Horn Reviews: The Yamaha YHR871
- boydsbrass
- Feb 1
- 3 min read
This is certainly one of the most aesthetically pleasing horns I've ever seen. What a beauty it is to look at! Do check out my video review of this horn if you are interested, but below are my thoughts in writing on this particular model.
Overview
My overall thoughts on this horn are positive. When I originally reviewed this horn (I recorded two separate videos, and only published the second) I really did not like it and was disappointed. But after a few weeks (during which my surprising dislike of this horn came to mind several times), I decided to try some different mouthpieces on the horn - and to my surprise I fell in love with the instrument when I paired it with two particular mouthpieces: a Moosewood BV cup, and an Osmun New York mouthpiece that came with another horn that I purchased. I recorded the review video using the Osmun piece. This just goes to show that if you have a number of good mouthpieces to also try when shopping for a horn you should try the horn with the different mouthpieces.
The Pros
This is probably the best looking horn I've ever seen. I could stare at it for hours. The attention to detail and the quality of the build are unlike anything I've ever had in my shop . . . save my E. Schmid.
This horn has a very sweet sound. It is clear, smooth, and clean.
The valves feel great. They are fast, and quick.
The adjustable thumb valve and finger ring are really nice. They feel good, and this horn could probably comfortably fit every hand size out there.
The notes slot easily. This is pretty common for Yamahas. Every note is there.
The Cons
The first complaint is that this horn doesn't play as powerfully as many horns that I've owned and played. It does what I need it to, but there is a definite cap to the volume. If I needed to get louder for some reason, I would not be able to without the sound becoming thin and eventually breaking up.
The other complaint I have is that the trigger valve definitely obstructs the air passage when it is being pressed and depressed. The symptom is that there is a faint click in the sound when the valve is pressed during playing (like when going from 2nd line G to 2nd space A or Ab). This may be because it is so new and Yamaha valves are so tight.
The Case
The case is beautiful. It feels luxurious. I love the brown leather exterior (imitation leather, or course) and the gold latches. It feels very nice and sturdily built. And it has three spots for mouthpieces . . . so if you carry around three mouthpieces you are set!
Final Thoughts
This is a great Geyer horn, and if you are in the market for a horn like this is it certainly worth your trying it. I love the sound and I love the build quality and aesthetics. The downsides for me are the fact that it doesn't play as loudly as I would like it to, and I really don't like the "click" that I can hear (though it is faint) when using the change valve. But at the end of the day, this is a fantastic instrument that many players will find to be their instrument of choice.
Thank you to Uriel, my consignment customer, who allowed me to make the video blog reviews of this horn!