Yamaha 59 question

[UnserMannInK]

Hi!

I have recently acquired a silver-plated mid-70s Yamaha YBL-321 bass that came with a size 57 mouthpiece (which is a little on the small side). I do have a Bach 1 1/2 G clone which kind of works, but it doesn't feel securely seated in the receiver.

In several threads here I saw that the Yamaha 59 size is a very good fit for the horn, and I have found someone who has two of them on offer. A size 59 that looks vintage (the Schilke blank?), and a 59L that looks like the current model (Bach-Style?).

A fellow trombonist from my big band told me that he specifically plays a vintage Yamaha mouthpiece because it is less heavy.

My question is: Does anyone here have experience with the old/new 59 size models? My line of thought was that I should pair a vintage horn with a vintage mouthpiece for consistencies sake, but that might well be completely wrong. Or does it simply not matter?

I've attached photos of both mouthpieces for reference.

Thanks in advance!

Leo

[sirisobhakya]

I have the new 59L-GP. It came with my 830. A good starter, 1 1/2 G size. But I have yet too try the old 59.

If anything, I would recommend using the current one, so that in case of loss or damage you can replace it right away easily. Vintage horn does not have to be paired with vintage mouthpiece. And if you really want something “lighter” there are many other choices out there that are easier to find than the old 59.

[UnserMannInK]

Thanks! I didn’t think about the replacement problem if it gets lost, that’s a valid point.

Over the weekend I‘ve played a loaned Schilke 59 (which is even bigger) that I liked a lot - but of course that tells me nothing about the Yamaha ones.

Tomorrow I’ll consult my son‘s teacher, who is a euphonium player, probably then I’ll know more.

[wayne88ny]

I played the older Yamaha 59 for a long time. I started with a Bach 1 1/2G, went to a Schilke 58, and then the Yamaha 59. The rim diameter is similar on all three mouthpiece. The Yamaha 59 played the trigger range better with no sacrifice in the middle and upper range.

[tbonesullivan]

I can't answer much about the "old" style 59, but the current one is a great mouthpiece, like a bach 1 1/2G, but just a bit wider and more open in the throat and backbore. It works great with a lot of horns.

[walldaja]

Used my 59 today because I needed a solid Ab. It is a very efficient mp to me in a Yamaha 421G. Solid down to low F.

[Burgerbob]

The modern one is great, don't worry about an old one being "better."