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There are quite a few Yamaha YBB-103 tubas on eBay at the moment in various stages of repair. If you're looking for one (or six) check it out.

Yes... I've noticed the extreme presence of YBB-103 tubas on Ebay lately. Most of them have been early models... meaning that they have brass piston keys and fine threads in the top and bottom caps. There is another HUGE difference between the pre-20,000 serial numbers and the post-20,000 serial numbers.... Even though the pistons with fit all eras as long as you use the correct keys and stems... the bores are different. .60X" for the early ones and .65X" on the later ones. I've built several four-valve conversions and learned this virtually by accident the 'hard way' since Yamaha didn't bother to publicize that fact very well.

So.... if you are looking to buy a parts horn to salvage valves and tubing... you need to make sure the serial numbers are compatible. A quick ID can also be made by looking a the pistons or the cap threads.

Is there any real difference in the playing characteristics of the small vs. "large" bore horns?

Tubajug wrote:Is there any real difference in the playing characteristics of the small vs. "large" bore horns?

Dunno. I've built two 4V horns using the small bore components. I have parts for a larger bore horn on the bench right now but doubt I will finish it in the next couple of months. I'll let you know. The small bore ones have been good horns. I'm expecting bigger and better things from the larger bore!

bloke wrote:Though I've temporarily sold out the warehouse, there are also these:
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That's nice, Joe. But... if you're gonna crash a thread with a sales pitch... the least you can do is include a price.

Joe, are you saying you believe the desirability and economy of a Yammy 103 for its 3/4 size, good tone and relatively good intonation, amenable to modifications, has come and gone?