TromboneChat

I tried a Yamaha YBL-830 yesterday on a whim, and really liked the horn. The Gb/D valve lever is adjustable, but I was unable to adjust due to the screw being overtightened. Unfortunately, I was unable to find a comfortable way to hold the horn. I noticed that part of the lever is square rather than round, and the angle could not be adjusted, only the length of the lever. Anyone else have this issue? Any experiences with this horn in the wild?

.... you can always get your local tech to twist the lever to the angle you need ... I don't own any, but those I have tried do play very well and consistently well. Plus slides and valves are excellent. Very open feeling for standard rotaries. If it gives the sound and response you like, go for it!

I've played just under a dozen. I find they are wildly inconsistent, at least for a Yamaha. Some were great commercial horns with a sizzle to the sound, some were huge-sounding orchestral cannons, some were just bad horns.

If I found a good one, I wouldn't mind it as a backup, but I'd have to go out and try a few.

I have to agree with Burgerbob. The 830's seem to be somewhat inconsistent. I owned an 822 for a few years and it played well. All the other 822's I've tried (probably a half dozen or so) have also been nice.

I am looking for a lighter bass trombone after experiencing numbness and pain with my left hand, arm, and shoulder. I wish there was something modern that was lighter. I tried an vintage Conn 73h, and liked the weight. However, I did not like how it played. This Yamaha seems to weigh close to a 1/2 lb less than my Edwards dependent w/ Thayers, and seemed to play the way I wanted it to. I was hoping for a dependent horn, but I am willing to play an independent valve setup if it feels right.

If you can find a good one, it'll be just fine. The 822 might be a better choice, though I don't like that horn as much as a good 830 I think.

I just had the chance to try a Schlagerl Aurora last weekend. Stunning horn! Very light weight.

The Edwards B502D is dependent and lighter than many of the thayer valve horns.