siarr

I bought a Yamaha Chicago C several months ago, and I really love its tone and response in the middle registers, but above g2, I really have to work to keep the tone going. Playing notes from c3 on are really hard. The horn seems to have an inordinate amount of resistance in the upper register. Has anyone else experienced this? I also tried a Bach Chicago C for a few days, and it had a similar feel, though not quite as pronounced. I use a Bach 11/2C with a 24 throat and 24 backbore. I'm thinking of trying a new leadpipe to open the high register up. Any suggestions? Many thanks in advance and Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Chas Reskin

Patric_Bernard

Yeah, I was thinking the leadpipe too. I have the same problem on my Bach Omega (cant wait to get a new horn haha) It could also be your tuning slide. Square crooks lock easier in the upper register, but i doubt that thats it.

confuoco

Chas I have heard Wayne Tanabe can work wonders on your horn at the Yamaha Shop in NYC. Might be worth a trip

confuoco

No offense Patric but there is a big difference between a Yamaha Artist model and a Bach Omega in terms of overall quality and design.

Brekelefuw

Could it be that you are tightening up in the upper register? It might not be a horn thing at all. Maybe you are doing something different when you play up there. Tightening your throat, squeezing your lips together or something of that nature.

bnbtrpt

I feel the same way. I own one. They do get tight up there. My best advice would be to back off a little. It doesn't feel right I know. But between you and the horn. The horn will prevail.

wilcox96

I want to first encourage you to follow the advice that's been given in regards to analyzing your "own" playing. This should probably involve a check with a teacher. I was going to write that perhaps you let some others try your horn...but honestly, everyone is so different, you might come away more confused. It really only matters how "you" feel/sound on it. So... check with a teacher about fundamentals in your playing. Work on it...be honest.

THEN>>>>> if after some time, you still feel the horn is just not right, it would be wise to visit Mr Tanabe. I know of a couple of instances where friends who own these type models exhibited similar issues. After "tweaking" from Mr Tanabe...all was right with the world. It is a small tweak..(a venturi issue)...but well worth the trouble for the folks who had it done. Again, I state: your horn may not have any issues...certainly not all Yamahas are going to need after market help...but....

I wish you much success.

Vulgano Brother

If you get a chance, try a rounded tuning slide--for some players (even excellent ones) it can sometimesmake a world of difference, and is a cheap easy fix if it fixes the upper register. Good luck!

tatakata

I would not switch leadpipes on that horn. Alot of time went into the design. If you don't like the way it blows I might start looking for something else and sell the Yamaha if you find something that suits you better.

Jimi Michiel

I completely agree. The new Yamahas were designed as an entire instrument, not just a bunch of parts. That's why they don't give you seperate leadpipe/bell options, just different models. Changng the leadpipe is going to bring down the value of the instrument. You'd be better off flying to NY for a day and having Yamaha look at it.

-Jimi