Yamaha YEB-631 v 632 v Besson 980

[Alex F]

There is a Yamaha YEB-631S Eb for sale on Dillon's website. I am aware that the 631 was replaced by the 632 in 1998. Seems to me that the only real difference is the 19" bell on the 632 versus the 17.5" bell on the 631. Moreover, is seems to me that the larger bell is really an increase in bell flare.

It also seems to me that the 631 and, more so, the 632, were designed to go head to head against the Besson 980 and/or the 981 (or is it the other way around). My review of past threads reveals that LV had the only 980 in the US (and sold it) until some other guy bought a 980 earlier last year.

Can anyone comment on the tonal differences between the two Yamahas. And, can anyone share their experiences with either Yammie v the two Bessons.

Thanks, and Happy New Year folks.

Alex "knowing who Bloke is" F.

[joshwirt]

Having spent a considerable amount of time in the past year on the Besson 980, 981 and Yamaha 632, I can say they are 3 completely different instruments!

I actually started playing on a 980 (small bell) that the RNCM had just purchased. I found it to be a really nice transition from the F tuba. It has so much more focus and color to it than the large bell 981/982's that are so prodominant in the UK. Granted, I think that it's real strength lies with solo/chamber work, I still think it would work well in the higher orchestral literature with it's ability to cut through. I spent a lot of time with it as a solo instrument, but after hearing a good friend use the same instrument in his brass quintet, many agreed it was a great, if not, the quintet horn. I was also fortunate to hear Jim Gourlay play his 980 on several occasions in various settings.....and man can he play it!

The 981 is such a 'do-it-all' kind of tuba and works brilliantly in the brass bands, wind bands, orchestras, brass ensembles and as a solo instrument. After hearing many fabulous British tuba players last year, I think that much like the Germans are such masters on the rotary F tuba (yeah, they can play the low C all day and not whine about it), the Brits can really do a lot with just one tuba.

I ended up switching to the Yamaha 632 (large bell) for my recital (which is a long story) and was mostly pleased with the instrument. Great intonation, solid low register and well-slotted high register. But I had 2 beefs with it....

1. The fourth valve was too far of a reach and caused you to really hug the instrument...very uncomfortable after 2+ hours of practice.
2. The good old vanilla Yamaha sound...I found it to be a lot like the Yamaha F's...great instruments that are "easy" to play, but don't have the color that other instruments possess.

I think the Yamaha 632 is more closely related to the 982 (because of the leadpipe), but I could be wrong.

BTW, the one big difference with the Yamaha and Besson was the valves! The Yamahas that I played all had MUCH better valves than the Bessons....no big surprise there.

That Yamaha at Dillon's has a low-serial number (#11). That's usually NOT a bad thing with Yamahas. Plus its a great price for an EEb in very good condition...

Bottom line.....you could do a lot worse than a Yamaha 632 or Besson 980/981/982. They are all great instruments in the right hands. Once I pay off my 6/4, maybe I'll get my hands on one again.....

Josh Wirt

[joshwirt]

Not sure about the size of the leadpipe, but I'm almost positive that it has the same bell as the 983.

Great tuba, that 980! I'd love to have a go on the Melton 2040 EEb sometime....it's basically a rotary version of the 980. I think the 5 valve one would be a rockin tuba!

Josh

[Alex F]

Jonathan,

Since you have both the 981 and the MW2040, what is your thought process when choosing to use one or the other in performance?