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I'm currently shopping for a CC tuba, and I'm getting a lot of offers on Yamaha horns. I was just wondering, what models are worth my time (and possibly money)? I've played various types of Yamaha instruments. When they get it right, it seems, it's a good horn. When they get it wrong, though, it's a nightmare. Yamaha covers the whole spectrum, and I need to know what to avoid.

I know, I just like getting other opinions, too. He's very busy lately, and we don't get a lot of chances to talk. My lessons are always focused on recital prep.

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fenne1ca wrote:I'm currently shopping for a CC tuba, and I'm getting a lot of offers on Yamaha horns. I was just wondering, what models are worth my time (and possibly money)? I've played various types of Yamaha instruments. When they get it right, it seems, it's a good horn. When they get it wrong, though, it's a nightmare. Yamaha covers the whole spectrum, and I need to know what to avoid.

My impression is that the Yamaha line is not exactly overflowing with great C tubas. You are lucky to live within easy day-trip distance of three very good tuba stores in addition to Yamaha's USA HQ in Grand Rapids, and that's Custom Music in Detroit, Brasswind in South Bend, and TubaDome in the South Bend area. I would advise making those trips and building a list of tubas to consider based on what you see, and then think about it some more.

Rick "thinking of lots of alternatives" Denney

Rick Denney wrote: You are lucky to live within easy day-trip distance of three very good tuba stores in addition to Yamaha's USA HQ in Grand Rapids....

Yamaha closed its Grand Rapids operations two years ago. HQ, as well as Yamaha's Custom Shop and parts departments, are in Buena Park, CA, and instruments are made in Asia.

I have gone to Woodwind-Brasswind, and everything there is too expensive for me or is a model I don't want. I am trying to organize a trip to Sam Gnagey's shop in Fort Wayne, and contemplating a lot of offers here un TubeNet. I can not afford a new instrument of the caliber I want/need, so I'm hoping that either I love Sam's stuff and order one, or I find a great used deal on TubeNet.

I would second going to visit Sam's shop. For a 4/4, all around CC tuba, they are hard to beat - free blowing with great pitch and rich tone), and reasonably priced. I love mine. As far as Yamaha's, their 621CC is a fine instrument, but not an all around tuba. I use mine for trad. jazz, improv situations, and just when I am travelling to teach. It's small, light and easy to carry. I justed posted pictures of me with both horns on another thread. Yamaha makes fine instruments, but if you want an all purpose CC, I would look for a Gnagey, or perhaps a used Conn 5XJ, a used MW 2145, or a Miraphone 186 or 188.

fenne1ca wrote:I have gone to Woodwind-Brasswind, and everything there is too expensive for me or is a model I don't want. I am trying to organize a trip to Sam Gnagey's shop in Fort Wayne, and contemplating a lot of offers here un TubeNet. I can not afford a new instrument of the caliber I want/need, so I'm hoping that either I love Sam's stuff and order one, or I find a great used deal on TubeNet.

Going to visit Sam is a wonderful idea and I'm sorry I didn't think of it.

If price is an issue, I think you'll find that Sam's tubas are designed to play well rather than look new, and thus present a very high performance/price ratio. But if price is an issue, that would steer me further away from Yamaha instruments, though the 661 has enthusiastic supporters and when used might be in your range. Yamaha's new tuba prices are not at the budget end of the scale by any means.

Rick "who didn't realize they had closed their Gran Rapids facility" Denney

I'm also meeting with a Muchugan State student on Wednesday to test out his PT-3. Here's hoping!