Horn Review

Yamaha 671 Review

Yamaha 671 French horn

HornReviews take

Yamaha 671 Review

4.6
Tone quality
4.0
Playability
4.5
Construction
5.0
Value for money
5.0

Pros

- Unbeatable build quality for a factory horn
- Fast, quiet valves
- Consistent from horn to horn

Cons

- Less complex sound than some handmade alternatives
- Cut-bell case options can be more limited
- Players wanting a richer custom build may also compare the 871

Summary

The Yamaha 671 is Yamaha's professional Geyer-style double horn, introduced as the successor to the older 667 line. It keeps the Yamaha strengths that players expect: clean construction, reliable intonation, fast valves, and a focused sound that is easier to live with than many less consistent factory horns.

Compared with the 667, the 671 was designed to project with more authority. Yamaha used a slightly heavier bell and thicker bell wire, which gives the horn more center and stability. Some players may miss a little of the color and nuance they associate with handmade horns, but the 671 makes a strong case for players who want a professional horn that responds predictably day after day.

One of the biggest reasons to consider the 671 is the valve feel. Yamaha valves tend to be quick and quiet, and players coming from older or less refined horns may notice that fast passages feel easier right away. If you choose a detachable-bell version, check the case situation before buying; Yamaha cut bells can sit taller than some common case designs expect.

The Yamaha 871 is the custom version in this family. It shares the same general direction but adds custom-shop construction details, including gold-brass inner tubes and a hollow fourth rotor.

Player rating

Played this horn? Add your take.

Your experience helps another player decide what is worth trying.

HornReviews 4.6
Players 4.7 2 reviews

Specs at a Glance

Type
Full double horn
Key
F/Bb
Design family
Geyer
Bell
Fixed or detachable
Bore
12 mm / .472 in
Materials
Yellow brass or gold brass
Linkage
String
Finish options
Lacquered
Made / assembled in
Japan
Production type
Factory-made
Availability
Current production; special order
Recent new price
About $6,195–$6,765

New and used prices vary by dealer, condition, setup, and repair history.

Player Reviews

2 owner/player reviews

  1. Horn is exquisite, like a fine wine

    Than Dihn - Feb 10, 2025

    4.5

    The horn is like the woods. Deep, dark, mysterious but tender like grandma's egg rolls. A loving embrace, the voice of the horn. THE soul of the symphonic orchestra. Thank you Yamaha for the horn, design and lovingly attention to details.

    Tone quality
    5.0
    Playability
    4.5
    Construction
    4.5
    Value for money
    4.0
    Helpful to another player?
  2. YHR 671

    Mike Robinson - Dec 17, 2023

    4.9

    I've had this horn for 3-4 months (today is 12/18/23) I got it from Pope horns in Boston... Ken de-laquered and cut the bell to a Alex/lawson ring.... this horn just gets better every day as I get used to it and matched a new mouthpiece... it is a solid horn, I played an 867 for over 25 years then a Patterson Knopf and had a Schmidt 1936... both of which I regrettably had to sell... but this 671 is comparable to both and I am loving it! I played a friends 871 and found not much difference between. the two .... the 671 gets a 5 out of 5 from me!!

    Tone quality
    5.0
    Playability
    4.5
    Construction
    5.0
    Value for money
    5.0
    Helpful to another player?

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