This is the model that made professional players take notice of Yamaha worldwide. The 861 was part of their trio of custom horns (the 862- Kruspe, and the 863 - Schmidt model) were the first custom series by Yamaha and their combination of fabulous craftsmanship and ease of playing made them extremely popular. I played an 861 for many decades and absolutely loved it.
This one has fabulous compression (1.1). The horn is made of unlacquered yellow brass and the horn was converted to a detachable bell using an Alexander/Lawson ring (MUCH better than the original Yamaha ring). There are some thin spots on the horn that could benefit from a guard, and there is evidence of soldering here and there. A Clebsch strap has been added (thus the removal of the pinky hook).
These horns are noted for being extremely free blowing. They were SO desired that Yamaha resurrected them in their newest models the 871 and the 671.
This horn is intentionally priced lower due to the need for minor work here and there.
NO case included.
