I play principal trombone in a couple of community orchestras, and, until recently, my experience with the alto trombone was limited to the occasional curious glance at one tucked away in a colleague's case. However, with a pair of Mozart and Beethoven-heavy concerts looming on the horizon, I found myself unexpectedly needing to expand my repertoire and embrace the higher register. This led me down a rabbit hole of research, culminating in the purchase of a Yamaha YSL 671 alto trombone. This article details my journey, from initial research into various Yamaha alto trombone models – including new, used, and even NOS (New Old Stock) instruments – to my first experiences with the instrument, focusing on tuning and mouthpiece selection. It's intended as a guide for other trombonists considering a similar leap into the world of the alto.
The Search for the Right Instrument: Yamaha Alto Trombone 2000' and Beyond
My first step was researching available Yamaha alto trombones. Yamaha, with its reputation for quality and reliability, was my preferred brand. I initially considered the broader category of "Yamaha Alto Trombone 2000'," hoping to find a pre-owned instrument from around that era, thinking it might offer a good balance of quality and price. The Yamaha YSL line has a long and respected history, and many players swear by older models for their particular tonal qualities. However, finding a well-maintained used instrument in good playing condition proved more challenging than anticipated.
The used market for alto trombones, particularly in good condition, is surprisingly competitive. While I found several listings for "Used Yamaha YSL" trombones, many were either overpriced, lacked sufficient detail about their condition, or were located inconveniently far from me. The photos often didn't show enough detail to assess the instrument's overall state – crucial for a used instrument purchase. I learned quickly that careful inspection is essential, ideally with the opportunity to try the instrument before committing to a purchase.
Searching further, I also investigated the possibility of finding a NOS Yamaha Alto Trombone. The allure of a brand-new instrument, untouched and perfectly preserved, was strong. However, finding a NOS Yamaha YSL 671 proved difficult, and the price premium for such a rare find was significant. In the end, the cost-benefit analysis favored a carefully chosen used instrument in excellent condition.
Choosing the Yamaha YSL 671 Alto Trombone
After weeks of searching, I settled on a used Yamaha YSL 671 alto trombone. This model, while not the oldest in Yamaha's lineup, has a solid reputation for its intonation, responsiveness, and overall playability. Many online reviews praised its versatility and suitability for a wide range of musical styles, making it a good choice for both orchestral and solo work. The YSL 671’s relatively compact size and lighter weight were also attractive features, especially compared to some larger, heavier alto trombones from other manufacturers. The condition of the specific instrument I purchased was exceptional; it showed minimal signs of wear and tear, and played smoothly with excellent intonation throughout its range.
Yamaha YSL 671 Alto Trombone Tuning: A Steep Learning Curve
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