[Trombone-l] Euphonium models etc.

[Walter Barrett]

On Apr 27, 2007, at 1:12 PM, Dan Traugh wrote:

>
> He currently plays on a Yamaha 642S which his High School provides.  
> I am
> told the following:
>
> 1. The Yamaha 842 models have a lead pipe angle issue which makes them
> hard to hold for a larger person. (My son
> is 6-3. Is the 642 is better for a larger man?
> 2. Yamaha is currently farming out their production to Asia and  
> closing
> their US plants.
> 3. Besson horns are now made by Meinl? Are they any good?
> 4. Are there any other good makes comparable to the Yamaha he  
> currently
> plays.
>
> He intends to be a Jazz Bass major in college but his only option for
> keeping up with the Euphonium may be
> our ability to find a decently priced quality used instrument. Any
> resources I should check out? I really
> hate to go the ebay route. He has played the Yamaha 321 and doesn't  
> care
> for it because it is not comparable
> to the 642 - He plays a large shank Steven Mead 4M mouthpiece.  
> Anyone know
> of a 642S that someone is willing
> to part with?
>
> -Dan
>
>
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I haven't had a chance, nor the inclination (too afraid I'd love it  
too much!) to try an 842, so I can't really comment on the leadpipe  
angle. The 842 is essentially a souped-up 642 anyway, so I doubt  
they'd be all that different to a more casual eupher. As to the  
production- yes, Yamaha is closing their facility in Grand Rapids.  
Keep in mind that only student horns were assembled here, the parts  
came from Asia. The 600 and 800 Series instruments have been, and  
will continue to be, made in Japan. As far as quality, you shouldn't  
notice any difference. I know that Yamaha's closing some of their US  
facilities will matter to some, and it certainly matters to the folks  
who are losing their jobs. I'm not too thrilled about that part, but  
my opinion carries little weight with the Yamaha Board of Directors.

IIRC, Besson is being made by Courtois now, with production of stuff  
like valve clusters remaining (as it has for several years now) at  
VMI in Germany. Besson's old factory will now be putting out horns  
with the York name on them. Confused yet? I know I am...

Brands worth checking out, in no particular order- Yamaha, Willson,  
Mirafone, Courtois, Besson, York, Kanstul, and (if money is no  
object) Inderbinen.


Walter Barrett

"There are only two kinds of music - love songs and pirate songs."
	-Roger Bobo

Alto, tenor, bass trombones
Bass trumpet, euphonium, tuba
Yamaha Artist/Clinician
http://www.walterbarrett.com