TubeNet

Word is the just-released 'neo' model YBB 632 is better, if you're buying new.

Just about any BBb 3+1 compensating model is so heavy and bulky that nobody should buy any specific model without thoroughly testing the ergonomics. Mouthpiece placement/angle, right hand comfort, and left hand reach shall work well for you, if you want to survive with your acquisition in even the medium long run. And then there are all the music related factors to consider also.

Klaus

Yamaha valve guides are an achilles' heel.

I haven’t tried the big Yamaha BBb version I, but I own and play the one it was copied after, the Besson New Standard (mine is from 1970). Only Yamaha put a large receiver on their copy, which would be a sane trait. I am less convinced about their taking the bore down to 0.689" from the 0.732" of the Besson.

Klaus

iiipopes wrote:Yamaha valve guides are an achilles' heel.

Very easily and quickly replaced. Though I still prefer metal...

J.c.S.

You CAN get metal Yamaha valve guides, but the cost is outrageous...

I am not a Yamaha-basher, as my main euphonium is the YEP-641. But with the compensating tubas I am more reluctant. This actual sample may be exactly what you want and need, but you will only know for sure after a thorough testing.

Klaus

I thought I'd read somewhere that he plays a 631; is this it?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ym02Ia7n ... 6E74DF5220" target="_blank

Bob Kolada wrote:I thought I'd read somewhere that he plays a 631; is this it?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ym02Ia7n ... 6E74DF5220" target="_blank" target="_blank

I'm not sure of whom you're speaking, but that's a Besson Sovereign and a Jupiter prototype... both Ebs.

J.c.S.

The slides look kinda long on the top valve horn. I know what the other one is, I actually played it.