Yamaha Piccolo Trumpets
The topic of this article is specifically the Yamaha Piccolo Trumpet range across the years. Given that the performance of piccolo trumpet and it associated repertoire is generally reserved for professionals and advanced students, Yamaha's Piccolo Trumpets have always been produced as a top level instrument with all but one model being constructed as "Custom" series models. Whilst Yamaha trumpets first entered production in 1966, it wasn't until 1970 that the very top "Custom" series entered production. Up until now (2013) there have been essentially 4 generations of Yamaha "Custom" series Trumpets. They can be dated as follows:
Series 1: 1970-1975
Series 2: 1975-1981
Series 3: 1981-2009
Series 4: 2009-Current
In addition to the Custom series Piccolo Trumpets there is also one "Professional" series Piccolo Trumpet in the Yamaha range. This instrument first appeared in 1982 joining the Series 3 instruments as a more budget friendly option. Given the nearly thirty year longevity of the Series 3 range, there are several evolutionary changes that happened over that period. These relate to the position of the Yamaha logo and Custom engraving as well as smaller details.
1970-1975
Custom Range
The first series of “Custom” range trumpets were released in 1970, the same year as the Toyooka plant opened and full Yamaha Wind Instrument production started on a large scale. The new "Custom" series included 23 different trumpets, including at least one model of trumpet in every key. Focusing on the Piccolo Trumpet range here, it would seem that there were 4 models within the 1970-1975 range. Note that this initial range of Custom trumpets does NOT fit into the usual Yamaha system of model numbers where the 1st number indicates the “Custom” range, the 2nd number key, the 3rd bore etc. One difficulty found with in this range is that it appears Yamaha did NOT stamp the MODEL number onto some of these instruments, only their serial number. There are also discrepancies as to when Yamaha stamped the “Custom” logo onto the leadpipe or other locations. It would seem that the range was supplied in silver plate as standard, although a later “Custom” catalogue suggests that lacquer was available upon “special request”, I imagine that Gold plate would have also been available upon request too. With regard to the serial numbers, it seems these early model piccolos use their own series of 4 digit numbers.
In this 1st generation of piccolos the bore size was unified as a medium bore of 11.30mm or 0.445”. They all use the same “YK” Yamaha piccolo bell profile.
YTR-915 (Bb) 4 valves, Selmer Style, Straight 1st valve slide W-XX
YTR-916 (Bb) 3 valves?, Maybe only rotary bass trumpet
YTR-917 (Bb) 4 valves, straight bell
YTR-918 (C) 4 valves, Straight Long, Curved Leadpipe, "Tarr" Model,
W-XX
The first model, the YTR-915 is a 4 valve short model, styled after the Selmer short model piccolo trumpets. The 915 is characterised by its 1st valve slide being straight or parallel to the leadpipe. Similarly, the 4th valve slide is located on the left hand side of the instrument, differentiating it from the current “Professional” range model YTR-6810/S. This piccolo is reference in the catalogue marked as W-XX “Yamaha Custom Band Instruments” dating from the early 1970’s at in my initial post in this thread. The YTR-915 was replaced by the YTR-981 in 1975 when Yamaha’s 2nd generation of “Custom” trumpets were introduced.
(YTR-915)
The second model, the YTR-916 is a bit of a mystery. No reference to this instrument has been found other than on the initial Japanese model list that my current up to date list is based on. No reference has been found in any catalogues, eBay or 2nd hand sales. There does exist a YTR-916 which is a “Custom” rotary valve Bb Bass Trumpet of which only 4 or 5 were ever made. Could or would Yamaha use the same model number twice? My guess would be that this model is the precursor to the YTR-982/9820/9820C/9825 series of piccolos but I still need evidence of that.
(YTR-916)
?
The 3rd piccolo model of this range is the YTR-917. Again, the YTR-917 is currently a bit of a mystery. Like the YTR-916, no reference to this instrument has been found other than on the initial Japanese model list that my current up to date list is based on. No reference has been found in any catalogues, eBay or 2nd hand sales. The original Japanese list states that this model had 4 valves and was a “straight” model. It is my presumption that this trumpet is the Bb/A version of the YTR-918 model pitched in C. Later ranges seem to echo this combination of models.
(YTR-917)
?
The 4th and final Piccolo trumpet in the 1970-75 range is the YTR-918. Pitched in C only, this model is referenced in the catalogue marked as W-XX “Yamaha Custom Band Instruments” dating from the early 1970’s at in my initial post in this thread. This instrument can be identified by its “long” or “herald” style bell which exits from the 4th valve and its curved leadpipe which enters the instrument at the 1st valve. The leadpipe provides a clue to differentiating this model from the Bb/A models as it is significantly shorter than those. It is also thought that this model may have become known as the “Tarr” model after its use by Edward Tarr.
(YTR-918)
1975-1981
Custom Range
The second generation of Yamaha Piccolo Trumpets were released in 1975. At this point Yamaha renamed the models to align with their consistent model numbering system. The 9 indicates a model within the “Custom” range, the second number the key or pitch with 8 being high Bb/A and 9 being high C. The third number indicates the model or design within that model/key family. As with the 1st generation range it is unclear as to where and when the “Custom” logo was used and also as to whether a model number was ever stamped upon the instruments. These instruments are so uncommon that collecting enough samples to compile data on them is proving very slow and difficult. As with the 1st generation of piccolos, it would seem that the range was supplied in silver plate as standard, although a later “Custom” catalogue suggests that lacquer was available upon “special request”. These models seem to use a 5 digit serial number and also have a stamp to indicate the pitch and bore size.
YTR-981 (Bb/A) 4 valves, Extra Pipe included, Selmer Style, Angled 1st slide
YTR-982 (Bb/A) 4 valves, Extra Pipe included
YTR-983 (Bb/A) 4 valves, Long model, Straight Long, Curved Leadpipe,
YTR-991 (C) 4 valves, Long model, Straight Long, Curved Leadpipe,
In the 2nd generation range of piccolos the YTR-981 replaced the YTR-915. Very similar in appearance, in the “Selmer” style, the YTR-981 differed in its 1st valve slide. The 1st valve slide was no longer parallel to the instrument but rather stuck out at an angle. It would seem that Yamaha changed the bore size of this model down from the medium bore of the YTR-915 down to a small bore of 10.50mm or 0.413”. In all other areas these models appear to be similar.
(YTR-981)
The second model within the 2nd generation range is the YTR-982, replacing the YTR-916. All examples of this model found so far have the 3rd valve slide inverted with the slide ring on the bottom, so I will make the assumption that this was how the YTR-982 was supplied as standard. I’m not sure as to whether this model was a parallel to a model in the contemporary Schilke piccolo model range. The YTR-982 remained as a M 11.30mm (0.445”) bore and continued to use the same “YK” bell profile.
(YTR-982)
The third model in this range is the YTR-983, replacing the YTR-917. Again, pitched in Bb/A, it seems all other details stayed the same. Medium bore of 11.30mm (0.455”) and YK bell profile.
(YTR-983)
The last model in this generation of piccolos is the YTR-991, replacing the YTR-918. Like some of the earlier models, very little information about this model can be found. No examples or catalogue references have been found yet. It is assumed that all details remain the same as the previous model.
EDIT: By sheer co-incidence, I have discovered a friend actually owns a YTR-991. It has never been played whilst in his ownership and never leaves the cupboard. I'll post pictures as soon as I can get them off of him. This particular instrument may be for sale, please contact me if interested at yamahacollector@gmail.com
(YTR-991)
1981-2009
Custom Range
The 3rd generation of Yamaha Custom trumpets was introduced in 1981. They brought with them Yamahas new 4 digit model number system, preceding the rest of the ranges 1982 introduction. Serial numbers seem to change to a 6 digit version at this point. The full “Custom” range of trumpets can be seen in the catalogue W-77 “Yamaha – Custom Trumpets” in my initial post. This catalogue indicates the range was supplied in silver plate as standard, although lacquer was available upon “special request”. Japanese translations would suggest at this point the construction of the valve block changed as well as the bell construction method. From this point all piccolo models use a modified version of the piccolo bell profile referred to as “YK’.”
YTR-9810 (Bb/A) 4 valves, (1982-1992), Selmer style
YTR-9820 (Bb/A) 3 valves, (1982-1994) replaced by YTR-9820C
YTR-9820C(Bb/A) 3 valves (1994-2009) 4th rotary valve
YTR-9830 (Bb/A) 4 valves, (1982-2009) Schilke P5.4 style (3 versions)
YTR-9910 (C/Bb/A) 4 Valves, (1982 only) straight long model
The first model of the 3rd generation custom piccolos is the YTR-9810, replacing the YTR-981. Other than the upgrades listed above, all other specifications remain the same. The 1st valve slide remained pointing out at an angle. A lesser quality version of this model was released 1 year later in 1982 as the “Professional” range YTR-6810/S in both lacquer and silver plate. Whilst the YTR-6810 continues to be produced the Custom YTR-9810 ceased production in 1992.
(YTR-9810)
The second, 3rd generation model is the YTR-9820, replacing the YTR-982. By all accounts the specifications remained unchanged, other than those listed above. Records are unclear as to whether this model continued to be produced until 1994 and then was replaced by the YTR-9820C or whether both models were produced simultaneously. It is my personal assumption that the YTR-9820 was produced until 1994 when replaced by the similar YTR-9820C.
(YTR-9820)
In 1994 the YTR-9820 was replaced by the YTR-9820C. The original was a 3 piston valve model, whilst its replacement remained the same with 3 piston valves but the inclusion of a second 3rd valve slide with a rotary valve with an additional slide. Bore and bell appear to remain unchanged from the YTR-9820.
(YTR-9820C)
The third model in the 3rd generation range, was a completely new design. The YTR-9830 replaced the YTR-983 and took on a design mirroring the Schilke P5.4., breaking away from the earlier “long” or “herald” design. The bore remained as a medium bore at 11.30mm (0.445”) and the bell was the newly modified YK’ profile. During the life span of this YTR-9830 model, it appears there have been at least 3 variations of it, all identified by the position or lack of the “Yamaha” and “Custom” logo stamps. I will try and identify these and relevant dates/serials as I gather more data.
(YTR-9830)
The last model in the 3rd generation of “Custom” model piccolos is the YTR-9910. The YTR-9910 replaced the YTR-991 but was the final flowering of the piccolos pitched in high C for Yamaha. It was produced in limited numbers for one year only in 1982. The YTR-9910 was different from its earlier models in that the leadpipe was straight and featured a tuning leadpipe, rather than dropping down in a curve. It also differed in that it was supplied with bell adaptors to allow it to play in the keys of C. Bb and A, unlike the earlier one which were only pitched in C.
(YTR-9910)
\
Professional Range
1982-current
YTR-6810 (Bb/A) 4 valves, Selmer style
YTR-6810S (Bb/A)
Introduced in 1982, the YTR-6810 was a lower cost alternative to the YTR-9810. A Selmer style small bore piccolo available in lacquer or silver plate. The lower cost, overall playability and popularity most likely lead to the demise and discontinuation of the similar but more expensive YTR-9810. This model differs from its more expensive “Custom” cousins in that the 4th valve slide is located on the right hand side of the instrument and the 3rd is located on the left.
In tracing serial numbers and detailed pictures I have now found 3 distinct differences within the YTR-6810 range across the production time frame. These all are to do with the markings found on the mouthpipe and the bell engravings. I can not confirm dates for these changes so far.
1. Leadpipe marked "Yamaha, YTR-6810, Made In Japan"
2. Leadpipe marked "Yamaha, Made In Japan"
3. Leadpipe NO markings.
(YTR-6810S)
2009-current
Custom Range
The 4th generation of Yamaha Custom Piccolo trumpets were introduced in 2009. Developed and refined by brass technician Bob Malone and in collaboration with other major trumpet players around the world. The range features a new valve casing design mirroring those of the Xeno range. The bells appear to remain the same with the 4” YK’ bell profile of the previous generation.
YTR-9825 (Bb/A) Same as YTR-9820C with Bob Malone mods
YTR-9835 (Bb/A) Replaces YTR-9830 with Bob Malone mods
YTR-988 (Bb/A) 4 Valve rotary, Scherzer style
The YTR-9825 is a development of the YTR-9820/C range with 3 piston valves and a 4th rotary valve attached to the 3rd valve slide. It has a completely new design leadpipe and leadpipe assembly, making only a 90 degree curve and drop rather than the earlier full 180 degree bend. Developed in conjunction with John Hagstrom of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
(YTR-9825)
The YTR-9835 replaces the YTR-9830. It is still similar to the Schilke P5.4 but has an entirely new leadpipe design. Supplied with leadpipes for both trumpet and cornet shanks. It also features a ring for adjusting the 3rd valve slide. Developed in conjunction with David Washburn of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra.
(YTR-9835)
The YTR-988 is an entirely new model. The YTR-988 is Yamaha’s first complete rotary valve piccolo trumpet. Developed with Yamaha trumpet artists Jens Lindemann and Chris Martin. Lightweight with a yellow brass bell, it also has a small bore of 10.38mm or 0.409”. It also uses a slightly small bell diameter of 97.9mm or 3 15/16”
(YTR-988)
If anyone wants to supply me with photos of their Yamaha Piccolo trumpet, including model numbers, serial number and location stamped, and any other significant stamps or engravings as well as an overall left and right hand shot, I can be reached either at yamahacollector@gmail.com