Modifying the Trigger system on a Yamaha 612 bass trombone

TheFilthOfFrank · by **TheFilthOfFrank** » 2022-07-29 11:10 p.m.

Is it possible to order parts from the modern trigger system on a Yamaha 620? Namely the Gb arm and linkage. I wouldn't think it would be too difficult to make it work.

DougHulme · by **DougHulme** » 2022-07-30 4:36 a.m.

I had the same thought but found some difficulty getting the parts, so in the end I asked Mick Rath to do it for me, which he did very succesfully using his own parts.

Matt_K · by **Matt_K** » 2022-07-30 4:52 a.m.

Yeah, the linkage parts took forever for me to get from Yamaha on my current bass. But I do have them and I do like them. They're also on the pricier side from what I've been told.

Crazy4Tbone86 · 2022-07-30 6:45 p.m.

This model can be reconfigured (split) with numerous valve lever systems. The last one I did about 3 years ago was fitted with Bach parts (both levers). If I were to do another, I might try Getzen/Edwards levers this time around.

No matter what levers are used, there will probably need to be some bending and customization. There are a few techs that fabricate ALL of the parts from scratch……lever saddles and everything. That’s too much work for me!

DougHulme · by **DougHulme** » 2022-07-31 3:47 a.m.

Brian - thats absolutely right but I think the point the OP was making, and I thought the same thing, was that the Yamaha trigger on the later 620GE will fit without any modification just a solder job for the bottom saddle - but I never got the parts to prove that theory!... Doug

Crazy4Tbone86 · by **Crazy4Tbone86** » 2022-07-31 10:21 a.m.

Got it Doug! But would a trombone player really want to keep the original F lever? Well, I guess some would.

TheFilthOfFrank · by **TheFilthOfFrank** » 2022-07-31 10:54 a.m.

[quote="Crazy4Tbone86"]Got it Doug! But would a trombone player really want to keep the original F lever? Well, I guess some would.[/quote]
I actually like the original F lever. It's going from F to D which is the problem.

greenbean · by **greenbean** » 2022-07-31 11:35 a.m.

I kept the F lever on my 612. The ergonomics were perfect! And I had a tech fabricate a second lever.

(I loved that horn. Why did I sell it, anyway?... :o )

DougHulme · by **DougHulme** » 2022-07-31 12:06 p.m.

How many times do we sell a horn that we end up wishing we hadnt!! - Doug

imsevimse · by **imsevimse** » 2022-07-31 12:13 p.m.

[quote="DougHulme"]How many times do we sell a horn that we end up wishing we hadnt!! - Doug[/quote]

It seems to be quite often I've read many times here "I regret selling THAT horn". I never sell, I only buy :good:

Haven't said it once!!!

/Tom

Crazy4Tbone86 · by **Crazy4Tbone86** » 2022-07-31 2:47 p.m.

[quote="greenbean"]I kept the F lever on my 612. The ergonomics were perfect! And I had a tech fabricate a second lever.[/quote]

I have never had luck with the “under the thumb” levers……I always accidentally partially engage the lever on those. I need to remember that there are many players that prefer those.

tbonesullivan · by **tbonesullivan** » 2022-07-31 7:25 p.m.

I really am big fan of the Yamaha Bass split trigger set up. Its perfect for a "Yeo grip' like I use when playing.

Now if only it was easier to get that special pad that they put on the F-trigger, which makes it just a bit more comfy and secure.

brassmedic · by **brassmedic** » 2022-08-01 3:11 a.m.

[quote="tbonesullivan"]I really am big fan of the Yamaha Bass split trigger set up. Its perfect for a "Yeo grip' like I use when playing.
[/quote]
Oh, that explains why Yamaha finger levers are so weird. I tried that grip and it was horrible for me. Standard grip is excellent. Different strokes for different folks, I guess.

tbonesullivan · by **tbonesullivan** » 2022-08-01 10:28 a.m.

[quote="brassmedic"]Oh, that explains why Yamaha finger levers are so weird. I tried that grip and it was horrible for me. Standard grip is excellent. Different strokes for different folks, I guess.[/quote] I like the design, though it doesn't work for short fingers. If you like a traditional grip, you can move the paddle forward, and if you want to use a "yeo" grip move it back. Also if I'm playing something where I'm not going to be using the paddle on my dependent horn, I can just switch grips and it's out of the way.

brassmedic · by **brassmedic** » 2022-08-01 12:49 p.m.

[quote="tbonesullivan"]<QUOTE author="brassmedic" post_id="184955" time="1659337880" user_id="4102">Oh, that explains why Yamaha finger levers are so weird. I tried that grip and it was horrible for me. Standard grip is excellent. Different strokes for different folks, I guess.[/quote] I like the design, though it doesn't work for short fingers. If you like a traditional grip, you can move the paddle forward, and if you want to use a "yeo" grip move it back. Also if I'm playing something where I'm not going to be using the paddle on my dependent horn, I can just switch grips and it's out of the way.
</QUOTE>
It's not how far forward the paddle is; it's the fact that the lever runs straight along the lower slide tube. Other brands have the lever running diagonally up in the direction of the upper side tube so you don't smash your ring finger, which is wrapped around the lower slide tube in a traditional grip.

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Modifying the Trigger system on a Yamaha 612 bass trombone