The Yamaha YEP642II Neo Professional Euphonium Gold is one of Yamahas finest euphoniums. Every part of the instrument has been re-evaluated and redesigned by Yoshihiko Matsukuma – one of Yamahas leading tuba and euphonium designers. By working alongside numerous competitive brass bands throughout the UK and consulting with professional players Yamaha has created a euphonium that offers a broader softer sound whilst being even more comfortable to play. Design innovations include an overhaul of the main tubing shape balancing playing resistance and maintaining a powerful tone throughout the range of the instrument. A redesigned hand-rest and ergonomic improvements to the valve positionings ensure that this is a euphonium that is comfortable to play for long sittings. The YEP-642II is finished with a gorgeous clear lacquer subtly warming the tone and giving a timeless aesthetic. Neo euphonium series The Neo story began with requests from pro players to Yamaha asking for an instrument with a broader palette of sounds available – a euphonium with better expressive capabilities than what was currently available on the market. Yamaha tasked brass instrument designer Yoshihiko Matsukuma with developing a new line of euphoniums to meet these needs. He designed and built a collection of prototypes in Japan before travelling with them to the UK for a series of road tests in British brass bands. Matsukuma strived to balance tone and resistance and carefully walked a tightrope of making blowing resistance comfortable in all registers whilst keeping the tone from becoming too harsh. He also prioritised improving the accuracy of intonation and the smooth connection of notes. By working with competitive euphonium players at a variety of bands and standards Yamaha has ensured that the Neo series suits the need of real performers. Guided by players The Neo euphonium is intended to deliver the perfect sound for British brass band settings. In the research and development phase Yamaha consulted Steven Walsh who is Principal Euphonium of the Brighouse and Rastrick Band; and Bill Millar who is now a professor at the University of Salford and has been playing euphonium at the top level since the late 1970s. Their insights and feedback were invaluable in shaping the tone and performance of what became the YEP-642II. Yamaha also sought the advice and feedback of many amateur brass band players in the UK. This was to see the way normal brass band euphonium players responded to the instrument so as to create an instrument which met the needs of ordinary players. By doing this Yamaha have managed to create a euphonium with great easy intonation and a tone which blends perfectly with brass ensembles. New features In order to increase comfort the hand-rest position has been ergonomically adjusted. This allows for a much more natural hold on the instrument and simplifies fingering making faster passages much more comfortable and fluid to play. The instruments main tube utilises a new design which encourages a more even resistance and helps to deliver a more powerful low range. A large-diameter bell improves dynamic range and projection allowing for more expressive playing. Included accessories The YEP-642II comes included with a Yamaha SL-51L mouthpiece and a euphonium hard-shelled case. This excellent quality mouthpiece offers fantastic precision with a smooth attack great control and a vast crisp tone. The large cup volume and inner rim diameter offers a dark timbre perfect for brass ensembles. The case is designed to keep your instrument safe from knocks and scrapes and will ensure your euphonium looks and plays like new for years to come. Yamaha 5 Year Extended Warranty As a premium brand Yamaha are proud to offer a free five-year extended warranty when the purchase of your instrument is registered within six months of purchase. Please visit the Yamaha website for the full terms and conditions and to register your warranty. 3 Months Free Tomplay Premium Subscription When you register your instrument you can get a three-month premium subscription to Tomplay where you can access over 40000 scores with backing tracks. You are able to filter by musical style composer difficulty and accompaniment type and interact with the scores. The pieces are all recorded by professional musicians and you can control the tempo and even record yourself playing. If you wish you can also print and annotate your score and create loops to focus on those more difficult passages. For more information please see the Yamaha/Tomplay website. Specifications Key: Bb Body: Yellow brass Bell diameter: 300mm (11 4/5″) Bore size: 15-16.8mm (0.591-0.661″) Height: 664mm Valves: Three top + one side compensating Finish: Clear lacquer Accessories: Yamaha SL-51L mouthpiece and instrument case