Yamaha YEP-642SII Neo, used value

[Larry Preston Roberson]

Greetings all,

I hope this is the right place to post this. I have the option of receiving, in trade, a Yamaha YEP-642SII Neo. I am seeking a ballpark range of the used value. I have perused old sales on this forum and searched on the Web. But I would appreciate additional assistance, from those familiar with this model, in ascertaining the value of this euphonium. From the pictures and description the owner sent, it appears to be in excellent condition I’m not sure if it’s easy to post pictures here. So, I will share what I know, or assume, about it in terms of condition:

- Silver-plated,
- approximately 5-6 years old, 1 or 2 owners
- plating 100% present
- no valve wear
- 1-2 inch scratch on bell flare
- small ding/dent on back 2nd valve compensating loop
- missing lyre screw
- original factory case

Thanks in advance,
Larry

[aroberts781]

I'm sure others will weigh in, but I'll get things started. My very first gut reaction to your question, in very ballpark numbers, was $5,000. Then I started searching the internet.

On eBay right now I just see two used 642II horns, one in lacquer for $5000 OBO, and one in silver with a trigger for $7400 that ships from Japan.

Searching the forum for old classified threads for Neos, I see in the last few years one with a trigger for $5500, one with "useful modifications" for $5250, and a pre-Neo 642 for $4500. There was also a pretty bogus looking thread from 2018 offering a Neo for $2,600.

So, after ten minutes of searching the web, I think I'll keep my initial, very ballpark-y guess around $5000, give or take a thousand bucks.

Hopefully someone with actual knowledge will weigh in, ha.

[iMav]

New pricing.

[aroberts781]

Larry,
Those appear to be the current prices at Thomann, correct? Out of curiosity I looked up pricing at a few other widely known dealers. As with your Adams E3 thread, Thomann is a bit cheaper than everywhere else that I checked, which had the Neos in silver plate for around $7,000.

[iMav]

Correct…Thomann Music pricing.

[massmanute]

Correct…Thomann Music pricing.

A few weeks ago I contacted Thomann about Yamaha instruments. They won't sell Yamaha instruments to US buyers due to contract issues. However, they will sell at least some other brands to US buyers, such as Adams.

[iMav]

Yep there are a few brands that have those restrictions. (Schilke is another one.)

[comebackplayer]

There's a 642s on facebook in apparently good condition for $3500. I've seen another one listed in that range. If the ebay ones haven't sold, then I'd put the retail lower, maybe 3500-4500. My general guideline on used instruments is for an instrument in mint condition I'd pay probably 2/3rds new price, very good 50%, and fixer-upper 20%.

[aroberts781]

There's a 642s on facebook in apparently good condition for $3500. I've seen another one listed in that range. If the ebay ones haven't sold, then I'd put the retail lower, maybe 3500-4500. My general guideline on used instruments is for an instrument in mint condition I'd pay probably 2/3rds new price, very good 50%, and fixer-upper 20%.

Those seen like pretty reasonable guidelines comebackplayer, thanks for sharing!

Can you clarify whether that horn on Facebook is a 642S pre-Neo or a 642SII Neo?

[comebackplayer]

I think it was just the 642s. I can't find it now. Yamaha also seems like it sells for cheaper in Asia/Australia. They do seem to have good resale.

[iMav]

Curious in general what folks' opinion here is of the 642 Neo. The person I sold my E3 to "upgraded" from a 642 Neo. (I hadn't considered that as an upgrade...both being "pro" horns and all.)

But she is definitely finding it to be an upgrade...at least for her.

[Arnbone Euph]

If you haven't already, check out the comparison Matoniz does of the Neo and Custom on youtube. He does a lengthy demonstration of both (Neo dark traditional sound; Custom lighter somewhat more responsive). I believe it's more contrast than say between ADAMS E1 and E3.

I think depending on your own personal tastes, going from any pro horn to another can be perceived as an upgrade.

[Ajeasley]

Curious in general what folks' opinion here is of the 642 Neo. The person I sold my E3 to "upgraded" from a 642 Neo. (I hadn't considered that as an upgrade...both being "pro" horns and all.)

But she is definitely finding it to be an upgrade...at least for her.

I played a Neo for about 4 years and an E3 for about 15 minutes, so my basis for comparison is inherently flawed, but I'll give it a go...

Performance: It's apples and oranges. Both horns sounded nice and played in tune well. Opinions beyond that will come down to personal preference. The Adams was likely a bit darker, dare I say more "British". I suspect with time that I could get what I needed out of either horn and end up sounding like me.

Build Quality: The Yamaha did everything I needed it to over 4 years in a military band. A repair tech friend of mine noticed a few spots where the horn had some corners cut in terms of the build, but I've never played a bad Yamaha in that regard. I can't speak to the Adams over the long haul, but it felt great in the hands and the craftmanship gave off a high end vibe. The adjustable gap receivers have always befuddled me, but I haven't spent enough time with an Adams to feel compelled to figure it out - surely it's something you would get used to.

So, is the E3 an upgrade over the Neo? Eh, kinda. Mileage will certainly vary from player to player.

[iMav]

You can get good deals via Japan-based eBayers.