Model Review
Yamaha 667 Review
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Editor Review
Yamaha 667
Pros
Easy to play with well slotted notes
Same layout as today's popular custom horns
Good value for the money
Cons
Can run a bit sharp
Tone has less complexity than some other horns
Summary
The Yamaha 667 has grown in popularity over the last 20 years, owning to its consistent quality and Geyer-style design that's becoming more widely used in American orchestras. A custom-made variant, the 667V with a modified Bb slide similar to the intermediate 567 model, is used by many professionals today. Priced about 40% lower than the "V" version, the 667 will suit most everyday players just fine. Its ease of playing and focused sound make it a top choice in both chamber and lighter orchestral settings. The tone quality is on the brighter side, which makes this horn a contrast to the larger, dark Conn 8D and Yamaha 668II sound. Because of the smaller wrap, the 667 only comes in yellow brass which helps to counter the bright tone the smaller bell produces. Note that some players find the yellow brass bell dents too easily. If you are switching from a more sturdy nickel silver horn, be gentle.
Because of its strong reputation in the professional world, a used Yamaha 667 will hold its value well -- better than a comparably priced new Holton or Conn. And thanks to Yamaha's exacting manufacturing methods, you can expect this horn to last a long time with proper care. Some owners claim this horn doesn't project as well especially at loud volumes with an orchestra. The Berlin Phil horn section switched to the Yamaha 667 in the late 1980s for a few years, then switched back to Alexander 103s. They felt the 667 sounds great close up, but not far out in the concert hall. But keep in mind that the "loud" horns tend to be heavier and a bit less flexible. And what's needed in a large professional orchestra may be different than most playing situations. Intonation on the 667 is strong, however players transitioning from larger horns such as a Conn 8D may find it plays sharp. It may simply take a little adjustment to find the horn's center, which is well in tune with itself. Overall, the 667 is one of the best Geyer-style horns you get get for your money.
UPDATE: As of March 2016, the 667 and 667V horns are discontinued by Yamaha. They have been replaced with 671 (pro) and 871 (custom) models. Read our review featuring the new models.
Also consider: If the 667 or 671 is out of your price range, check out Yamaha's intermediate version, the 567. Players looking in the same price range may also consider the Conn 10DE or Conn 11DE.
Player Reviews
9 published reviews
- 4.5
Untitled review
We used to play this horn back in the day. It was awesome fun to beat out all those non music majors. Those are our competitors. Only music degrees make musicians, and play that yamaha horn and you can reach incredible heights in your Maine little gigs and still subbing as sixty something. it is really cool bros. Stay thirsty and get that music degree!
Was this review helpful? - 4.8
Pretty Nice horn.
smooth bold decently warm tone in my opinion and is very much worth the price.
Was this review helpful? - 3.9
Question coming from Conn 8D
I picked up 667 based on recommendation and was wondering why it was so sharp for me until I read this review which mentions this. Is there another article which might provide insight on what exactly to adjust to find the horn's center. I'm also finding it sounding a little bright. It's a 667D. I play in a group with others that play 667 and the wrap is slightly different. They asked if mine was D or E. It's used serial in 3700 range. I can't find a serial lookup or any way to date the horn. I'd appreciate any help. Thanks!
Was this review helpful? - 5.0
Perfect
This horn has a great tone and plays well. I do not regret buying this horn. I love it!
Was this review helpful? - 4.9
Resonant Sound
I play a 667 modified by Wes Hatch, and it is a really solid horn. The sound has a strong core, and it doesn't take much to have the sound resonate. The horn really zings when you put some air through it! You don't need a lot of effort to play this horn, and I find it easy to make a good sound especially at quiet dynamics.
Was this review helpful? - 5.0
Love it!
Recently just bought the Yamaha 671 and I’m loving it! Easy to play and responds well. No regrets!
Was this review helpful? - 4.8
WOW
I recently purchased a new 671 for college. This thing play like a dream and sounds phenomenal.
Was this review helpful? - 4.9
Inaccuracies in Review
-----Editor note: Review has since been updated for accuracy----- The 667V is not the custom-made twin of this horn. The 667 was introduced in the 1980s, long before the 667V. If anything, the 667V is a custom version of the 567 (the horn pictured at the top of this review is the 567/667V, you will notice the difference in the 1st valve B flat slide from the 667). I am not aware of a gold brass version of the 667 being sold anymore. The true custom version of this horn, the 867, was available in gold brass, but it is long out of production. It is true that this horn does not project quite as well as some other horns, but it is not necessarily true that it has a bright sound. It actually blends quite well with larger-belled horns, assuming it is played by someone competent.
Was this review helpful? - 4.0
Almost perfect
This horn is a beauty and has served me well on many occasions. Coming from a larger horn, it took a little getting used to at first. I had to change my mouthpiece and style a bit. If you play in a section of 8D horns you may feel a little "inferior" but don't let that stop you. This horn reaches the audience just fine thank you, even though the 8D sounds bigger. Overall I'm very happy with my choice, and as a smaller player, this horn has been a godsend.
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