Posted: Wed Jul 21, 2021 4:05 pm Post subject: Couesnon vs Yamaha 8310Z flugelhorn
I'm thinking of replacing my Couesnon with a Yamaha 8310Z or 8310ZG flugelhorn.
Allegedly, the 8310Z flugel is based on Bobby Shew's old Couesnon but how different are they?
I suppose the Yamahas are far more consistent and superior in terms of playability and intonation but I'm mostly interested in how they sound and their tonal qualities.
Thus, has anybody played both flugelhorns and can share their personal experience?
How would you describe the differences in sound?
Which do you prefer and why? _________________ HN White King Master Vocal C/Bb/A cornet - 1918
HN White King Silver Flair - 1965
Martin Committe Deluxe #3 - 1957
Couesnon Monopole Conservatoire Star - 1960s
They are quite different. The Couenon is your classic small bore French flugelhorn sound, the 8310z has a trumpet quality to it a little brighter . I have a couesnon and wouldnt trade it. You cant go wrong either way. I'm a small group guy and love my Queny.
I own a 70's Couesnon and also a 6310Z flugel (I tried the 8310Z, but felt it wasn't different enough to warrant a purchase of the newer horn). To me, they sound reasonably similar from a tonal perspective. But why not judge for yourself -- here's a YouTube video of Bobby Shew playing his Yamaha:
What are your reasons for replacing your Couesnon? Have you considered buying the improved leadpipe for Couesnons that Charlie Melk sells? I have one, and it really improves playability aspects without negatively impacting the tone. Charlie also added a third valve slide trigger, which improves intonation on those 1-3 and 1-2-3 valve combinations.
I own quite a few flugels, and I'd suggest also trying the Olds L-12 (I have the Reynolds Emperor stencil with the yellow brass bell), the Kanstul Model 1025 "Chicago" flugel (I have the almost identical French Besson "Laureate" made by Kanstul), and the B&S Challenger II "Bronchon".
If you want to find out which ones have the sound you want, do searches on YouTube (in particular, the Horn Trader has a number of demo videos for flugels he had listed on his website, Trent Austin likewise).
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