Yamaha YAH-803S Neo Series Eb Alto (Tenor) Horn

I am selling this gem to give it a home where it will be more appreciated. I purchased this several years ago while helping to jump-start a fledgling Brass Band and needed to augment the French Horn Section in a credible way. My experiment using a Mellophone for that purpose was less than stellar. This horn worked wonderfully! I played it regularly for about 6-months in the Band and personal practice. It has a characteristic Alto Horn tone, plays consistently in tune, and is generally a joy to play. Immaculate condition! Yamaha SN 071431.

The Yamaha YAH-803S Neo Series Eb Alto (Tenor) Horn is a top-of-the-range, professional-grade brass instrument co-developed with renowned tenor horn soloist Sheona White. It is specifically optimized to provide the powerful core sound, accurate pitch, and rich resonance demanded by competitive brass bands.

Technical Specifications

The official measurements and layout provided by the Yamaha Corporation Specs include:

• Key: Eb
• Bore Size: 11.9mm (0.469")
• Bell Diameter: 210mm (8-1/4”)
• Bell Material: Yellow brass
• Body Finish: Silver-plated
• Valves: 3 Top-action Monel pistons
• Instrument Height: 521mm
• Included Accessories: Chason Mellophone 3-star mouthpiece, an AHC-803 lockable hard case, and a heavyweight 3rd-valve cap.

Key Design Features

• Enlarged Yellow Brass Bell: Features a broader taper and a diameter 5mm larger than previous models (like the YAH-602) to drastically increase dynamic range and projection.
• Heavy Valve Casing: Built with an intentionally heavier valve casing design. This added mass produces a more powerful, rich, and centered core timbre.
• Redesigned First Branch & Tuning Slide: The first branch features a revised taper that rectifies traditional pitch anomalies and enhances tone color. The main tuning slide uses a wider bow configuration to promote freer airflow and a more flexible feel.
• Upgraded Leadpipe & Mouthpiece Brace: Equipped with a redesigned leadpipe and a heavier mouthpiece receiver brace. This provides a comfortable level of playing resistance while reinforcing a thicker overall sound.