New arrival.... (Yamaha Neo BBb)

[AndyCat]

Today, I took delivery of my new (and one of the first "sold", I think) Yamaha Neo BBb. This is my first ever, personally purchased, new tuba. Unfortunately, I haven't got time to try it in anger for a couple of weeks as I'm doing back to back trombone shows (typical), but here's a taster....

[imperialbari]

Congratulations!

Being curious I went to the Yamaha site for specs:

http://uk.yamaha.com/en/products/musica ... mode=model

Maybe my fault, but I cannot find into on the bore through the valves. Bores actually.

Klaus

[Rick F]

I think it's great the way they moved the 4th valve so you can reach it more easily. Congrats Andy!

Andy had posted these link before, but it might be worth repeating:
YBB-632 Bb Tuba and the YEP-642 Euphonium

Yamaha Neo Interview with David King (part 1)

Yamaha Neo Interview with David King (part 2)

[imperialbari]

I am not a Yamaha basher, but the only information to gain from the video with David King is that he likely would do a great job in selling used cars. Very eloquent nonsense.

[Steven Noel]

Congrats Andy ! best of luck with your new Bass ! looks like a beauty !

[TubaRay]

he likely would do a great job in selling used cars. Very eloquent nonsense.

Klaus: I don't know if you understand this or not. It will depend on how things are being marketed in your part of the world. But, here in the U.S., it is very difficult to find used cars, anymore. Salesmen only sell pre-owned vehicle. It is the darndest thing.

[SousaSaver]

COOL!

You are either a tiny person or that is a HUGE horn!

Congrats! I am quite jealous. Very cool horn.

[AndyCat]

COOL!

You are either a tiny person or that is a HUGE horn!

Congrats! I am quite jealous. Very cool horn.

I'm 6ft. Tall AND wide!

[Wyvern]

Andy, Congratulations on your new tuba!

What were the main factors that made you decide to buy the new Yamaha Neo - sound, projection, ergonomics? Did you get to try before purchase? Will this replace your LMI?

[AndyCat]

Andy, Congratulations on your new tuba!

What were the main factors that made you decide to buy the new Yamaha Neo - sound, projection, ergonomics? Did you get to try before purchase? Will this replace your LMI?

The LMI is my band's, this is my own! I did some testing for Yamaha on the Neo with a few other players, and was blown away with it.

Ergonomically, it's by far the comfiest 3+1 comp I've played. It's easier to blow, and the sound is very controllable through the register and dynamic range. It's better than any BBb comp I've ever played, and I've owned most!

[Highams]

Congrats Andy, having played the dreadful Sovereign BB flat for a few years back in Hendon Band in the 90's I imagine it's looooooooong overdue!

Enjoy, Chas

[tubalux]

So....

does it play alright?

[AndyCat]

So....

does it play alright?

I've done 2 band rehearsals so far, and am just about to go and sight read a 10 piece gig on it, so will let you know after! Very different so far!

http://www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk/perfo ... 16532.aspx

[AndyCat]

Well, my Neo was better than even I expected in the 10 piece. Very controllable sound through the range (dynamically and scale wise) and surprisingly nimble. I never got chance to try it in a chamber setting so didn't know what to expect, and I'm pleasantly surprised.

Tuning will take some getting used to, as I've had 25 years of having to lip top of stave D-G's like mad on Imperial/Sovereign type BBb's! Nowhere near as much bending needed on the Neo.

Very happy so far.

[tubaknut]

How are things going with your new horn, Andy?

I had a blow on one yesterday, and the first impression is very good. Ergonomics are top notch and it plays very easily. The low register doesn't suck all the air out of you either, just like you've stated earlier. Slotting the notes didn't come at first, but that's probably since I've only played C-tubas for some years now.

I think I want one, but I'd love to hear it played in a brass band by someone like you, who actually knows how to utilize it fully. Any recordings done lately? Doesn't have to be anything of high quality.

[AndyCat]

How are things going with your new horn, Andy?

I had a blow on one yesterday, and the first impression is very good. Ergonomics are top notch and it plays very easily. The low register doesn't suck all the air out of you either, just like you've stated earlier. Slotting the notes didn't come at first, but that's probably since I've only played C-tubas for some years now.

I think I want one, but I'd love to hear it played in a brass band by someone like you, who actually knows how to utilize it fully. Any recordings done lately? Doesn't have to be anything of high quality.

It's great! Covered almost everything I do now with it, from 10 piece, Brass bands, Orchestras etc. Also had chance to play it at the highest band level (did Bridgewater Hall with Fodens last week) and it's great to play, even in a section of Bessons.

I've not done any recordings since I had it, but Brighouse have had 2 for a while, so anything recent by them is using 2 Neo BBb's.

You may find something here http://www.mediafire.com/?pg4cr5xuk1cnz

Andy

[LondonTubaMan]

Hi Andy

It looks like an amazing horn. God knows how you'll find a gig bag and the lung strength for it, but it's good to see people praising their Yamahas. I bought a second-hand YEB632S yesterday (£2200 - you have to love the internet) to replace my B and H and couldn't be happier.

A

[AndyCat]

Hi Andy

It looks like an amazing horn. God knows how you'll find a gig bag and the lung strength for it, but it's good to see people praising their Yamahas. I bought a second-hand YEB632S yesterday (£2200 - you have to love the internet) to replace my B and H and couldn't be happier.

A

My old Reunion Blues fits it perfectly!

[Tom Coffey]

Sure looks big!

[max]

Congrats Andy.. Hope you are enjoying this horn. It looks like a keeper !!