TromboneChat

I will shortly be taking delivery of a new John Packer JP233 Bb/F bass trombone. For the last six months I’ve been playing a Yamaha YBL421GE bass trombone and wonder would anyone care to comment if I’m making a wise move. The Yamaha is 20 yrs old but in lovely condition.

The Yamaha is the better horn. Better resale value. Better history of quality craftsmanship. I think the Yamaha sounds better.

Why did you buy the John Packer in the first place? Just looking for something new? Was the Yamaha a loaner? Did it need slide work?

I would rather buy a Used Yamaha YBL421 that needed a slide job vs a JP in brand new condition.

The JP line I feel is marketed towards high school students moving up from a student straight horn, but would rather spend money on new and shiny vs lacquer loss on a used 20 year old 88H or 42B.

Keep the YBL 421 and send the JP 233 back, if you can. Save the money, save even more in the month to come, and wait for a nice two valve used bass bone to appear on the market. Which you then can buy.

Getting the message. I’m not financially committed yet so options still open. I have Packer tubas and had a tenor trom too I’m quite a fan. Thanks for the comments

They are not bad horns but still more 'studenty' than 'step up'. The Yamaha is very much a superior option. In the world of single valve basses you will not find a better horn without going custom or boutique... Doug

Thanks for that Doug maybe keep both

I find you can never have too many horns!!!

I'd definitely take the Yammie over the JP. Huge step up in quality!

And a 20 year old horn is only now just finally nice and broken in! It's properly seasoned.