Posted by Chuck(G) on December 19, 2001 at 13:37:47:
In Reply to: euphonium posted by amwiegner on December 18, 2001 at 20:43:57:
Oh darn, I get to be a wet rag here.
My recommendation is that you present him with an "IOU one euphonium" in place of the real thing. Put a ceiling on the redemption value if you feel uncomfortable with the amount of financial exposure that accompanies such a promise.
Choosing an instrument is a very individual matter; you wouldn't expect him to buy a pair of shoes for you without consulting you, would you now?
Let him play a few samples and decide what he wants. Then let him redeem the IOU.
I know, it's less romantic than having him open the box with the bright shiny horn in it on Christmas day, but in the end, both of you will be happier for it.
Of course, this is only my own decrepit worthless advice to the lovelorn...