Yamaha YHR-322 II Single Bb horn

Pleasant weight, good balance, easy response, and, most importantly, its accurate intonation. It has a colourful, clear sound and produces well-centred notes. The horn has a rich sound in the lower register and simultaneously offers assurance and comfort in the middle and high registers.

I have moved to this from a full double, and have bought the F extension for any low notes (if ever needed). The horn is very light and responsive. Like all Bb horns, it is superb in the upper register. Like all horns (even full doubles and compensators) it is slightly more "woofy" in the low middle register. With a larger mouthpiece than that provided with the instrument I have found a brilliant clarity and attack in the upper register and a full horn-like sound in the middle register.

This horn is very light, responsive, easy to play loud " a good instrument to use in a marching band. It seems to be well constructed. Sound is tinny and nasal, which, again, may actually enhance its suitability for a marching band. The ' full sound with abundant tonal colors ' promised in Yamaha ' s literature are nowhere to be found. No spit valve! What ' s that all about? Plus the placement of the keys makes you wonder what sort of midget-hands Yamaha had in mind to operate this instrument. No professional would consider performing on this horn due to the sound. But Yamaha does specify that this is a student horn. Hans Hoyer (Germany) makes a far superior single Bb horn for the same price as this Yamaha! It ' s available in America from Siegfried ' s Call.