Music Tech Talk

Today I had the pleasure of trying-out a bunch of trumpets at the local music store.

I stopped by to purchase a bell stand and play a Yamaha Xeno.  Specifically, I asked for a YTR-8335G, silver plated, gold-brass bell.  This was the second time that I tried that model, but today I got to compare it to an 8335LA, some over-sized/overweight German trumpet, and a couple of Bobby Shew edition trumpets.  Honestly, I didn’t pay too much attention to which German or Shew models I was playing, so I’ll just focus on the 8335G.

YTR-8335G – I love this trumpet.  Apparently, a lot of people love this trumpet as the sales person said they generally fly off the shelf.  Here are a few reasons why I think they are so popular…  Since I am getting back into the game, I need versatility.  I need one trumpet that does everything right now. 

The Xeno’s are probably some of the most versatile trumpets I have ever played,

particularly the 8335G.  It can offer the warmth of a concert setting or a jazzier feel, depending upon the mouthpiece.  For purposes of today’s tryouts, I used only a heavyweight Bach 1 ½ C 24/25 throat (can’t remember exactly what those numbers stand for, but I think it means it’s slightly more bored out than the standard) which really has a nice feel, darker tone and free blow.  However, the first time I played the 8335G, I used a Yamaha stock piece equivalent to a 5C.  The 5C definitely yielded a brighter, tighter upper register lead-trumpet sound. 

NOTE:  A gold-brass bell tends to have a warmer, darker sound compared to a yellow brass bell.   Gold-brass bells are generally considered better than yellow-brass.

INTONATION – I hate trumpets that require one to constantly adjust pitch.  The 8335G is not one of those trumpets.  Instead, it offers a very precise, very controllable pitch throughout the entire range of the instrument.  If they got rid of the adjustable tuning slides on the 1^st and 3^rd valves, it would probably still be in better tune than most other trumpets.  You are freed up to worry about things like phrasing, musicality, etc.

PLAYABILITY – It just seems to have the perfect resistance versus free blow ratio.  It feels free, yet under control.  Powerful, but not blaring.  I was able to achieve a stable, warm, homogeneous tone from pianissimo to fortissimo.  I didn’t have to consciously adjust my embouchure from the transition between the notes on the staff to the notes above the staff, at least until around an A.  …But, as you know, I am in the process of recovery, so I expect that will become less of an issue over time.  Once readjusted, I had no problem hitting a centered high-C.   The weight and feel of the trumpet overall were just right.  I was able to cleanly articulate throughout the range of the instrument.

VALVE ACTION – The valves were flawless and lightning fast on the first one I played.  The second had been displayed on the wall, was cold and in need of oil. I didn’t oil it myself and the employee handed me the trumpet with one of the valves backwards, so I question his ability to properly oil a valve.   Other than that, you really can’t ask for better action, especially at high velocity.  I can do things on an 8335g that make my King 600 blush.  No noticeable valve bounce, sticking, sluggishness or noise. 

TONE QUALITY – I have never played a trumpet that really sounds richer and warmer than my original Bach Stradivarius, but the heavier weight of the Yamaha does a lot toward taking the edge off the traditional brighter Yamaha sound.  Again, the heavier weight mouthpiece seemed to make a big difference in warmth, so this will definitely be a consideration when searching for your desired sound.  Overall, I’d say the 8335G has a beautiful, rich tone that is nicely complemented by a precise tonal center and excellent projection.  In the end, I will take a little brighter sound for better intonation.  As good as my Strad sounded, it required a lot of attention to keep certain notes under control (Ie. Bb’s, Ab’s, anything with a 3^rd valve and especially E above middle-C).  Sorry, I have no idea what model number that was. 

OVERALL IMPRESSION – Excellent intonation, very easy to play, super-fast and smooth valve action, versatile tone quality and resonance.  The first time I tried a Xeno, I went in thinking Yamaha just changed models numbers again.  …That I wouldn’t notice much of a difference over my 6335.  Wow, was I surprised.  There is no contest over the older series.  The Xeno reputation is well deserved. 

YTR-8335LA - I guess I was expecting something spectacular out of a custom model.  I don’t know, it just didn’t feel as good as the 8335G.  It has the same bore as the standard 8335, so I think its medium weight and yellow brass bell had something to do with that.  The LA features a “modified Z” leadpipe taper (for “high air capacity and a quick, controlled response”)in addition to a slightly larger bell and large bore tuning slide.  There was just something I didn’t like about the feel or the tone quality.  It seemed to lack character and warmth in comparison to the G model (again, likely due to its weight and bell).  It also felt less “centered” in pitch when compared to the standard 8335G.  I suppose it was neutral enough to fit into various ensembles, but my overall impression was just to move on.  FYI, I read other reviews on this horn and the average rating was a 9.5.  I did notice that most of the reviewers seemed to be jazz players.  It all comes down to personal preference.

So far, I really haven’t found anything that beats the 8335G.  I want to give the RGS (reverse tuning slide) version a shot but I’m not into signature series models.  Why?  Well, they seem too specific to the designer’s personal preference.  I’m sure I would like my trumpet more if it had been specially designed for me, but I wouldn’t expect everyone else to like it just because I do.  The 8335 seems like a good fit for just about anyone.