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WTB Yamaha YBB 321/201 Leadpipe

Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2019 7:58 am
by roburt3
Hey all,

I just picked up a sweet YBB 321 off of craigslist thanks to my man edsel585960!

This one has certainly been through the ringer (mangled but not ripped bell, dented bow, cracked leadpipe, ect...) But this is my first 4v BBb horn and I'm super excited to get it back up to snuff!

Starting with the leadpipe!

The current one has a crack about an inch past the receiver that the previous owner appears to have sealed with hot glue, which came off surprisingly easily. (Im just glad it wasnt jb weld!)

I know this is a long shot, but would any of you tuba gurus have a non-ripped/torn leadpipe laying around that could get this awesome horn back in action? I can handle reasonable dents and am happy to pay a reasonable price!

I know there were a few versions of the leadpipe that yamaha used for these horns, but Im fairly confident that mine is one of the earliest designs, which would make it the same pipe that was used on the 201s if im not mistaken.
(my 321 has the metal valve guides if that helps determine which production series it was)

Any help with finding a new leadpipe would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!,

Rob

Re: WTB Yamaha YBB 321/201 Leadpipe

Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2019 1:46 pm
by roburt3
Bump. Anyone?

I did get a better look at the serial number and its actually pretty low ( its 000780 - made in either 74 or 75 right?) which makes me more confident that the old 201 leadpipes would be a close if not exact fit.

Re: WTB Yamaha YBB 321/201 Leadpipe

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 4:14 pm
by toobagrowl
Yeah, sounds like you have a very early YBB-321. There were several differences between the old and modern ones like valve guides, bracing, different wrapping of the 3rd slide, etc. The old YBB-201/321 tubas had a slightly smaller leadpipe than the modern ones.

You might want to try having a good brass tech solder/patch that crack in the leadpipe. If not, Dan Schultz "Tuba Tinker" on here would be the one to contact to see if he has a possible replacement leadpipe for your YBB-321. Keep in mind that parts are getting scarcer for these old horns :!:

Re: WTB Yamaha YBB 321/201 Leadpipe

Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2019 4:15 pm
by roburt3
Thanks for the replies you guys,

Its definitely an oldie! Its got the metal guides, small buttons, fine threads, and a long (and not doubles over) 3rd slide.

I also was surprised to find what look like "knuckle guards" on all of the valve knuckles. (just another layer of brass over each one)
Was that done at the factory to anyones knowledge? They look original with no signs that I can see of them being added as a means of repair/ extra protection.

The tuba is playable as is and the original leadpipe is still in place with a brass patch that I put on. (the previous owner "patched" it with play dough)

I had considered bending a new one given that all the bends are in one directional plane. (at least i think that would make it easier!)
I've haven't done or learned much about bending yet, so Im not particularly keen to try for the first time on this horn, but I certainly haven't ruled it out yet!

Ill shoot Dan a message and hopefully he either has one or has the specs to bend one that I could buy.

Re: WTB Yamaha YBB 321/201 Leadpipe

Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2019 6:52 pm
by roburt3
Yep that would be the newer style that I don't think would fit without serious modification.

The early version (mine) looks like this if that helps anyone:
https://imgur.com/a/BLqhJbX

Bloke's spot on about the catalog info (and just about everything else for that matter!)

I just sent a message to Dan so hopefully that will be fruitful!

Re: WTB Yamaha YBB 321/201 Leadpipe

Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2019 11:57 am
by edsel585960
If you decide you want to try bending a new one I have a $#!+load of NOS Amati 223 marching leadpipes laying around that are good fodder for projects. I've used them on multiple horns for repairs.