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Anyone have experience on both of these horns? I have a lot of experience on the 641 and 642, but have not had a chance to try the new(er) Neo. Curious what others think, as I'm getting "the itch."

I think the neo is better.

But, and I have to say this before someone spends that kind of money on a euphonium...

Have you test played an adams? If not, don't buy anything until you do

I owned a 642 for about 10 years and replaced it with a Neo a couple of years ago. I found that the 642 blew a little easier in the low range. The Neo offers a little more resistance, it slots better for me (e.g. G above the staff), and has a sweeter sound to my ears. Given a choice I between the two I would go with the Neo if you're keen on sticking with Yamaha. I sold my 642 to a local college student for what I paid for it ($3500) and picked up the Neo on Ebay hours later(demo, not a scratch on it) for around $3200.

Arul

The "Neo" horns are generally better, as they are versions that have been tweaked, usually with a lot of input from professionals.

...so one is - well - newer, and has eyes on it...yes?

To me, they are two very distinct instruments. In fact, I'm not sure why Yamaha gave the Neo a 642 designation.

I find the Neo (my current horn) to be more responsive and even through the registers with a nicer sound and
less-sucky ergonomics. The old 642 always struck me as a "neutral" instrument--no great faults, no great strengths.
I play the Neo in the Indianapolis Brass Choir and Indiana Wind Symphony, and used it for my last solo with the IWS--
Robin Dewhurst's PANACHE.

On the Neo, the high B and D will take some effort. I use 3 for B and D depends upon the degree of stuffiness in
my right sinus--usually 1&2 if rainy and muggy or open if clear and cool. The C is best for me with 4....or some-
times 1, depending on context.

One thing *I* find about the Neo is that it's rather sensitive to the mouthpiece being used. I wound up buying a
Wedge mouthpiece, since it was designed by the same guy who had major input into the Neo. I use it but some-
times switch to an SM 3.5 or a Wick 4.

I'll be happy to answer any other questions you may have. I've played Sovereign, Willson, Miraphone, Yamaha, and
Mack Brass--I think I've bought my last horn

YMMV!