YBB 641 Clone (Dillon 641)

[bigboymusic]

I'll post a couple pics when I am able. First thing I'll say is that visually, the horn is beautiful. The color is somewhere between rose and yellow brass. Kind of the goldish color some neptunes had.

When the horn arrived, I was able to play test right nxt to a brand new YBB 641. As you can guess, vitual twins. Design and weight. Those of us who like the 641's also know they are pigs, and the clone is just as piggish. The ergonomics (bad and good) are all there. The mouthpipe dips a bit, but that is an easy fix (I am 6'2 and so are 2 of my HS tubists). The clone has some pretty nice engraving on the bell as well. I expexcted just a DILLON on the bell, but lots of ornate work. Not Elkhart standards, but a very nice touch! The case is ok....

Ok. Lets get to to the goods.

As a tuba player that has really fought the Chinese horns at first, I took a leap of faith and had my school order one of these to match the old 641's in the fleet. I explained to them the concept (and of course the $$ part of it was good for them). I have NOT used the MP that came with it. I have played it using both a Schilke HII and a Bach 18.

On a test track of Snedecor Low Etudes, Melodius Etudes #16, and some Arbans, I am thrilled. This horn is a champ! The lows are spot on. Low C (1234) is fat and in tune. All standard fingerings are true and needed no pulling. The higher range is typical. D in the staff is a bit low. Playing the #16 as written (for bone) the high range slots beautifully! Maybe not the nice ring that some good true 641's get, but solid.

As far as tuning, the horn did not like the Schilke much (little flat) but the 18 played in tune with the tuning slide just slightly out.

Other than the obvious money savings in some bracing and the linkage (not horrible, just mediocre) I am planning on buying 1 or 2 more this summer. If you are a fan of the 641, you will NOT be dissappointed!!!!

[rodgeman]

Thanks for the review. I am looking forward to to the pictures and further updates.

Sounds like a good buy.