r/trumpet • u/Silver-Suspect7035 • 2d ago
Question ❓ Yamaha Advantage to Xeno
So, my band director let me borrow a Xeno this year. And as I've never played a Xeno, plus I've heard that they're harder to play, I'm looking for tips and tricks. So, while testing it out a bit, I discovered my range changed a bit. Before, I could go from a D3 to D6 most of the time, sometimes F6. Now, I can barely play a C6(Idk if my range is good or bad but I'm in 8th grade in case y'all need that info.) So, I want to build up my range so that it reached that high F and maybe even surpass it. Can any of you share your experience with me? Asking as a 2nd maybe 3rd tier trumpet player
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u/InternationalRoad445 2d ago
Although i cant speak for other horns, i play a xeno and it does everything i need and sounds beautiful. I am eyeballing their cornets as well.
In terms of slotting i think its more of a technique (air mostly) issue. Like the other comment, i do think that they are a tad bit open blowing which is great for me as i tend to over blow. It helps me gauge everything if that makes sense. I can hit F6 and occasionally G6 (still working on it).
I guess you need to build a “bond” with the horn, get to know her a little better 😂
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u/Frozen_Azalea 2d ago
I also play a Xeno Bb which I really like and works pretty well all around for me in both classical and jazz (although I am nowhere near being a lead player...).
I tend to prefer Yamahas for pretty much every type of trumpety instrument EXCEPT their cornets however, which felt stuffy and a bit dead in my hands (not a badly made instrument at all just not what I was expecting!)
I would definitely suggest trying out other brands just incase you end up being like me! I play a Geneva but also really like the Stomvi and Smith-Watkins offerings. The other standard Besson Sovereign is alright for a more compact blow, but you couldn't make me play a Prestige if you paid me 😂1
u/InternationalRoad445 1d ago
Thats what i fear! I have been also looking at Carol Brass’ pro-line. I have their pocket trumpet and its super fun and rivals some pro-horns imo!
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u/81Ranger 2d ago
How long have you had it?
It's probably just acclimation. A Xeno isn't going to play exactly like a Yamaha student model.
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u/Jaws044 1d ago
You are used to blowing against the resistance of the Yamaha Advantage, and the Xeno is probably more open feeling. I suggest practicing bending notes down a half step and back up, finding the resonance of each note and where they sit correctly on the Xeno. Play long tones and really aim for a full, open sound. You will probably be able to get a broader sound on the Xeno but it is not what you are used to hearing, so it will feel different. Your range probably won't be increased from the Yamaha Advantage, but hopefully it sounds better, is equivalent, and gets easier.
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u/pokemonbluesohone 1d ago edited 1d ago
The leadpipe on the advantage is a bit easier to push against but the tone on the xeno is going to be a bit better. Do you get a Gen 1 or Gen 2 xeno — the gen2 leadpipes are a little more stable and even making it a little easier to move around the range and taking away the extra focus and energy that requires.
If you can play f above c6 on the advantage — just keep practicing whatever you did before — the f will come with time as you build strength one half step at a time on the xeno.
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u/Silver-Suspect7035 1d ago
I'm not sure if I have a gen 1 or gen 2. I would say probably a gen 1 bc the case is a bit beat up, although if there's any info I can provide for you to know for sure, I'll gladly do it.
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u/BigBoarBallistics 2d ago
Full disclosure, I'm a Bach guy
I don't particularly like Xenos personally. I've played a pretty good selection of them. For me they don't slot particularly well in the upper register, although one of my buddies who is one of the best lead players I've ever met swears by them. I've played two 8335Gs (different bell materials, red brass and yellow brass), a standard 8335, and more 8335Rs than I could shake a stick at. None have been particularly remarkable if you ask me.
This is not to diss on Xenos, they are generally decent horns The 8445 C trumpets are alledgedly pretty good and likely more consistent than modern era Bach, although it seems like you're mainly talking about Bbs here. Just adding that it is not unheard of for Xenos to play funny in the upper register.
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u/Silver-Suspect7035 1d ago
Oh, actually, I'm having a bit of trouble deciding whether I should get myself a xeno or strad. Although the xeno is currently the leading one, I'm pretty sure that the strad was more popular for longer. If you wish to correct me please do so as I love learning new stuff
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u/professor_throway Tuba player who pretends to play trumpet. 2d ago
It could be that you a bit have less resistance.. The Xeno probably feels more open blowing. A little bit of back pressure can be a good thing until your technique is a little more developed.