Bebop2

Has anyone played these horns at all? How do they compare to other Bb's in their price range? How are they different than the Xeno molels? Are they worth the extra cash ($3200.00).
Jim

halfnote

I played one of these horns at a local store last week and was under-impressed. It played slightly more open than the standard Xeno (8335) but not as open as the RGS Xeno - kind of like a Bach ML 37. The sound was nothing special, on the bright side with more sparkle than core. The best thing about it was the response - immediate - and intonation - dead on. I don't think it's worth the extra dough and prefer the sound and playability of the RGS Xeno to this NY model.

The store also had one of the new Bach NY horns, so I gave that a go as well. I liked this better than the Yamaha as far as sound and overall feel - the upper register was easier/more open, and the sound had more core, less sparkle (but still plenty). A nice horn but still not worth the extra cash layout in my opinion.

I played both horns with a GR 66M. For the kind of money they're asking for these horns I'd look toward Schilke or Eclipse. Not that I've tried an Eclipse, but one can dream...

EDIT: I went to a different store today and played the Yamaha NY they had in stock, this time with a Monette B4S mouthpiece, and liked the horn quite a bit better. I'm not sure if it was the horn or the mouthpiece or both, but the slotting was better and more even as you got above the staff. The sound was also warmer with more core. It sounded like an orchestral horn.

talcito

For the kind of cash they are asking for this horn, you are much better looking at Eclipse and Stage One trumpets from the New York trumpet company. I play an Eclipse and the sound an ease of playing are very special. Judging the way many professional players I work with in NYC feel about their recent Yamaha purchases(mainly Shew 8310's) I am starting to strongly believe that the best thing Yamaha does is "market" their horns very well. At a recent Yamaha sponsored event all the players who play their new horn had their horns tweeked by the guys in the shop in order to get that "special" blow on thier horns.....so if you want to go in that direction make sure to add another $150-$200 for valve alighnments etc.