Yamaha YBL 321/2 (with Rose brass bell) (c 1970) Bass trombone Bb/F

Converted to take a removable lead pipe (currently fitted with George Roberts GR2 model made by Kanstul)

The Yamaha YBL 321 Bb/F Bass trombone was based on the famous Conn 72H design. It was introduced in 1969 and replaced in 1976 by the YBL 322 which was then followed by the YBL-421in 1979.
The serial number is 011xxx and probably made in the early 1970’s.
Noted that the bore is 0.563 inch (14.3mm) so it a real BASS trombone and not just a large bore tenor as many people think.
This example has a 9½-inch bell (24.1cm) finished in rose brass (this means that it has a higher copper content than a normal yellow brass horn. This option is represented by the suffix "R"on later models. This instrument is in good all round condition with no dents but there are some small dings and scratches and superficial imperfections in the bell flair consistent with an instrument of this vintage. Meanwhile, the lacquer is substantially in good order and the appearance is very nice (please see the photos).
The slide section is a YBL 322 and the brass outer weighs 235gr which is light for a bass trombone.
On the inner slides there is no wear to the stockings and the action is smooth and quiet.
The F rotor functions perfectly.
Because of its characteristics (similar to the Conn 72H), this instrument is the ideal solution for the jazz/big band tenor trombonist who wants to double on a bass bone without becoming a 'specialist'. It is light and responds with the feel of a tenor trombone while being actually a true bass trombone. Switching from tenor to bass with this model is a formality for any experienced player... which is a handy option.
Meanwhile, the tuning slide pulls to E if required to facilitate the low B however in general with big band 4th chair parts this should rarely be an issue.
The tuning slides pull easily and the slide lock and water key work perfectly.
Mouthpiece pictured is a gold plated 4G Bach replica made by the German manufacturer Arnold & Son. This makes a comfortable switch from my regular 6½ Bach on tenor. For info George Roberts played on a slightly modified Bach 1½G mouthpiece.The George Roberts (GR2 model) threaded lead pipe was converted perfectly to a collar press fit for this horn by BrassArk (see photos below).
This modification represents a significant upgrade to the specifications of this instrument. After the photos below are some personal notes and observations on the YBL 3xx series
Updated 2 Aug 2024   davidsenior48@gmail.com

Yamaha YBL 321 bass trombone

 

Yamaha YBL 321 bass trombone

 

Yamaha YBL 321 bass trombone

 



The George Roberts (GR2) threaded lead pipe was converted to a collar press fit for this horn by BrassArk.

 

YBL 321 YBL 321

 Yamaha YBL 321  (c 1970) with Rose Brass bell - Bass trombone Bb/F

Some notes and observations on the YBL 321  davidsenior48@gmail.comGetting exact specifications of some earlier Yamaha models is difficult. They seemed to have marketed variations of different models in different parts of the world and some designs were upgraded, renamed and so on. This YBL 321 has a rose brass bell and brass outers with nickel brace but there are other combinations out there.
Research also shows that Yamaha once described the single rotor bass trombones as 'intermediate' which is actually something of a misnomer. In my opinion the 'intermediate' tag does not refer to the quality of the build. Rather, it refers to the fact that the YBL 3xx series, which is indeed a true bass trombone but has only one rotor instead of two. In this respect it was possibly regarded as being more suitable for students (of bass trombone) before stepping up to a double rotor horn. Moreover, just to confuse the issue, Yamaha refer to 'Standard' as opposed to 'intermediate' in more recent, literature. What's in a word?
It is also interesting to note that the price difference between the 3xx and 6xx ranges (with reference to some 1970/80's Giardinelli catalogues etc) has always been relatively small and not consistent with the usual relative difference between prices of student and pro horns. Even today the current discounted new price of a regular YBL 421 is €2129 (Thomann) compared with around €2500 for the regular YBL 620. This can be easily checked via various online retailers.
It is generally well known that the YBL 32x series was designed along the lines of the then recently discontinued Conn 72H at a time when the single rotor bass trombone was still very much the norm. Today the 72H is still one of the most respected pro vintage models and sought by connoisseurs. Presumably Yamaha were filling a gap in the market and must have succeeded considering the fact that they still produce it to this day, albeit upgraded to YBL 421. Comparable single rotor instruments include Bach 50b, Holton TR 185, and the Olds P-22 (George Roberts model).
Interesting to note, the double rotor bass trombone as we know it today was only first developed and introduced around 1962. Before that, single rotor models were the norm and one of the most influential bass trombonists ever, George Roberts, only played single rotor horns throughout his career.

Return to Dave Senior's Jazz Pages