I recently purchased a baritone horn from Thomann. While the instrument overall felt well-made, there were a couple of characteristics that impacted my playing experience.
The first was the instrument's bore size. Having primarily played the euphonium, the smaller bore of the baritone resulted in a noticeably different tonal quality. This might not be an issue for all players, but for those accustomed to a euphonium's warmth and sound, it's worth considering.
More concerning was the intonation in the lower register. The notes were consistently flat by about half a semitone, and unfortunately, adjustments in my embouchure weren't enough to compensate entirely. This made playing in the lower range quite challenging. But here's my pick: I still recommend this instrument if you know you won't often play in the low register, you are ready to have compromises in the intonation or just looking for a backup horn.
Despite these issues, I have to commend Thomann's excellent customer support. When I contacted them about the intonation problem, they were prompt and professional. They arranged for the return of the instrument for a thorough inspection by their experts and, in the meantime, suggested I try their BR 802 model.
Overall, while this horn is likely a good option for beginners, players transitioning from euphonium should be aware of the tonal shift due to the smaller bore. Additionally, the intonation issue I encountered in the lower register seemed inherent to the instrument itself rather than something I could adjust on the fly.
Thankfully, Thomann's exceptional support helped navigate this situation. Their willingness to inspect the instrument and suggest an alternative model reassured me of their commitment to customer satisfaction.