Sound and playability Yamaha 891Z vs. XO 1634 RLT

[Brittipax]

Moin,
I'm playing an Yamaha 891Z and sometimes I'm not so happy with the sound. Now I'm thinking about buying an XO 1634 RLT. How would you compare them?
Maybe there are already posts about this, but since I've just joined the forum, I can't use the search until I've written 3 posts.
Thanks for recommendations

[sirisobhakya]

Try before you buy. That is the most important. And bring your current horn to compare also.

[RJMason]

Never played the red bell. I find that the 891Z can get a richer sound and projects more than the yellow bell XO, but is more temperamental. The XO requires less finesse to (generally) do what you want it to do.

[lmalewic]

Moin,
I'm playing an Yamaha 891Z and sometimes I'm not so happy with the sound. Now I'm thinking about buying an XO 1634 RLT. How would you compare them?
Maybe there are already posts about this, but since I've just joined the forum, I can't use the search until I've written 3 posts.
Thanks for recommendations

Before you decide to switch horns try one of the new Leadpipes from O'Malley Brass. They change the character of the horn in a positive direction and might be just want you need.

https://www.omalleyhorns.com/

[Trombonic]

I am a great fan of the 1634RLT and never looked back.. I played them all in 40 years plus with exception of Shires, Thein and Edwards.

[Brittipax]

Many thanks for your suggestions.
I had the opportunity to get a 2 year old XO 1634 RLT used for a reasonable price (1,440 €) with a 2 week return option. I bought it and compared the two at my leisure... Unfortunately my problem continues . They are both equally good. Both respond equally well. The XO is slightly better in depth. With the Yam 891, however, I have the possibility to create a little more presence in the sound, especially with the NY leadpipe. On the other hand, I prefer to play the 891 with the LA leadpipe, as the sound mixes a little better with other instruments in the ensemble. Long story short: I can't make up my mind. I'll keep both for now and keep trying them out, and over time it will become clear which one I'll sell again...

[Rusty]

Many thanks for your suggestions.
I had the opportunity to get a 2 year old XO 1634 RLT used for a reasonable price (1,440 €) with a 2 week return option. I bought it and compared the two at my leisure... Unfortunately my problem continues . They are both equally good. Both respond equally well. The XO is slightly better in depth. With the Yam 891, however, I have the possibility to create a little more presence in the sound, especially with the NY leadpipe. On the other hand, I prefer to play the 891 with the LA leadpipe, as the sound mixes a little better with other instruments in the ensemble. Long story short: I can't make up my mind. I'll keep both for now and keep trying them out, and over time it will become clear which one I'll sell again...

Wondering if you decided on keeping either horn? I got a chance to play a 1634 LT with yellow bell last week and was impressed. Less depth of sound than my Shires MD+, but felt easier to play.

[hyperbolica]

When I had an 891z, I found I liked the NY pipe more. I think most other owners also prefered NY. It was somewhat more open. The XO may be lighter, which could be positive or negative.

[WGWTR180]

When I sit in sections of trombonists and one is playing an XO or a Yamaha and others are playing Vintage 2Bs, 3Bs, or Conns the XO and Yamahas fall short in sound presence. They generally cannot keep up no matter how wonderful the player is. Just my observation.