reliability. This Tuba is the proof.
Round Three – knockout
Many Eb Tubas on the market cost thousands more than the Montreux EEB01, simply due to their name and heritage. However, let me remind you, Montreux was the historical home of the Boosey & Hawkes factory for many decades. It was their professional designs, with a traditional British Brass Band sound, that has been the inspiration for Montreux. I can assure you that Montreux continues with this ethos of high quality instrument manufacture, and only supplies the finest, professional quality you expect.
It is the immense, sonorous sound that will astound you. Imagine Wagner, Sibelius, Holst, Prokofiev and Mordor(!) all combined. In all registers, the tone is consistent and imposing. The intonation is accurate throughout all valves, and most importantly, at all volumes. This Eb Tuba projects during fortissimo passages, as well as Pianissimo sections, with ease. One word that sums up this Tuba, is ‘control’. Your tone will carry and offer the foundations that all the very best bands strive for.
Arise Sir Montreux! The Montreux Concert Range is what British Brass musicians have been searching for. Quality. Affordability. Sonic perfection.
Thanks to Services for Education performers for their outstanding contribution in producing our video demonstrations of the excellent Montreux Concert Series range.
