Yamaha 8310Z Trumpet
The Yamaha 8310Z trumpet is an updated version of the 6310Z trumpet, designed for Bobby Shew, one of the world’s greatest lead and jazz trumpet players. Bobby wanted a horn that was easy to play, with a sound that cut through when playing lead with a big band yet was mellow enough to play in a jazz quartet. The result was a lightweight trumpet with a stepped bore that starts small (.445”) and expands. The 6310Z is a very efficient horn that has garnered a lot of fans.
The 8310Z retains all the desirable qualities of its predecessor, yet markedly improves the sound and the feel. A new bell-making process was developed by Shunichi Niwata and other Japanese engineers, then refined to final specifications in conjunction with Bob Malone and John Hagstrom during the ‘Chicago C’ project. The seam has been moved to the side, the wall thickness tapers towards the flare, and the small bell bead is rounded on one side and flat on the other. Several elements of the new 8310Z are borrowed from the Xeno series, including leadpipe, braces, water keys and valve caps. While retaining the stepped-bore and the efficient, responsive characteristics of the 6310Z, the 8310Z feels more open and easier to blow. The notes slot solidly yet there is a surprising amount of latitude, the horn doesn’t fight you. The tone is rich and full with a solid core; it projects better and is easier to hear in the section.
The 8310Z is another winner from Yamaha!