ewetho and trptcop,
I'm the guy that Tedd called. I had a couple of questions, and unexpectedly Tedd called me. My only minor cosmetic issue was the 2nd valve pull nib has a slight imperfection that I casually mentioned to Tedd not really thinking much of it. Tedd immediately asked my address and sent another right out.
This horn absolutely sings when playing with a large chorus and organ as well, really a tremendous presence.
My serial number is #656602 which is a post strike horn. Is yours that late or later? When I was at Dillon and saw and played two others, their build quality and playability were both great as well. In fact from a playability standpoint, this Chicago C is the equal or better than my vintage and NOS very early Elkharts and I'm pretty picky about my horns playability/build.
Many people that I have talked to feel that the post strike horns are some of the finest to come from Bach in quite a while. I can't argue against that with my experience and the personal attention from Tedd. This man cares, I would contact Conn-Selmer and relay your concerns and mention that you have a Yamaha Chicago C. They will most likely take your number and have someone (maybe even Tedd) call you back. I would be surprised if you didn't get satisfaction.
Here is a picture of the pull nib "non/issue". Leather Specialties is making a different custom guard for this horn because it is narrower side/side and smaller from the leadpipe to 2nd valve slide than standard Bach C's. They are fantastic people too, and incredible product quality.
Let us know how you make out with Conn-Selmer. I would go direct as the store doesn't have the same stake in the product as the manufacturer. Keep playing it and see if you don't wind up realy liking it alot.
Happy New Year!
