Yamaha 421g Parts Compatibility

[Trombola2112]

I have a Yamaha 421g bass that a bit nose heavy and are currently trying some grip aids to combat that. If that doesn't work I was thinking about add a counterweight, but the tuning slide has no cross brace. Are any of the other bass models with a cross brace on the tuning slide able to swap in. Trying to avoid modifying the part itself if I can.

Also, is there a nickel silver main slide crook that would a relatively easy modification?

[Matt K]

I wouldn't personally worry about modifying the tuning slide. The cost to get a new, or even pre-owned part, it going to almost certainly outstrip the cost of two solder points and the cost of the counterweight plus a nickel crossbrace. And even if you found one "compatible" it's not unusual for a tech to need to make an adjustment to make such parts fit together cleanly.

Similarly, for your slide, you're going to have to have someone adjust the crossbraces and clean/align the slide one way or the other, so I wouldn't worry too much about compatibility beyond getting something appropriately bass-sized. Yamaha actually sells parts to the general public from their site, but the myriad places like M&K or Brass Ark that sells crooks should be fine as well.

[tbonesullivan]

If anyone knows, sirisobhakya would, an has told me that the 412G tuning slide is compatible with the 830 / 613H. He's very knowledgeable on how tuning slides can be swapped around between various Yamaha horns. They rarely redesign something if they already have something that works. I will say however that the tuning slides with braces are far more expensive. On the US 24x7 website, the tuning slide for an 830, which should fit, is $250.10. One without a brace would be less than half as expensive.

However, if you are having balance issues, most likely just having a counter weight and/or cross brace added to the tuning slide could definitely help. Just be aware that it will most likely change how the horn responds.

[AtomicClock]

Is it very badly nose heavy, or just a little? Something like the Instrument Innovations "satellite" could probably clamp onto an existing valve brace. It wouldn't be as far from your fulcrum so the counterbalance effect wouldn't be as strong. But maybe strong enough?

[Trombola2112]

However, if you are having balance issues, most likely just having a counter weight and/or cross brace added to the tuning slide could definitely help. Just be aware that it will most likely change how the horn responds.

How might it change? I have some idea of how material type changes, but not so much about adding weight and braces. I'd assume it would change the blow since it's changing how it resonates.

[tbonesullivan]

How might it change? I have some idea of how material type changes, but not so much about adding weight and braces. I'd assume it would change the blow since it's changing how it resonates.

It might make it play a bit more compact feeling from the cross brace, as additional bracing often does. The weight can do that as well.