Note: This post was moved by the Moderator from Euph Music to Maintenance to more accurately reflect its content.
Carter, indeed, the Yamaha 321S is an excellent horn. In answer to your questions:
1. What kind of repairs should I have done on it?
A: Definitely have the dents in the leadpipe and any of the tubing in the valve section repaired. Also, have dents in the bell and throat of the bell repaired. Dents in the outer branch and bottom bow may be harder to repair. Get any fixed that can be fixed without having to take the horn apart. Make sure felts and guides are replaced with new Yamaha parts. Unless you can feel a definite problem, I'd leave the springs alone. Have the spit valve corks replaced.
2. Should I have it professionally cleaned?
A: Yes, but get this done after the dent work is done.
3. Can I polish the YEP- 321s with silver polish? If so which products? If not, what can I use on it?
A: Yes you can polish it. After it has been cleaned and returned to you, you can use silver polish on the horn., I prefer either Wrights Silver Cream (easy to find) or better yet, Haggerty's Silversmiths spray polish. Be sure to re lubricate your slides after polishing the horn.
4. Is my mouthpiece selection good? Should I go bigger?
A: The Bach 6 1/2AL is a great mouthpiece. The Wick SM6B Ultra or SM5B Ultra are good choices. Both are larger than the Bach. The largest you can go with the Yamaha 321 without changing receivers is a Wick 4AY or SM4B. I do NOT recommend a wholesale change to a larger mouthpiece at your age. Work with your teacher and learn to use your air effectively, develop your embouchure, fill up the horn, getting a good sound and play in good tune as you increase size.
5. And is there any advice on how to make this 10 year old amateur euphonium the best it can be, until I purchase my own horn?
A: If you follow the steps above and maintain the horn in good shape, it should play just as well as a brand new Yamaha 321S. The only caveat is if the horn has been so badly abused that braces are broken and severe dents cannot readily be repaired. If this is the case, cost effective repairs may be only able to do so much...
Last edited by daruby; 05-11-2014 at 10:32 AM.
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