Yamaha 321 euphonium 5 valve conversion

[Bob Kolada]

J.c., you know you could add a 6th valve as a flat half step.

[tclements]

Yamaha used to sell these things for $125. I have two of them sitting in a drawer here. This makes the horn a wonderful solo horn and is a viable alternative to the compensating system. I am surprised someone hasn't done this sooner. Well done!

[J.c. Sherman]

Can I buy one at cost? ; )

J.c.

[Ferguson]

Not sure what the holdup is. I've ordered the first run, but have received nothing yet.

SF

[fshalor]

I almost forgot about these. I have one sitting in a box desoildered somewhere. (Someone toyed with it as a learning experience. )

The one I played with (intact) was quite interesting.

I still think a good YEP-321 + Wick 4AY + a 5th dependent unit is one of the most flexible and enjoyable euphonium experiences out there.

[Ferguson]

I have a (nearly) final prototype of the 5th rotor for the Yamaha 321.

Is there any reason to have the option for a flat half step tuning, or is flat whole step, like on a German tuba, the way to go?

It hadn't occurred to me that the original Yamaha part didn't quite pull to a flat whole step to get the low Eb in tune fingered 4-5.

If we make this in the whole step length, it would have to be cut to work for a low E fingered 4-5, which could be done by client request.

Thoughts?

Ferguson

[tclements]

Make it a flat whole step so low Eb can be played 4&5, in tune.

[tclements]

Low note fingerings (assuming 5th valve is IN the 4th valve tubing) & LONG whole tone 5th valve:

Low Eb - 45
Low D - 234
Low Db - 345
Low C - 2345 (slightly sharp)
Low B - 12345

[Ferguson]

I agree with Tony.

I was just wondering if there are 1/2 step 5th valve fans. I have an Alex tenor tuba that is tuned this way, but also has a long whole step 5th slide.

I like the longer slide to enable a low B, and some of the other notes can be fingered with fewer valves engaged than is possible with a 1/2 step 5th slide.

Best,

Ferguson

[J.c. Sherman]

Good one Bloke!

As for the flat 1/2 step tuning; the only really good reason for this - and it's a good reason, is a balls-on B natural. Low B will be sharp in this configuration, but low Bs are damn rare in Euph music and C is fine; but a flat whole step means you still have a sharp B on the staff.

When I got mine, it had a flat 1/2 step and sleaves added from a bass trombone for a flat whole step too. Not a bad option (like the Eb/D option on a lot of bass bones). Build 'em in +1/2 with the sleaves for an extra $50.

J.c.S.

[tclements]

There is merit in making the part so the end user has the option. It can't be that expensive to make it a long 1/2 step, and include a couple of sleeves to make it longer. Or, offer two options: with or without the sleeves.

[Ferguson]

The fifth rotor. It's finished at last.

It's hard to see the linkage and finger paddle in these pics, but it's most apparent in the third one. You reach through from the front with your left thumb. I'll get a pic of the rotor assembly by itself at some point. It's tuned to a flat whole step, so low Eb is 4+5, D 2+3+4, Db 1+3+4 or 3+4+5, C 2+3+4+5, B 1+2+3+4+5. I'm also working to get a small run of the 321 euphoniums available with large shank receiver.









Best,

Ferguson

[tclements]

Beautiful work!! Quando dinero?

[Ferguson]

$650 USD in silver plate. $550 w/purchase of a 321S euph.

SF

[tclements]

Great price and totally useful to make this 'middle of the road' horn competitive with the big comp horns.

[oldbandnerd]

...... Eb is 4+5, D 2+3+4, Db 1+3+4 or 3+4+5, C 2+3+4+5, B 1+2+3+4+5 ....

I am wondering how people feel about having to use the 4th valve so much with this nifty little add-on. I have used the 4 valve in line setup before . The horns I used for the first 3 years or so ( when I came back to playing ) were like that. Even though I have very large hands with long fingers I never really liked the 4th valve on the pinky. I found it really uncomfortable and a real pain sometimes when playing parts that required a lot of 4th valve usage very quickly. Then to make it even more difficult you would have to train yourself to add the 5th at the right time.

[tclements]

Being a tubist, when I started playing euph, it was not a problem using my pinky for the 4th valve. The 5th valve attachement was a no-brainer. I had REAL problems switching to a 3+1 setup, however.