[dontpanick]

Well, I finally made the big plunge and traded my beloved VII for a YTS-61 a few weeks ago! It's turned out to be one of the best choices I've made in a long time. For 2 horns of similar vintage and inspiration, they sure are different! I fully expected the ergonomic upside. 'Was a little concerned about deserting the 'sound' I got on my old axe, but I"m having a GREAT time learning the nuances of this one.

Has anyone here ever seen or heard of a 61 with nickle plated keys? 'Case that's what I've got! I was shocked when I was it. I got it from a reputable seller here on SOTW and was afraid he'd sent me a 21... he didn't. When I took it to my repair guy he was also incredulous at first... then fascinated.
Anyway, that's my 222 cents. I love my 'new' Yamaha and plan to have it for a long time. Any info on 61's with nickel plated keys is more than welcome...

 

[DougR]

There was one mentioned here a while back - I have not personally seen plated keywork on a 61 - but in the early 60s it was an occasional thing on hi-end horns.

Is it a Built-in-the-USA horn? (A at the end)

 

[Chris Peryagh]

I've seen a YAS-32 with nickel plated keys and fittings (and no, it definitely wasn't a YAS-23 or 25) - the owner bought it in France back in the '80s, and was the first YAS-32E (which was the model number stamped above the Eb keyguard) of this type that I'd seen.

The 32E that came on the market in the '90s had an all lacquered finish and the tilting Bb spatula.

 

[DougR]

Is it the horn mentioned in this thread?

 

[dontpanick]

That would indeed be the one. I kind of like the look now, but I'm still curious about it. I've found nothing on line referring to such a horn... and there's no A in the serial.

 

[DougR]

Are the posts plated, or just the moving parts?
And I suppose the second question would be - Are you absolutely certain that the plating is Nickel?

 

[dontpanick]

I'm not certain that the plating is nickel. But yes, both the rods and keys are plated-

 

[Hersch17]

It was a unique horn when I had it... DONTPANICK, you're right. It's a wonderfully alive horn isn't it.. The VII is super after a few hundred bucks at the shop and a new case.. I'm glad you like it.

 

[Honeyboy]

There was one mentioned here a while back - I have not personally seen plated keywork on a 61 - but in the early 60s it was an occasional thing on hi-end horns.

Is it a Built-in-the-USA horn? (A at the end)

I have a YTS 61 tenor I bought in the late 70's. It has an A after the 6 digit serial #. I was unaware that this meant America. Were these horns assembled in the US? It's got "Yamaha Japan" on it as well in black ink.
Oh, I just looked up the link above and saw your comments in that thread about Yamahas being assembled here. Nevermind!