Yamaha 2nd gen Xeno 8335II

[Trumpetingbynurture]

Just wondering how many people are playing on the second gen Xenos (AKA 8335II)?

I had a search on here but didn't turn up much by way of results, except that the updated versions are supposed to be a significant improvement on the original xeno.

Anyone have much to say on these? Specifically the standard configuration (normal leadpite, yellow brass bell).

Thanks!

[OldSchoolEuph]

I have been unhappy with the II horns generally - and I'm thinking more of low brass than high, but in general it always seems to be the same story of reduced fabrication steps, reduced taper, etc. Have you noticed how many top guys play the original Chicago C but not the IIs, while on EBay you never see an original for sale, but lots of CHSIIs? My 8335 is an original, and while I have not tried the II version, I think based on other examples I am lucky to have mine.
_________________
Ron Berndt
www.trumpet-history.com

2017 Austin Winds Stage 466
1962 Mt. Vernon Bach 43
1954 Holton 49 Stratodyne
1927 Conn 22B
1957 Holton 27 cornet
1985 Yamaha YEP-621
1975 Yamaha YEP-321 Custom
1965 Besson Baritone
1975 Olds Recording R-20

[SHS_Trumpet]

I've been very impressed with the Gen II Xenos. The 8335GS II in particular is one of my favorite all around horns.
_________________
Andrew Fowler
MYNWA
"90% of trumpet music is below high C"

[a.kemp]

I’ve never played a Gen 1 8335 that is even close to playing as well as a 8335II. They are Huge improvements over the 8335.

Most 9445chsII players replaced 9445 models too. There are a bunch of players who stayed on their 9445 gen 1. (Why switch if it’s working) But, far more have switched. There are a bunch of Gen II players who prefer the Gen 1 tuning slide though.

[Karel]

A year ago I purchased a lacquered Xeno 8335II with yellow brass bell. A really outstanding instrument. Best trumpet I ever had.

[Trumpetingbynurture]

I'm looking at buying one of these early next year. Any notable orchestral musicians playing the 8335II xenos? I know most pros, if they play a Yamaha, are probably playing on the 9335 Chicago or NY models, but just wondering.
It's one thing to play on in a shop, it's another to play it in situation, in a big hall, beside a line up of Bach 37s etc.

I haven't played on yet, but they're on my short list as they're within my budget but the Bach isn't. I have a couple of other trumpets, a lightweight Kanstul and a Shagerl James Morrison Academica (which is actually a fantastic trumpet), and great fun to play for Jazz etc, but both are quite 'slippery' and not the appropriate timbre for classical playing, which I'm planning to do a lot more of in 2019.
I need something that has firmer slots, as I find it far too easy to 'slip' or 'skate' on the slot without intending to. It feels like walking on egg shells a bit. Also, need a bit more of a balanced sound character with some good darkness, presence and brilliance.

Thanks for responses so far!

[dstdenis]

I've been playing my Xeno 8335IIS for over 3 years now. I love it... great instrument for me. Mine has yellow brass bell, ML bore, standard leadpipe, silver finish.

I can't compare it to its predecessor model. I played many brands when I was searching and narrowed it down to this that I got, along with an XO Brass (Jupiter) 1602s and a new Bach Strad 18037. Before the Xeno, I'd been playing a Shires Model A, and a Bach Strad 18037 for many years before that.

The 8335II is a very adaptable instrument, easy to play and fit into many styles. My only advice, should you get one, is don't try to play it the same way you play your previous horn. Get to know the new instrument on its own terms and learn to play it the way it wants to be played. For example, it doesn't need as much manipulation to play in tune as some other trumpets, and it projects really well so you may not have to push as hard to get the sound and presence you want.

Here's a blog post by Chase Sanborn with his notes on the different versions of the 8335II. I played a few of these while shopping and agree with what he wrote.
_________________
Bb Yamaha Xeno 8335IIS
Cornet Getzen Custom 3850S
Flugelhorn Courtois 155R
Piccolo Stomvi

[Trumpetingbynurture]

Any other comments people want to add?

[Vince.Green]

All of the Xenos have been solid horns. The Xeno II's definitely respond faster and have more color and flexibility to the sound. The earlier models are well in tune and even but feel stiff and a bit vanilla in comparison (to me anyway). Nice horns, worth a try. Good luck.

[Ed Kennedy]

I spoke with Wayne Tanabe about this when he was in Tampa for a clinic.
I asked him what parts had changed and he replied that all of them had changed except for one part which I can't recall, maybe the #2 slide? He said that they took what they learned developing the 9K series and incorporated into the GenII designs.

[trumpet_cop]

[ quote="O.ldSchoolEuph"]I have been unhappy with the II horns generally - and I'm thinking more of low brass than high, but in general it always seems to be the same story of reduced fabrication steps, reduced taper, etc. Have you noticed how many top guys play the original Chicago C but not the IIs, while on EBay you never see an original for sale, but lots of CHSIIs? My 8335 is an original, and while I have not tried the II version, I think based on other examples I am lucky to have mine.[/quote]

I know lots of pros who have switched from the gen 1 to gen 2....

Also if you're more unhappy with gen 2 low brass than high brass, why come on here to blast them?

The gen 2 8335 stacks up quite well against Bach 190-37 and artisan. Unless you really need a 9335II, I think you'll be quite happy with an 8335II.

[scottfsmith]

I found the playability similar, but the tone color on the II is more rich and interesting. This is comparing the regular models, no reverse slides or cities.
_________________
Thane Standard Large Bb / Monette Unity B6-7M mpc
Lots of vintage trumpets and mouthpieces

[nowave]

The 8335 II is on my “someday” list. A year or so ago I spent an afternoon trying tons of horns at Dillon and this was one of my favorites by far. Great response, flexible sound... hmm, now I want to pick one up!

[Trumpetingbynurture]

[Yamahaguy]

[Trumpetingbynurture]

[Seymor B Fudd]

[Mark Bradley]

The second generation Xenos are excellent. Yamaha is one of the only makers of instruments that put a lot of R&D into their products, constantly improving them. This is also a capitalist strategy to sell more stuff and that's OK. Japan shines like a diamond in a goat's rear end among the other asian manufacturers (most notably China) that produce a lot of low quality garbage. You can't do much better than Japanese cars-- Toyota, Honda, etc. I wear an outstanding Seiko wristwatch. The Japanese make great stuff. That's not to say there are other excellent trumpets and watches out there but just giving credit where credit is due.
_________________
Bach 180S-25/ ACB 7M
Blessing 1580
Bach 181SML cornet/ Laskey 60SB
Yamaha 8315G flugel/ Reeves 42F

[Trumpetingbynurture]

[Orban]

Hello Seymor B Fudd,

Thank you for the info regarding the Yam 6335rc.
I have a lot of interest, i am in the run for a new trumpet.
Any comparison with other known quality trumpets is welcome.

Thanks.
Orban - Flanders.