Great horn!! Full sound when needed. Powerful in all registers. You can play delicate when needed. As versatile horn as I have ever played. Playing lead is a pleasure with this horn, simply sings to the top of my range. If you need a horn for every gig buy this horn. Only slight flaw I have is that the valves occasionally stick. Don't let that stop you!!

Playing lead trumpet for the 'Greatest show on Earth' is a VERY demanding job. I was perfectly content with my 6310Z and, much like Bobby Shew himself, was alittle skeptical when the word was out about Yamaha improving upon that popular lightweight horn. Well, they did it, and it's called the 8310Z!!!! It has made my job noticeably easier....and here's why: 1) The bigger bead on the bell, as well as moving the seam of the bell to the side, has made the sound BIGGER! You get nothing but pure sound at ALL dynamics and in ALL registers. 2)It's actually BRIGHTER,when you want it to be, than the 6310Z! Which is what I need to sit on top of the horn section! 3) It responds even QUICKER than the 6310Z! This is really nice 'cause you don't have to step on the gas at all for it to take off......it just goes like a fine-tuned sports car!!!! INSTANT SOUND! 4) The upper register 'holds together better' and won't break-up on you. I guess you could say that it's a more focused feel up top--you feel more 'secure.' There may be a slight adjustment period if your coming off the 6310Z, but not much. And for those of you coming off a larger horn, just lay-back on it and let the horn do the work. As we all know, it's about making trumpet playing easier, and once you play the new 8310Z, you too will believe!

I purchased this 8310Z several months ago from WW&BW as a second horn to my Schilke B1. I got a great price from WW&BW. The fit and finish of this trumpet is excellent. I played this trumpet in brass quintet, concert band, big band and gospel music. The trumpet sounds very warm, but can also brighten up when needed. It is not as brilliant sounding as the Schilke. The 8310Z blows freely and is very easy to play. The 8310Z has a big sound and the light weight gives it flexibilty when playing quiet. It slots well and the intonation is very good. I have decided not to go back to the Schilke B1 as I prefer the sound of the 8310Z. I play tested the silver 8310Z first, but the laquer finish gets a better sound and I recommend the laquer model.

Had been playing the YTR 6335HS for about ten years, until about 6 months ago when I tried the "Z"...WOW!!! Well needless-to-say I finally purchased the 8310ZS about 2 months ago. Adjustment period you ask?...Absolutely! The "Z" is so free blowing that it actually took me at least 2 weeks before I stopped overblowing and begin to learn how just to lay back/relax and let the "Z" do the work. The sound is full and rich in the low and mid registers, even with my Marcinkiewicz E9 mouth piece on it. Not to mention how it brightens up and takes command once I step on the gas without breaking-up in the high register. I am in love with the "Z".

I bought one of these a few months ago while looking for a new flugel. I have never liked Yamahas and was very sceptical, but after just one note I knew that I'd found something that fit me. It is so versatile!!! I can go from playing bright, ultrastrong lead in a big band to a flowing, dark jazz solo to any chair in a concert band or orchestra to the Hindemith Sonata to Raphael Mendez to a musical theatre gig. It handles everything with great flexibility and gives the player the freedom to play from the heart and not the lungs or whatever. If you're looking for a new horn, definately try one out!!!

I recently purchased this horn from my local music store and what can I say, this horn is awesome. I noticed right away the tone difference between this and my old horn which was a Yamaha 232s. they don't make it anymore. I did not notice much improvement in my range but with the range that I have.(I've hit a double C but I am more comfortable at around high g) the tone is so much better and much more full like professional trumpet players you hear with the incredible tone, without blowing very hard at all. just like the other reviews said you have to back off and let the horn do the work. you won't regret giving this horn a try. also the case was very good. well padded. it is a propac case that will fit a flugelhorn on one side and the trumpet on the other(it's still a small case though) there would be no storage space at all if you have both in there though except for little slits in the center padding which are very small and not much would fit in there. which is no problem for me I only have my trumpet. without the flugelhorn in the case I can fit all of my mutes in there. I have a triple play mute which is a plunger and a straight that can combine to make a cup mute or play separately, and a Harmon mute. with room for valve oil tuning slide grease and the cleaning cloth that came with the horn. this horn is a great buy you won't go wrong buying it.

I just ditched my 6310ZS after I played this horn. I have been to several concerts and club dates where the players are playing the Z horns, and I also played one until I got an 8310. This is a much bigger sound than the 6310, but it is just as bright. I think that there is a little adjustment time, to be sure, but this horn is an improvement over the 6310, and I think it will only be a matter of time before you see them just as often as the 6310.

If you are looking for a trumpet that can give you a heavenly sound with minimal effort look no more...this is the trumpet for you. Quality and responsiveness of the valves are flawless as well as the finish and feel. It comes with a great looking case and the Bobby Shew Jazz Mouthpiece. One word of caution "DO NOT OVERLOOK THE MOUTHPIECE THAT THIS TRUMPET COMES WITH" It was custom made for the instrument... the fit and sound for me were perfect. I take this opportunity to thank Dan Seda of Music 123 for his professionalism in helping me choose an instrument that fit me perfect. Mil Gracias Hermano.

I purchased this horn after playing on another lightweight horn, a Strad Model 43, for many years, and I could immediately tell that I was going to buy it. It is extremely easy to play, even from the start,and it slots perfectly, though you can still throw it around when you want to. The sound, depending on the way you use your air, is very full, with a great even quality to it. The c-trumpet derived 5" bell offers great projection, and creates a big sound, which sounds excellent in classical and jazz. For lead work, this is your home. First of all the sound is big, so you can fill any room regardless of size, and the upper register is very clean (oh, and by the way, this trumpet can scream). So feel free to wale and leave smoke. It is also quite easy to play up there, but in some instances (it may be a mouthpiece issue), the horn is limited to a high F/G, but that is what Yamahas' are great for: Also, the horn is said to have a medium/large bore, but be prepared for something closer to a large bore, because it is very free-blowing.Although, with this horn, it is very possible that you will find you like the free-blowiness! Overall, great for classical, great for jazz (bigband, small group, and Maynard kind of stuff), and I am sure it would be great for lower orchestral parts as well. This is a great main horn!!!!

In a 30 year trumpet playing career I've played many trumpets. When I buy one I stick with it for many years. For the last 12 I've played exclusively on a Bach Strad. I thought nothing could match it until I hear about and played the 8310Z. What struck me immediately was the consistency throughout the range. There are certain notes you get to love playing 'cause they have a special sound - on this trumpet that clear attack is there on every note. The trumpet just loves to be played - as someone said, just tap it and it goes. Great cutting sound up high, but still with beautiful open tone when you choose. Try a GR Mouthpiece too. Enjoy. Danny.