Yamaha YBL 321/2 (with Rose
brass bell) (c 1970) Bass trombone Bb/F
Converted to take a removable lead pipe (currently fitted with
George Roberts GR2 model made by Kanstul)
The Yamaha YBL 321
Bb/F Bass trombone was based on the famous Conn 72H design.
It was introduced in 1969 and replaced in 1976 by the YBL 322 which was then
followed by the YBL-421in 1979.
The serial number is 011xxx and probably made in the early 1970’s.
Noted that the bore is 0.563 inch (14.3mm) so it a real BASS trombone and not
just a large bore tenor as many people think.
This example has a 9½-inch bell (24.1cm) finished in
rose brass
(this means that it has a higher copper content than a normal yellow brass horn.
This option is represented by the suffix "R"on later models. This instrument is
in good all round condition with no dents but there are some small dings
and scratches and superficial imperfections in the bell flair consistent with an instrument of this vintage. Meanwhile, the
lacquer is substantially in good order and the appearance is very nice (please
see the photos).
The slide section is a YBL 322 and the brass outer weighs 235gr which is light for a bass
trombone.
On the inner slides there is no wear to the stockings and the action is smooth and quiet.
The F rotor functions perfectly.
Because of its characteristics (similar to the Conn 72H),
this instrument is the ideal solution for the jazz/big band tenor trombonist who
wants to double on a bass bone without becoming a 'specialist'. It is light and
responds with the feel of a tenor trombone while being actually a true bass
trombone. Switching from tenor to bass with this model is a formality for any
experienced player... which is a handy option.
Meanwhile, the tuning slide pulls to E if required to
facilitate the low B however in general with big band 4th chair parts this
should rarely be an issue.
The tuning slides pull easily and the slide lock and water key work perfectly.
Mouthpiece pictured is a gold plated 4G Bach replica made by the German manufacturer Arnold
& Son. This makes a comfortable switch from my regular
6½ Bach
on tenor.
For info George Roberts played on a slightly modified
Bach 1½G mouthpiece.The
George
Roberts (GR2 model) threaded lead pipe was
converted perfectly to a collar press fit for this horn by BrassArk (see photos
below).
This modification represents a significant upgrade to the specifications of this
instrument. After the photos below are some personal notes and
observations on the YBL 3xx series
Updated 22 March 2024
davidsenior48@gmail.com
The George
Roberts (GR2) threaded lead pipe was
converted to a collar press fit for this horn by BrassArk.
Yamaha YBL 321 (c 1970) with Rose Brass bell - Bass trombone Bb/F
Some notes and
observations on the YBL 321
davidsenior48@gmail.comGetting exact specifications of some earlier
Yamaha models is difficult. They seemed to have marketed variations of different
models in different parts of the world and some designs were upgraded, renamed
and so on. This YBL 321 has a rose brass bell and brass outers with nickel
brace but there are other combinations out there.
Research also shows that Yamaha once described the single rotor bass trombones
as 'intermediate' which is actually something of a misnomer.
In my opinion the 'intermediate' tag does not refer to the quality of the build.
Rather, it refers to the fact that the YBL 3xx series, which is indeed a true
bass trombone but has only one rotor instead of two. In this respect it was
possibly regarded as being more suitable for students (of bass trombone) before
stepping up to a double rotor horn. Moreover, just to confuse the issue, Yamaha
refer to 'Standard' as opposed to 'intermediate' in more recent, literature.
What's in a word?
It is also interesting to note that the price difference between the 3xx and 6xx
ranges (with reference to some 1970/80's Giardinelli catalogues etc) has always
been relatively small and not consistent with the usual relative difference
between prices of student and pro horns. Even today the current discounted new price of a
regular YBL 421 is €2129 (Thomann) compared with around €2500 for the regular YBL 620.
This can be easily checked via various online retailers.
It is generally well known that the YBL 32x series was designed along the lines
of the then recently discontinued Conn 72H at a time when the single rotor bass
trombone was still very much the norm. Today the 72H is still one of the most
respected pro vintage models and sought by connoisseurs. Presumably Yamaha were filling
a gap in the market and must have succeeded considering the fact that they still
produce it to this day, albeit upgraded to YBL 421. Comparable single rotor
instruments include Bach 50b, Holton TR 185, and the Olds P-22 (George Roberts
model).
Interesting to note, the double rotor bass trombone as we know it today was only first
developed and introduced around 1962. Before that, single rotor models were the
norm and one of the most influential bass trombonists ever, George Roberts, only
played single rotor horns throughout his career.
Return to trombones