Yamaha YTR641 C trumpet - thoughts?

p76

Hi All,

I sniped an auction on Ebay, and won what I thought I wouldn't - a Yam 641 in what looks like OK condition.

I guess I threw in a bid because it "matches" two of my Bflats, in manufacture date and concept (early Schilke-influenced Yams).

Anyone ever owned one of these before? I'll be interested to have a blow on it, as it is a small bore C, when the current trend seems to be for bigger bores for these horns.

You don't see many of them around - any info gratefully received. Needless to say, when I get it I'll review it here, FWIW.

Cheers,
Roger
_________________
Bb - Selmer Radial, Yamaha YTR634, Yamaha YTR732, Olds Super, Kanstul 700.
C - Yamaha 641.
Cornet - Besson 723, Olds Ambassador.
Flugel - Weril Regium II.
Mpc. - Monette B2, Curry 1.25BBC, Wick 4FL

AlfaFreak · Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2012 12:01 am Post subject:

Hi Roger,
Congratulations on the win.

Im not sure of your playing experience or background but don't worry about the bore size. From the way you word your post I'm guessing that this is your first C trumpet. I think you'll find this trumpet similar and "familiar" after playing your Yamaha Bb's.

The biggest misconception I continually run across is this idea that everyone should play a L bore Bach 229/25H. That horn really is only for advanced/professional players with experience on another C already. How many players buy one and then walk away with a bad experience. Get C chops first, even then it is really an "orchestral" instrument. A ML or M bore horn will be perfect for getting your head around a C on, and probably better for chamber music and solo situations anyway.

Play it or a bit and if you like it... Keep it.
If you don't like it or prefer something else... Sell it.
You won't loose any money really.

Cheers
YamahaCollector.

p76 · Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2012 12:16 am Post subject:

Thanks for that YamCollector, you are perceptive, it is my first C. I won't really be using it for much more than the occasional Church gig. So, something that plays like my Bb's is just what I'm looking for.

I'd been scouting around for a cheaper/starter C, and the 641 is doubly nice as it's the right price, and means I'm one step closer to having a "set" of 70s Yams.

Thanks for the info (and your work on Yams - I'll add the serial no. to your list when it arrives down here in a few weeks).

Cheers,
Roger
_________________
Bb - Selmer Radial, Yamaha YTR634, Yamaha YTR732, Olds Super, Kanstul 700.
C - Yamaha 641.
Cornet - Besson 723, Olds Ambassador.
Flugel - Weril Regium II.
Mpc. - Monette B2, Curry 1.25BBC, Wick 4FL

John Williamson · Regular Member Joined: 04 Feb 2011 Posts: 11

Hello Roger,
I have lots of trumpets and one of them is a Yamaha YTR-641 C trumpet. Out of all of the trumpets I own, I have to say that the YTR-641 is my favorite. It has a wonderful free-blowing quality to it, as well as great intonation. It is very easy to play. I use it mainly for orchestra, but if you can transpose your Bb music to the key of C, you could use it for almost anything. I think that the earlier horns had were more open than the later YTR-741 silver-plated versions. I have both and the newer horn has more of a Bach sound to it. I also have a Bach 229 C trumpet which slots better than the Yamaha, but is harder to play. I usually choose the Yamaha over the Bach. I am sure that you will enjoy your YTR-741.
Regards,
John Williamson

p76 · Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2012 10:56 pm Post subject:

That's good to hear John, thanks. Just heard I'll be playing Carmina Burana in September, so I might need to get good on it faster than I think!

Cheers,
Roger
_________________
Bb - Selmer Radial, Yamaha YTR634, Yamaha YTR732, Olds Super, Kanstul 700.
C - Yamaha 641.
Cornet - Besson 723, Olds Ambassador.
Flugel - Weril Regium II.
Mpc. - Monette B2, Curry 1.25BBC, Wick 4FL