Yamaha 8310z vs Bach 180S43

[dbis]

I am looking for a new trumpet for my son in High school, he plays in both the Jazz band and Honor/marching band. (He will use his current horn for Marching band, the new one only for Jazz and concert season).

I took him to a "horn" event at our local music store and he really liked the Yamaha 8310Z he kept trying other trumpets and he really liked the Bach 180S43 as well. We were going to compare them side by side, but someone bought the 8310Z and it was the only one they had.

He liked the 8310z the most, but it was at least 30 minutes since he played in before he tried the Bach, so the store is going to get both instruments again for him to be able to try him side by side.

I don't know anything about trumpets myself and been trying to read through the forms. I am just wondering if there is a reason for either trumpet not being a good fit for both Jazz and concert playing? I want to let him select the trumpet that he feels most comfortable with, but also don't want to make an expensive mistake.

Thanks in advance.

[Christian K. Peters]

Hello dbis,
I think your son needs another go round with trials. Maybe with a few more models also. the 8310Z, I believe is a medium bore horn, and will play pretty efficiently. The Bach 43 is a medium large bore that, in my opinion could play just as bright as the 8310Z, but with a little more volume. For concert band playing, the 43 with a slightly deeper mouthpiece would probably be just fine. I would have him try the reverse leadpipe, 8335 Yamaha and a Bach 37. I would even throw in a Schilke S32 or S33 into the mix. You are talking mid $2000's anyway...personally, I am not a fan of medium bore trumpets. Your son needs to be comfortable on what ever he chooses though. It is ultimately his choice. He can always get another horn in the future when he understands better what he needs and wants. PM me for any more specifics on what I said, if you need to.
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Christian K. Peters
Schilke Loyalist since 1976

[Dayton]

You are approaching this the right way. When he does have a chance to compare them side by side, perhaps you could arrange for his teacher or another experienced musician to be present (or you, if you are an experienced musician). That way someone could offer an informed opinion regarding which trumpet he sounds better on.

The Bach 18043 is a fine horn that would work well for many players in jazz and concert band. As for the Yamaha 8310Z, I've never played one, but it is a popular model. I don't think you'd be courting disaster either way.

Good luck!

[JayKosta]

A consideration is whether (and how) the trumpet will be used after HS.

If there's an intent to play in a 'serious' concert orchestra (high level amateur or pro level), then a horn like the 8310Z might be viewed as not being a good fit (its sound might be seen as too jazz or commercial oriented).

For typical 'adult amateur' playing situations, I think the main consideration should be a horn that plays in-tune without needing much use of the slides or lip manipulation. Use an electronic tuner to check all the pitches, they won't all be perfect, but shouldn't be too far off.

Be sure that the 'mechanics' of the horn are working very well - good valve action / no sticking, etc. (and be wary of claims that they will eventually break-in after a while). The slides should all move 'as desired' not too tight or loose. Examine all the joints where parts are soldered together, there shouldn't be voids, slop, or rough edges. Water valves should work and seal properly.

Jay
_________________
Most Important Note ? - the next one !
KNOW (see) what the next note is BEFORE you have to play it.
PLAY the next note 'on time' and 'in rhythm'.
Oh ya, watch the conductor - they set what is 'on time'.

[dbis]

Thank you all for the responses.

As far as the comment about trying out other models, they had several models at the event. He did like the 8335RS but not the regular 8335, he also liked the Back 1B but not the 180S37.

Model selection was fair (probably about 10 different models with multiple of the common models). I would love for him to try other models and brands I have seen mentioned on these forums, but most stores we have looked at only have a couple of trumpets in stock to try and they are typically (1 or 2) Yamaha and Bach with the rest being student trumpets.

Personally I have never played an instrument, so I am just trying to help by reading on the forums and making sure we don't make a wrong decision. I can certainly see if his band director is willing to come out and listen too.

As far as after high school, he is currently a sophomore. He wants to keep playing, but is hoping to do pre-med so I don't know what opportunities there will be in college if he goes that route. Main focus is high school right now, but the ability to use it in college would be great.

[Ed Kennedy]

Don't forget about the 19043 or 37.

[Brassnose]

Depending on wehre you are, a trip to Dillons or similar may be useful.
_________________
2019 Martin Schmidt eXcellence
1992 Bach 43GH/43
1989 Kühnl & Hoyer Model 15 flugel
1980/2023 Custom Blessing Scholastic C 😎
1977 Conn 6B
1951 Buescher 400 Lightweight
AR Resonance, Frate, Klier

[Christian K. Peters]

Hello all,
He liked the 8335RS and the 8310Z was a true favorite... The reverse leadpipes do have an attribute that some people like over the traditional. I hope your son finds a Schilke to try. A B2, S33HD against the 8310Z would tell him much.
_________________
Christian K. Peters
Schilke Loyalist since 1976

[dbis]

Thanks everyone for the replies on the forum as well as the PM's.

I live close to the DFW area in TX, I have tried to google search music stores but all that really comes up is Music and Arts etc. All these nationwide stores only have a couple of instruments and most of them are the same.

We were excited about this event at a Music and Arts as he could try out multiple horns at one location. But they were limited to Yamaha, Bach and Shire. If anyone knows of any other stores in this area with different brands that we could try, I would appreciate it.

[JVL]

hello
if he liked better the 8310Z, why complicate things if it's not a money consideration ?
it's really a great horn, beautiful sound for whatever style, and very efficient.
best

[delano]

[Ed Kennedy]

[AJCarter]

[dbis]

Just wanted to post an update that we were able to try out the Yamaha 8310ZII and the Back 180S43 yesterday and he liked the Yamaha a lot more and we ended up buying it.

As mentioned we tried this at an event hosted by Music and Arts. They currently have 20% off purchases of $199 or up with a max discount of $500. Yamaha is listed as excluded, but our local Music and Arts manager (Burleson TX) says that it applies to all instruments in store. I don't know if he is right or not, but I always see Yamaha and Bach excluded so if you're shopping for a new instrument you might hit up a music and arts store.

[Steve A]

[Brad361]

[MiddleStaff]

+1 on Ed Kennedy’s post.
The Bach Strad. 190-43 is something your son should demo. The leadpipe is like the pre mid 1970’s Stads which is a tad more open. The slower taper of the #43 bell should let him play those different music groups mentioned with the projection and height desired. They also come with nylon and brass valve alignment clips so he can adjust his feel. Granted, the 50th Anniversary horns are pricey.
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1972 Bach Strad model 180 with #37 bell
Yamaha YFH-631GS Flugelhorn