.

[scottmendoker]

I believe that the instrument of which Roger Lewis is speaking is a copy of Jim Self's 4/4 original York. It's shown on his web site with a rotory valve added. Lee Stofer has since removed the rotor and re-built it back to its' 4 valve version, completely over-hauling the instrument. I've seen a picture of the finished tuba and it's BEAUTIFUL! If it plays half as good as it looks it's going to be an incredible horn.
How lucky are we to live in a time when we have so many terrific instruments??!

I have asked about this instrument (the original) and Mr. Self says it's really wonderful. He also said that the Yamaha copy is almost, but not quite, ready for production.

Scott Mendoker

[Mitch]

As it happens, I'd recently emailed Yamaha directly to see if any information was available. The reply is as follows:


"Thanks for your interest in Yamaha products. The 'long awaited' YCB-826 will indeed be available for purchase someday, however that someday appears to be sometime in early 2005. We had hoped it would be ready for introduction at the end of this year, but it's looking like sometime into 2005.

Keep checking the yamahaartistmodel.com website - that's the first place that we'll post new information.

Thanks again for your interest.

Kurt Witt
Yamaha"

In my email, I'd also asked them for information regarding price. The price, it seems, is also still in development.

[Cameron Gates]

. I had the chance to play a final production GR41 against a very good 1291 CC a friend owns selected from a bunch, a brand new Hirsbrunner HB2P, and the GR41 blew them all away! Intonation is excellent (on the level nearing my PT6ps, and that's saying a lot!), and it's very even. Very different horn. That "York" sound was well captured. To me and those listening, it had so much more color in the sound than the other horns.

Amen. This horn is great. Anyone who has not tried a 41 (pt606) really should. I never thought I would get excited about a horn again until this thing showed up. Anyone going to the Army conference this year who wants to spend some time on mine is welcome to. Drop me an email and we can hook up.

Cameron Gates