Yamaha Eb Tubas

UTTuba_09 · Post by **UTTuba_09** » Wed Jul 05, 2006 9:24 pm

I was just wondering what have been anyone's experience or opinions of the Yamaha Eb horns, specifically the YEB-321.
Thanks

Eric H
UTK Student
Kalison DS CC

Steve Inman · Post by **Steve Inman** » Wed Jul 05, 2006 11:15 pm

Good reputation, decent instrument. I have heard that Pat Sherridan played this model before switching to the Besson 983.

I've owned a Besson 983 and on two different occasions, two Yamaha YEB-381 Eb tubas (a 321 Eb with a dependent 5th rotary valve contained within the 4th valve tubing). Good tuba, good intonation. Significantly larger sound than the YFB-621, although the bell is only an inch larger.

It is a 4/4, but is NOT a 5/4 Eb tuba -- meaning that if you're looking for a "one tuba fits all" (or as close as realistically possible), then you want a Willson 3400, a Besson 981, etc. The YEB-321 has a lighter, more focused sound than either of these "5/4" Eb tubas (3400 / 981). More of a traditional bass tuba sound. It can be broadened a bit by using a larger mpc, such as the standard Conn Helleberg.

I like mine.

UTTuba_09 · Post by **UTTuba_09** » Thu Jul 06, 2006 12:44 am

That sounds good, I am just looking for an decent Eb horn to start out on, I'm not currently looking for an Eb that has that "all-around" sound to it. This may be the best instrument for me right now I'm thinking...

Steve Inman · Post by **Steve Inman** » Thu Jul 06, 2006 8:25 am

The YEB-321 is most definitely a

UTTuba_09 wrote: decent Eb horn to start out on

For the low register, try fingering Ab= 124, G=234, Gb = 134, F= 1234 (it may be sharp). With only 4 valves, your only "missing" note (due to the sharpness of all of the combined valves needed in the low register) is the low E natural.

Cheers,

dunelandmusic · Post by **dunelandmusic** » Thu Jul 06, 2006 10:21 am

I own a YEB-321. I originally tried Eb on a small old York I bought from Dillons, played that about a year. The Yamaha is a very nice horn, for a first Eb you can't go wrong, it's the best horn at the best price most days.

djtuba · Post by **djtuba** » Thu Jul 06, 2006 11:29 am

I started on a late teens Conn Eb and recently bought a Yamaha Eb. I love the Yamaha, it is just a machine. All I have to is play it and I don't have to worry about any notes that might be out of tune. It may not have a destinctive sound like a Besson or a Meinl but it is great to have a horn with a sound that fits well with my Quintet and Brass Band. I always say to my repair customers that Yamaha is consistent from there piccolos to their tubas to their motor cycles.

Dennis Pollard

DonShirer · Post by **DonShirer** » Thu Jul 06, 2006 10:49 pm

I've had a YEB-321S for five years. Intonation is good--anything off I can lip into tune. The tone blends well, but doesn't have the rough edge or oomph that the BBb players next to me have. I have a little trouble hitting the high notes above the bass staff accurately, but that's probably me, not the horn.
All in all, I'd say its a good instrument to start with.

MaryAnn · Post by **MaryAnn** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 12:17 pm

When I googled the 321 trying to find the piston layout, I also found the 632. That one doesn't seem to be offered in the US. True?

MA

tuba kitchen · Post by **tuba kitchen** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 3:32 pm

I play a yamaha 321 Eb and had a thumb trigger built on the first valve (like trumpets) which really helps with intonation!

Kevin Hendrick · Post by **Kevin Hendrick** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 6:41 pm

Scooby Tuba wrote:
MaryAnn wrote:When I googled the 321 trying to find the piston layout, I also found the 632. That one doesn't seem to be offered in the US. True?
321= 4 up in-line
632= 3+1 and is available in the US. Brasswind will sell you one for sure.

... and here's the URL:

http://www.wwbw.com/Yamaha-YEB632S-Prof ... 7600.music

Toobist · Post by **Toobist** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 9:40 am

It's a far better horn than many people might think. I know of at least three prominant Canadian orchestral tubists that own and use this horn professionally. Heck, I snagged one for a few weeks for Bydlo.

I love it for Sym. Fantastique and Midsummer's. It definately has its uses in the orchestral setting. I, of course, would pass on it for any Bruckner or Respigi in favour of a bigger horn though.

Al Carter
Toronto

Jesse Brook · Post by **Jesse Brook** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 1:23 pm

I use a YEB-321, because it was the best-sounding tuba in the (admittedly limited) number that I tried. It used to have good valves, but they're now corroding. The tuba has a good sound, and is great for solos. I use 123 (pulled) 4 for the low F. 23 works great as a fake-tone E. I've used this in youth orchestra, but it doesn't have quite enough volume to go over an orchestra. They're cheap, and versatile.

MikeMason · Post by **MikeMason** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 6:24 pm

those "corroding" valves almost surely just need buffiing by a good tech.The monel they use tends to get a bit cloudy from oxidation which leads to a gummy feel.get them buffed and they'll look and feel new again(til the next time they need it)...

Jesse Brook · Post by **Jesse Brook** » Wed Jan 03, 2007 12:47 am

The valves are early 80's valves. They're not just corroding. They're rusting. At least, that's what I assume the brown stuff pitting them is. The green stuff I can get off easily, with only a little elbow grease.

MikeMason · Post by **MikeMason** » Wed Jan 03, 2007 12:52 am

If they are ruined, you might be surprised how cheap new yamaha valves can be.Check with your local yamaha dealer.