Differences between YFB-621 and YFB-821

tubacrow · Post by **tubacrow** » Sat Apr 19, 2008 4:23 pm

Does anyone know the differences between these two yamaha (YFB 621, YFB 821) F tubas.
I currently know that they are both 3/4 tubas with four monel piston and thumb rotary valves, and the YFB-821 is a Bobo copy, but aside from that I am not sure of the differences. I would like to know what other differences exist making the 821 so rare.

Tom · Post by **Tom** » Sat Apr 19, 2008 4:42 pm

I suspect that very few here have ever seen or played the YFB-821 and that only a handful of folks in the U.S. own them.

Your best bet would be to call Steve Ferguson of Ferguson Music in California. He has sold one or two of the YFB-821 tubas in the past and I believe he has another in stock or on order as we speak.

See http://www.hornguys.com

MikeMason · Post by **MikeMason** » Sat Apr 19, 2008 5:01 pm

I think the main difference is the 821's larger bell.

David · Post by **David** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 1:53 am

I might be wrong but....

the 621 is quite a small tuba.

The 821 is not 3/4. It has a taller bell, and wider diameter. The 621 14 3/8" bell, but the 821 has a 17 1/2".

And having heard and played both, the 821 is a much better all around tuba. Way more low register presence than the 621.

Personally, I'd go for the 821. Its well worth the extra you pay. Although if you're looking for something with a sound with much less bass to it, the 621 is the way to go.

Both are excellent playing horns regardless.

joh_tuba · Post by **joh_tuba** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 9:21 am

viewtopic.php?t=2753&highlight=bobo+622

The 622 appears to be based on the 621 but with a bigger bell and different valve set.

http://www.rogerbobo.com/instruments/f_tuba.shtml

I'm wondering if the 821 is a typo? What *is* the difference between the 821 and 822? Presumably it would be based on the 822 but with a bobo tweak?

dtemp · Post by **dtemp** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 10:29 am

821:

621:

d'just getting us all on the same page'temp

tubacrow · Post by **tubacrow** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 11:00 am

Thank you for the info. The pictures were very helpful. I guess it is right, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Alex C · Post by **Alex C** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 11:17 am

YFB622 was the intended designation number of the present YFB821 according to people on the inside that I talked to a couple of years ago.

I haven't played it but it certainly looks a lot like the YFB621; I don't see how it cannot be considered a 3/4 tuba (except when Bobo plays it). The YFB 821 is not listed on the Yamaha website. The only dealer that advertises one is the Horn Guys, no specs:

"... small F tuba with large bell flare, two 5th valve slides, 5th valve operated by your thumb. Extra large finger buttons, a nice touch. Handmade ... "

Kevin Hendrick · Post by **Kevin Hendrick** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 12:02 pm

dtemp wrote:821:

621:

d'just getting us all on the same page'temp

... and, to show the difference, here's an 822: