Yamaha YTR-8335RGS Xeno Professional Trumpet

After 25 years of playing on Bach trumpets (the last 15 on a Vindobona model Strad), I decided to get a new horn. After considering several different horns, the Yamaha Xeno Special Model YTR8335GRS was my choice for my next trumpet. Among the features I found appealing were the reverse leadpipe and larger bore for less resistance, and the gold brass bell and heavywall construction for a darker sound. I've had my Xeno for about three weeks now, and already I've heard and felt a vast improvement in my playing. My upper register is much more open and secure, I can maneuver across the entire range of the trumpet with less fear of missing notes, and i can achieve greater dynamic range, from pp to fff, without losing tonality and pitch. Beautiful tone, smooth valves and excellent fit and finish. I highly recommend the Special Model to any player needing an all-purpose pro horn.

Even without the 'free stuff' incentives this trumpet is a great horn. I tried a few various trumpets when I was looking to step up to the professional level and I liked the Xeno more than the Bach Stradivarius. From what I've seen and heard the Stradivarius trumpet line has gone downhill since the strike and it is similar to a hit or miss game in which some trumpets turn out great whereas others are decent but not brilliant. Yamaha makes and tests their horns the same way every time which results in the same high quality trumpet every time. Although a professional trumpeter may often have a custom horn made to suit their needs, this trumpet has a great sound and good intonation for those looking to buy a professional level trumpet that will last a good many years.

I bought this horn for my son who is a high school student, but I steal it from him as often as I can. I play a Schilke B5 for most of my gigs, so this horn is quite different. It is a much more free blowing horn than any other Yamaha we tried. The tone is silky smooth when you use a medium or deep cup mouthpiece. But put in a lead piece, it will scream. I play Curry 5 series mouthpieces, so with a 5M or 5C, this horn sings. When I pop in a 5DE or 5XS, I can get as high, bright and loud as I need to.

I tried this horn out on a whim when I visited WWBW about a year ago. The shotblast silver finish is what caught my eye. I pulled it off the wall and took it into the practice room and it just fit. I put in my mouthpiece and felt like this horn was meant for me. When I wanted a mellow, darker tone for a little solo thing, it did it. When I wanted that sizzle on my high D, it had it, and didn't even fall flat. I was able to scale up to a high F on my Bach 1.5 C Megatone with ease, which I'd never been able to do on my old Strad. I figured a horn this good would cost twice as much, but then I looked at the price tag and saw it could be mine for the same price as a Strad. I couldn't possibly pass it up. I ordered one that day, and I have absolutely adored this horn since the day I bought it.

I just bought this horn and already I can feel and hear the difference. The horn has a quick response and very rich dark tone, and the tuning in the upper register stays consistent with the heavier mouthpiece. I am used to playing on other Yamaha's but the Xeno is by far the best of them all.