Yamaha YEP-621 vs 642 Neo

[Johnny3143]

Hi, just wondering about the differences between the 621 and 642 Yamaha models of Euphonium. These two were the ones I am looking at for eventually buying when I buy my own Euphonium. The 642 costs a decent amount more so I want to know what makes the difference in these two models. Thanks

[RickF]

The 621 is a non-compensating horn but is a good horn. Similar I think to the Yamaha 321, BUT, with the 4th valve on the side.

See Snorlax post about this model here:
http://www.dwerden.com/forum/showthr...689#post114689

[TheJH]

Be careful to note that on the 621, the 4th valve is inbetween the 3rd valve tubing wrap and the main tubing on the back, so ergonomics are... interesting

[tokuno]

I had a 621, and probably should've kept it. It's not just a differently-wrapped 321. For me it had the easy feel (nimble/responsive - a great "pick up and play after having been off the euph for a while") of the 321, but with a broader dynamic range - less susceptible to over-blow (perhaps the large shank receiver?), and easier low-end (perhaps the 3+1 allows for a larger 4th-valve circuit?).
It's lighter-weight and nimbler-playing than any 3+1 comp that I've owned/played (increasingly important as my lower back ages), and although it's a rare bird in the US, I bought mine used for about the same as a used 321 (i.e. cheap). From behind the mouthpiece, the timbre was similar to the 321, but I never sought an evaluation of the difference, if any, from the audience side.
I think I've owned around eight 321s. Some because of circumstance, but most because I'd need an affordable, "get back into euphonium" easy-player, then after my chops returned, I'd crave a beefier "expand into the space" sound, so I'd replace it with a comp (a couple Bessons, couple Willsons, 642 clone, etc. - I'm playing a Sterling Virtuoso now). That's also why I sold the 621, but if one came around again at the price I sold mine for, I'd give it a long look as a supplemental horn. If you like the 321 sound & playing experience, then the 621's a good choice.