TromboneChat

I didn't search too closely for this, but wondering if anyone can tell me more about how Yamaha used to stamp their horns. Specifically, was there a period where they didn't put "Yamaha, established whatever" on the bell? I seem to think there was based on older horns of theirs I played.

I also know they don't really "do" serial numbers, but do the numbers on the slide receivers correspond to anything? Like bell types or lots?

My Yamaha 682 simply had Yamaha and the tuning fork logo on the bell. Bought new in 1985.

kfey wrote: ↑Thu Jan 12, 2023 12:23 pmI also know they don't really "do" serial numbers, but do the numbers on the slide receivers correspond to anything? Like bell types or lots?

They definitely have serial numbers, however as far as I can tell they are just sequential within each particular model, so they aren't really helpful for dating a horn or finding out about it.

There's a serial number on the slide receiver of my Yamaha, conveniently placed in the spot most prone to scuffing from the tenon lock ring. It's not super legible.

For many years they had no marking on the bell at all. The original 613 bass trombone, for example, had a bare bell. All model information was in the slide and handslide receiver.

hornbuilder wrote: ↑Thu Jan 12, 2023 2:08 pm For many years they had no marking on the bell at all. The original 613 bass trombone, for example, had a bare bell. All model information was in the slide and handslide receiver.

Thanks for that info! Do you know what years they did this? Or perhaps when the started stamping them? Trying to date a 671.

I have a YSL-354 without the stamp on the bell. It is from late 70's or early 80's. Hard plastic case with two latches. It has the serial number on the slide receiver, bell section. 131xxx

adrielo19 wrote: ↑Fri Jan 13, 2023 2:57 pm I have a YSL-354 without the stamp on the bell. It is from late 70's or early 80's. Hard plastic case with two latches. It has the serial number on the slide receiver, bell section. 131xxx

I started playing in 1992 on a new YSL-354 with no bell engraving. My school had just about everyone starting on Yamahas. Within a few years after that, I noticed the younger students’ horns did have Yamaha stamped on the bell (also seemed to coincide with a change in the counterweight design on the student horns—tuning fork logo was removed. I have seen much older ones also with no tuning fork logo on the counterweight, but the “YAMAHA” font was a bit smaller on those).

According to the Yamaha Collector website https://www.yamahacollector.com/trombone, the 671 was first introduced around 1985, so if yours has no bell stamp, it's probably an earlier one from the late 80s or 90s.

My YSL-643 (early version with a lightweight nickel slide) also has no bell stamp. Brand name, model number, tuning fork logo and serial number are on the mouthpiece reciever.

I have contacted Yamaha a few times to get dates of manufacture. They were very helpful. It would be Yamaha USA.