Posted by Joe S. on August 13, 2001 at 21:41:05:
In Reply to: Yamaha vs. Besson posted by Tom on August 13, 2001 at 21:20:27:
Most of the pricier toneaphoniums have the fourth valve "over there". There is a cheap but exisite 4V euphonium that is a clone of your Yamaha - made by the Brazilian company, Weril.
The Weril mouthpipe (larger, and requires a large shank mouthpiece) is the only real bore difference between the Yamaha 321 and the very close clone made by Weril.
D.E.G. Music in Wisconsin is the wholesale distributor for Weril in America and any D.E.G. dealer (music store) that has a good brass repair person could order the 'pipe for you (with receiver) and install it on your Yamaha 321. If you like it, keep it. If not, switch back. I'm trying to imply that perhaps the Weril mouthpipe, along with a nice deep-cupped large shank mouthpiece (51D, 52E2, Bowman model, 4AL, etc.), might sweeten up the sound of your Yamaha 321 and then you wouldn't have to poke the fourth valve with your left hand (ala Besson et al) in order to enjoy a richer sound quality.