Would you rather

[michaelblackmon0]

If you had to choose between a brand new Wessex Dolce or a 15 year old Yamaha 842, what would you choose?

[iMav]

If you had to choose between a brand new Wessex Dolce or a 15 year old Yamaha 842, what would you choose?

It entirely depends on the condition of the Yamaha horn. Assuming it was reasonably well cared for, I’d buy the 842 (all else being equal).

Of course, price is the additional wild card. Unless the question IS purely “which would you choose” and not “which would you buy”…otherwise, need more info.

Mr. Werden has stated in the past that, if he were to play on a Yamaha, the 842 would be the horn for him. (I’m sure he will chime in.)

[Jasonium]

Speaking of Yamahas, I would love to get the Neo added to the intonation chart! I recently played on an Adams E1 and honestly felt like my Neo stacks up very well in terms of intonation.

[michaelblackmon0]

It entirely depends on the condition of the Yamaha horn. Assuming it was reasonably well cared for, I’d buy the 842 (all else being equal).

Of course, price is the additional wild card. Unless the question IS purely “which would you choose” and not “which would you buy”…otherwise, need more info.

Mr. Werden has stated in the past that, if he were to play on a Yamaha, the 842 would be the horn for him. (I’m sure he will chime in.)

I already own the Yamaha and it’s in decent shape for its age. A few dings and some wear in the plating from years of use. Trying to decide if it’s worth selling it to get a new Wessex.

[iMav]

I already own the Yamaha and it’s in decent shape for its age. A few dings and some wear in the plating from years of use. Trying to decide if it’s worth selling it to get a new Wessex.

Are you trying to free up some cash? If not, I wouldn’t do it…most would not consider that an upgrade (including myself).

[TheJH]

A 15-year old professional topline eupho from a renowned and well-established manufacturer like Yamaha is, if/when well looked-after, the go-to choice in my opinion.

[Shawn]

Yamaha. not close.

[CousinJack]

Yamaha easily. I have not played it, but I have heard the Wessex is a perfectly good instrument but it doesn't play quite as well as even only relatively modern professional instruments. The other concern is Wessex's build quality, it might look good and nice when you get it, but how will it hold up in regular use over months and years?

[davewerden]

Mr. Werden has stated in the past that, if he were to play on a Yamaha, the 842 would be the horn for him. (I’m sure he will chime in.)

Um, I don't recall saying that! But I may have forgotten a past statement, so feel free to point me to it if you run across it.

In the "funny you should ask" category, I was just talking to someone who recently completed his DMA in music, I think on trombone and euphonium. He has access to a number of brands to test out, and for him the 842 was the choice. I mentioned to him that I have ruled it out because it is such a poor physical for my long torso.

Within a few years of the 842 coming out, I tried one at Brasswind and was disappointed. The tone was not what I wanted and the intonation was not as good as I thought it should be (I was looking for something that solved the 6th partial issue, which I thought Yamaha might have had the resources to accomplish).

All that said, I consider the 842 to be in the top tier that serious players should try out. That tier includes Adams, Besson (Sovereign and Prestige), Miraphone 5050, Shires, Sterling Virtuoso, Willson, and the other Yamaha candidate, the Neo. It should not be a surprise that the general quality of all these is higher than the cheaper clones.

The clones have a place in the market and are quite valuable for some players' needs. But here, I would go for the 842 (its vintage is at least 10 years newer than the one I tried back when, and the tone is better now).

[iMav]

I’ll have to see if I can find it. I believe it was a comment on a 842 for sale thread.