Four Months with the New Sterling Virtuoso Euphonium – My Honest Review
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
Four months ago I took delivery of the new Sterling Euphonium, and since then it has barely left my hands. It has travelled with me to rehearsals, concerts, contests and teaching, giving me the perfect opportunity to really get to know the instrument.
After four months of daily use, I can confidently say this is the best euphonium I have ever played. There are some fine euphoniums on the market, Adams and Besson especially who may offer something extra but if budget is important, I'd suggest giving the Sterling a try.
Living with the Instrument
One of the biggest differences I've noticed is the sound. The new Sterling has a noticeably bigger, broader tone with significantly more power available when needed. It produces a rich sound without becoming harsh, and it doesn't seem to have the "stuffy" notes or notes that break up when pushed at louder dynamics that maybe can be found on the JP374T.
The feedback I've received has backed this up too. Audience members, fellow musicians and band colleagues have all commented positively on the sound I'm producing, which is always reassuring when you're evaluating a new instrument. I work very hard on my playing every single day and it is nice to hear that things are going well.
The instrument is also incredibly easy to play. The upper register feels more secure than ever, and I've found that my endurance has improved significantly during long rehearsals and concerts.
Around the same time I also received the new K&G 4D mouthpiece. I think this deserves a mention because it has undoubtedly contributed to my overall setup. The combination of the Sterling Virtuoso Euphonium and the K&G 4D feels perfectly matched, and I don't think I've ever felt more confident with my equipment.
Putting It Through Its Paces
An instrument can sound fantastic in a practice room, but it's how it performs in real situations that really matters.
Over the last four months my Sterling has been used in a wide variety of performances and professional engagements.
I was delighted to appear as a guest soloist with a band performance kindly sponsored by Sterling, performed as a featured soloist in concerts with Grimethorpe Colliery Band, competed with Foden's Band at the Tameside Whit Friday Marches—where we were fortunate enough to win—and, of course, the instrument has been with me every single day while teaching.
Whether playing demanding solo repertoire, contest marches or spending hours teaching students, the Sterling has performed flawlessly.
The valves deserve a special mention. They have been absolutely perfect from day one—fast, reliable and smooth throughout. I also find they respond well to any type of valve oil, even the cheap stuff.
Here is a little clip from my guest soloist appearance.
Are There Any Negatives?
No instrument is perfect, and there are a few points worth mentioning.
The second valve pitch sits a little flat on certain notes. However, long-time Sterling players will recognise this characteristic, and in reality it isn't a major issue. With good listening, solid fundamentals and regular practice, it's easily manageable.
My second and fourth valve slides were also quite loose after playing for a while, even slipping out while playing. In my case I simply swapped them with the slides from my previous Sterling, which solved the issue immediately.
Like many new brass instruments, there was also a period where the instrument needed blowing in. During those first weeks I noticed quite a lot of black residue and oil coming through the instrument, so it's worth being aware that this can occasionally end up on your hands or clothing until everything settles down.
Finally, I've continued not to use the trigger guard supplied with the instrument. It simply isn't something I've felt the need for, although I'd genuinely be interested to hear what other Sterling owners think about it.
I gave the instrument a full clean out recently and were shocked to see how much grime had built up inside. It certainly felt even better after so don't forget to keep on top of maintenance.
Questions I've Been Asked
Since the launch of the new Sterling range I've received plenty of questions, so here are some quick answers.
Will Sterling produce a tuba?
At the moment there are no plans for a Sterling tuba, although it's something many people have asked about. Perhaps take a look at the JP Sterling model?
Can the instrument be customised?
Currently the answer is no. Personally, I don't think it needs customising anyway. Considering the price, Sterling have produced an outstanding instrument exactly as it comes.
Will Sterling have more artists?
Possibly. At present the artist roster includes myself alongside baritone soloist Jon Stokes, but it'll be interesting to see how this develops in the future.
How does the new Sterling compare with the old model?
They're remarkably similar in terms of sound, weight and overall intonation. Of course, this depends on which version of the older Sterling you owned. The new model now comes as standard with the large yellow brass bell, which certainly contributes to its broad, warm sound. Here is my past post related to this - HERE.
How well does the K&G 4D mouthpiece work with the Sterling?
For me, it's an excellent match. While every player has different preferences, my current setup gives me more confidence than I've ever had, both in solo performance and in the band.
How can I buy one?
To buy a new Sterling, you might need to be on a waiting list for a while because currently every new shipment is sold out. Express your interest at Sterling or Band Supplies in the UK. Music360 for South East Asia and DFMusic in the US. Also look out for them at big trade events or brass band contests where you can test them.
Final Thoughts
Four months is long enough to move beyond the excitement of owning a new instrument and form a genuine opinion.
The new Sterling Virtuoso Euphonium has exceeded my expectations. It offers a huge, effortless sound, exceptional playability, reliable valves and excellent consistency across every performance situation I've put it through. While there are a few small quirks—as with any brass instrument—they're heavily outweighed by the positives.
When you also consider the price point, I genuinely believe this represents the best value euphonium currently available. For anyone looking to purchase a professional-level instrument without paying considerably more for other premium brands, I think Sterling has produced something very special.
You will find other instruments, looking very similar to the new Sterling from budget manufacturers, also made in China but I am confident that the design and input into how this instrument plays will allow it to far surpass any of it's rivals. Just test them side by side to see the difference.
I'd love to hear from other players who own one of the new Sterling Virtuoso Euphoniums, or perhaps the new Sterling Baritone. What has your experience been so far? Feel free to get in touch or leave a comment below—I'd be interested to compare notes.
Next up for me? Well I am looking forward to the summer holidays where I will be heading to Norway for a family trip and then preparing for the British Open and Brassed Off live performances with Grimethorpe Colliery Band.
I am also available for private brass lessons, if you want a one off lesson, or series of lessons in person or online just get in touch.
Thanks for reading! ❤
Mark Glover
5/7/26
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