.

[winston]

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[Yama861]

The 826 is the prototype York copy that Jim Self and Norm Pearson play. At one point I heard that Yamaha had made 5 of these horns. 3 of those were being used-Jim, Norm and someone in Japan. Rumor was that the price on this horn would an HB look cheap.

[Rick Denney]

The 826 is the prototype York copy that Jim Self and Norm Pearson play. At one point I heard that Yamaha had made 5 of these horns. 3 of those were being used-Jim, Norm and someone in Japan. Rumor was that the price on this horn would an HB look cheap.

There was a second batch of five made, from what I understand.

As to price point, that depends on Yamaha's strategy. They may be building so many prototypes to experiment with different production strategies to reduce their costs, and their current objectives may be to build a business case for going forward with the instrument. Knowing they can build them satisfactorily is the first step (and the reason for prototypes); making money while doing so is the next. But they may end up building them as loss leaders to keep their name at the forefront, which helps them sell in quantity to schools. Maybe not. They may also decide that even at $30,000, they could sell enough to be worth their trouble.

Rick "noting the interplay between price point and market size" Denney

[Matt G]

Rick, you also hint at concurrent product and process design which may be true. While the prototypes are "handmade", I would seriously doubt that Yamaha would continue to produce these horns by hand if they became a standard production item. They are more than likely using the prototypes just as much to develop and additional tooling requirements that they need and to also perfect the patterns involved in building the horns. Yamaha is to band instruments what Toyota/Honda is to cars. While the product might not be "hip" it is definitely consistent in quality and made with cutting edge technology in regards to the industry.

While the York-Copy is definitely not a mass production item, it wil more than likely enlist many of the process engineering components that Yamaha has developed in addition to production engineering components.

In short, if the model does come to market, it will be the best true copy of the York with Yamaha improvements. Those horns will play more consistent across the model than any other 6/4 as do most of the other Yamaha tubas. If people will like it (the production model) or not is not yet known.

[Scott Sutherland]

The very unofficial quote I got from a rep at Yamaha was approximately $22,000.

[Chuck(G)]

Haven't the Yamaha 'Xeno" instruments been around for awhile--at least in Japan? Here's the YSL882VG Xeno "Tenor Bass" trombone:

http://www.yamaha.co.jp/product/wind/br ... 882vg.html

Here are two Xeno Bb conrets:

http://www.yamaha.co.jp/product/wind/br ... -xeno.html

And a Xeno flugel:

http://www.yamaha.co.jp/product/wind/br ... h.html#001

as well as some of the aforementioned trumpets:

http://www.yamaha.co.jp/product/wind/br ... index.html

[Paul S]

So they've gone ahead with the Xeno trumpet "CSO" line which is "mass" produced. Big Tubas are a different game (I notice it's billed as a 5/4 horn btw) but production does seem likely from the looks of the above site.

Interesting and exciting!

I would not be concerned about Yamaha calling the new YCB-826 tuba a 5/4. Remember that Yamaha calls the YBB-641 (0.812"bore) and the YCB-861 (0.815 bore" 17.75"bell) both 4/4 models. I consider both on the large side of 4/4. A Yamaha 5/4 designation might be bigger than some call their 6/4s.

It does sound great to hear it mentioned as a production possibility in the near future.

[Matt G]

Haven't the Yamaha 'Xeno" instruments been around for awhile--at least in Japan? Here's the YSL882VG Xeno "Tenor Bass" trombone:

http://www.yamaha.co.jp/product/wind/br ... 882vg.html

What the heck kinda valve is that on that 'bone???

Looks interesting.

[Roger Lewis]

This might be the part number for the new 5/4 prototype that I played in Budapest. They had the York copy (YamaYork) as well as the 5/4 horn there and the 5/4 was a bit smaller but played VERY well.

Just my thoughts.

[Roger Lewis]

The 5/4 horn was the best playing horn at the show - over the YamaYork, the Nirschl York, my favorite 1291, the new Hirsbrunner 5/4 piston prototype, the PT606 (I did NOT like that one). Solid sound, great in all registers, strong low register, easy to play. I did not have enough time with it to see if it only had the "one sound" that the Yammies are famous for, but it was a very sweet horn.

I may have gotten some photos of the display while I was there. I'll check tonight and let you know. Don't expect to see them posted on here though.

[Paul S]

For what it is worth, the Yamahaartismodel.com web site calls the new CC a 5/4 size and named the model #YCB-826 .

I just checked Jim Self's web site again and he shows a photo of "Monica" listed as the Yamaha CC 826S.

From his site: "Yamaha CC Tuba 826 "Monica" (pictured at right), 6/4 prototype, silver, 4 piston valves-1 rotary. Precise copy of the better of Arnold Jacobs' Yorks. "

http://www.bassethoundmusic.com/hardware.htm

[tubacdk]

while perusing the yamaha tubas page, I noticed that it looks as though they've converted all their front-valved horns to left handed tubas.

check it out
http://www.yamaha.com/yamahavgn/CDA/Con ... 00,00.html

[Roger Lewis]

...on the Yamaha that I played in Budapest. The Yama York was sitting right there next to it - the YamaYork was nice - more consistent than other York copies out there but the 5/4 horn I played was not the Yamaha York copy - it was a 5/4 prototype.

Sorry if I've confused things.

[scottmendoker]

I believe that the instrument of which Roger Lewis is speaking is a copy of Jim Self's 4/4 original York. It's shown on his web site with a rotory valve added. Lee Stofer has since removed the rotor and re-built it back to its' 4 valve version, completely over-hauling the instrument. I've seen a picture of the finished tuba and it's BEAUTIFUL! If it plays half as good as it looks it's going to be an incredible horn.
How lucky are we to live in a time when we have so many terrific instruments??!

I have asked about this instrument (the original) and Mr. Self says it's really wonderful. He also said that the Yamaha copy is almost, but not quite, ready for production.

Scott Mendoker

[Mitch]

As it happens, I'd recently emailed Yamaha directly to see if any information was available. The reply is as follows:


"Thanks for your interest in Yamaha products. The 'long awaited' YCB-826 will indeed be available for purchase someday, however that someday appears to be sometime in early 2005. We had hoped it would be ready for introduction at the end of this year, but it's looking like sometime into 2005.

Keep checking the yamahaartistmodel.com website - that's the first place that we'll post new information.

Thanks again for your interest.

Kurt Witt
Yamaha"

In my email, I'd also asked them for information regarding price. The price, it seems, is also still in development.

[Cameron Gates]

. I had the chance to play a final production GR41 against a very good 1291 CC a friend owns selected from a bunch, a brand new Hirsbrunner HB2P, and the GR41 blew them all away! Intonation is excellent (on the level nearing my PT6ps, and that's saying a lot!), and it's very even. Very different horn. That "York" sound was well captured. To me and those listening, it had so much more color in the sound than the other horns.

Amen. This horn is great. Anyone who has not tried a 41 (pt606) really should. I never thought I would get excited about a horn again until this thing showed up. Anyone going to the Army conference this year who wants to spend some time on mine is welcome to. Drop me an email and we can hook up.

Cameron Gates