I am selling my Yamaha I played for about a year. I am sad to see it go because it really is a terrific orchestral trombone - the best Yamaha I've ever played. From what I understand, a limited number of this model was made (I believe less than 100). It's a one piece yellow bell with a rose brass tuning slide, yellow brass handslide, and has a great sound. The slide action is as perfect as Yamaha slides get.
The work I had done:
1) Remove original leadpipe, put on socket/threads to take Shires AND Edwards lead pipes. Pretty cool. Tried it, and it does indeed take both brands. I tried a number of different pipes and landed on an Edwards T2 that will come with the horn. The original Yamaha lead pipe has a collar installed and also fits the new threads - this is of course included as well. Eric Swanson did this customization.
2) Shorten bell receivers for main tuning slide. The addition of the half inch of the lead pipe socket on the slide made the trombone much flatter of course and was dangerously close to having no more room to push in, especially in orchestra.
3) Open up valve. The valve choked off the air when going from open to closed and would result in a noticeable pop and big resistance change, primarily when playing legato coming from an outer position to an inner position. We took the valve out at Houghton Horns and saw what the issue was. One of the master craftsmen at the shop, Chris Reddick, fixed the issue, and the valve plays great. It is one of the best rotor valves I have played with this adjustment, and the action of the lever has a really nice smooth, easy feel.
Comes with:
Bullet Brace installed.
Retro Yamaha hard case with keys.
Edwards T2 and original Yamaha lead pipes.
Other specs and pictures can be found here.
By the way, please check out Houghton Horns for our ever-growing selection of brass instruments and accessories. Known as one of the premiere shops to try out nearly any brand/model of French Horns in the world for many years, Houghton is in the process of expanding to trombones and trumpets. I am the Trombone Specialist and decide what trombone equipment we carry. We are located in Keller, TX - north of downtown Fort Worth.
Thanks very much and please let me know if you have any questions!
Christian Paarup