I graduated high school in 1996, and entered college as a music major. A gift from my grandmother, after searching and trying all of the best at the time, I settled on a Yanagisawa A990. I simply love my sax. Combined with the sentimental value attached to it now, I'll never part with it. There's nothing that fits my hands better and just knowing that it was hand made and not pumped out of a production line helps me wrap my mind around it's warm and full sound. Combined with a Meyer mouthpiece, I can't ask for much more.
My brother and I also have this model, mine in silver, his in gold. I just bought mine 2nd hand and indeed it cost me as much as a new competitive instrument, however, it's a Selmer, you know.
I’m glad I didn’t have to scroll the comments section too far before someone gave the Super Action 80’s Series II a very deserving shout out. I bought mine brand new for a little over 4K I believe, not to mention that was nearly 3 decades ago so I’m very curious in finding out how well they have held there price. Being such a staple in the industry similar to the mark 6s and 7s. I am enthusiastically Hoping that the same horn That I paid 4 for has hopefully kept nearly thefull value of it’s masterfullly craftedproduct. As I haven’t played it since high school, which will be 21 years ago. It’d be great for not just. Having the ability to make a decent amount of money back. But just as important would be getting that beautiful professional alto into the hands of an up and comer who might have all the potential in the world but is perhaps just being ever so slightly heldback due to the lesser quality that his student sax by his first and only Student-sax.held back from his student saxophone. If anyone could guess how much would you say that I’d be able to sell this for assuming it is in mint condition but it’s still going in regardless for a full tuneup and pad repair. Any thoughts? My feelings are if I can’t at least get the four grand that I paid I don’t see myself having the so-called courage to get rid of it as it’s such a sentimental work art to me
@@seanmullins7009 I'm looking for some good tenors atm. I cant find anything good. I would love to buy a yanagasowa but I dont have any dealers near me.
Rereading some of these comments after a couple years. It is more than evident that the best saxophone in the world is the one each one of us happens to be playing at the time. Fact is, there are a lot of great saxophones being manufactured today. There are countless awesome vintage saxes available to choose from. The one thing we can all agree on is, we are thankful that back in 6th or 7th grade band, we weren’t handed a trombone.
You mean like when i was 8 ys old and dad brought home a Wurlitzer alto sax he won in a poker game ? Yeah thats how i started .. I asked dad for a trumpet but the guy who lost in the card game didnt have enough money so he offered dad the old Wurlitzer alto which i had to over haul .I think it was 1944 .. bobby G.............
I purchased a Yani w o 33 with a portion of my mother's inheritance. My father played tenor sax all his life and I thought it was worth purchasing the silver neck and Bell in the W series. I love playing the alto better than my tenor Yani 901. But both are very fun and responsive to play. You can feel the horns vibrate as you play just adding to the fun. I am an amateur player but love to play. Jay, love your online lessons
4:35 "It's just the nature of an instrument that has lots of different Acoustical Compromises built into the design!" Well said, I love that understanding of the instrument. Bravo
I am a Selmer player. I currently own 2, including a Mark VI tenor, which I bought as an upgrade from a Super Action 80. I found it to be a big improvement, and I get a lot of pleasure from playing it. It is very responsive, has a nice tone, and great ergonomics. For me it is the best saxophone.
My 1951 Selmer SBA alto (a year older than me), that my dad bought for me in 1962 when I was in 5th grade (I don't think he knew the treasure he was giving me but I sure appreciate it now!). After residing in a closet for a couple decades, I had it overhauled (at the BSS) and am now loving it to death. I'm so grateful for the my involvement with music growing up, it's a gift to be able to nurture that again in my retirement. I would never part with this sax, for sentimental reasons alone. P.S. Thanks Jay for all you do.
Thanks to you Jay, I bought my first ever sax, the AW01 Yani today. You did a great job describing this make, and I'm happy I listened to you! Thanks, Lorel Lindstrom
For me it’s the Selmer Series III...at least it was when I chose it after trying a dozen or so horns back in 2003. It’s served me extremely well and still provides the power and projection which made me fall in love with it all those years ago. It really is subjective though, I’ve played Yamahas which retail at a fraction of the price of my Selmer which genuinely make me question why I needed to spend so much!
Love my Selmer Mark VI. It was a gift from my father for my high school graduation in 1973. I’ve developed my sound on it. I also own a Buffet alto sax, a Ponte Artist soprano sax, and a Diplomat baritone sax. Your so right in your video saying it’s not the saxophone it’s the player. Practice, practice, practice.
Jay, the tone on your Elite Yanagisawa alto, in the intro, is stunning! I came up in the 60s Selmer culture. But I love todays players, as Grace Kelly on Alto and Soprano. Though she had a Mark VI; she now plays Yamaha. So many good horns today-Yani, Cannonball, P. Mauriat, Yamaha.
Thank you ! I play a Yanagisawa tenor 991 which I bought new in 2008 and I love it. Great sound, easy to play, never even a single problem. It plays and plays and plays.
I've played the Couf Superba I since the mid '70's. I'm always surprised how many people have never even heard of them. The whole horn seems to vibrate throughout the entire range of the horn and they have the biggest sound of any alto I've tried. They are built like tanks (according to my repair tech).
I have a Yanagisawa alto sax that fell out of hands due to a defective saxophone strap. it was already over ten years old, but Yanagisawa paid to ship it back to them, repaired, it, gave me a new strap & case, shipped it back to me, all for no charge! That was the best customer service I ever experienced! Not only that, but it's a terrific saxophone and very rarely needs repair or adjustment. Very well made and highly recommended! I also have a Selmer Mk. VI tenor sax from 1957, which I also like very much!
I always fought the Mark VI hype, but spoiler alert, I feel in love with a weird mis-matched neck/body Frankenstein of a Mark VI. I’ve owned a couple Yanagisawa and they are amazing, I’d def to love own one if money was no issue... On a side note, I really like your videos. They are super down to earth and very non-judgey. Thank you!
I spent most of my time playing in the '60s and '70s, including a nine-year stint in a U.S. Army Reserve Band, playing beginner/student horns. Starting to play again after 40 years not playing, primarily for mind exercising, I committed to having good horns to play in my senior years and purchased a YAS-62 and a YTS-62, both excellent used horns out of Japan. Very pleased!
Hi Jay. Last year I bought the WO1 soprano saxophone and I loved it. And last week I bought the Tenor WO2 . When I first try it your sentence "feels like was made for you", resonated in my head! I fail in love with this instrument instantly! It's light, the ergonomics, the sound, the intonation are just perfect. And it looks stunning! So yes, for me too the Yanagisawa are the best!
Hi Jay, Thanks so much for all the videos. I especially liked the overtones and altissimo videos, but the gear reviews are a close 2nd. I’ve been playing for over 40 years. Due to work responsibilities I had to take a 7 year hiatus but I’m back playing again and loving it more than I ever have. Your channel has helped me ‘get with the times’ so to speak : ). I’ve been looking for a new tenor and recently played on a Conn 10M, a Selmer 80 series II, and I had previously owned a Mark VI I had bought new in 1974. It served me well but I sold it some time ago. So, based on your videos and other extensive research I bought a brand new TWO1. I received it 3 days ago and hands down, it’s THE BEST horn I’ve ever played! I’m truly blown away! The action is amazing, the horn explodes when you play, and I can ‘feel’ this horn more than any other I’ve played. Truly awesome! I’m playing on a Jody Jazz Custom Dark #7 piece and the combo are the sound I’d been searching for, since I started playing. Thanks again, and I’ll look forward to more videos. Cheers! Joe
There is no doubt that the mechanisms for the Yanagisawa are the best. It is simply a joy to hold. I love my current 991 but I still remember very fondly a Mk VI I owned in college. In my mind at least that horn was the better sounding, but to be honest I've never found a horn that sounds as good as I remember -- even other Mk VIs. I also own a series III that is essentially brand new but 15+ years old because I only played it for a few months before I fell in love with the A-991.
I've had a SA80 Series II tenor since 1989, purchased new. Great horn. Work horse and never let me down. I just purchased a Yani TWO2 bronze...what a horn! I had a Mark VI tenor years ago, but after multiple visit to repairmen I determined it was a lemon. Have owned a Couf Superba 1 and it had a great tone, but flat in the upper palm keys...again after multiple repairmen visits it could not be fixed. Purchased a new Yani Soprano in 1976 at Mannys New York and was so impressed by the build quality I thought, after watching this video I could go with the WO2 tenor sight unseen. I was not disappointed. Thanks for the review. Final note...my alto is a 62 Mark VI with a 56 neck...lovingly referred to as Poppin Fresh. Like your videos...
1939 Selmer Balanced Action alto. So smooth, super easy low notes, pure and dark. Feels like a Stradivarius in my hands. And it has the gorgeous sailboats on a lake engraving. After some intonation work by Mark Aronson, intonation as good as any modern sax.
I have played the sax for 59 years. I have (2) Mark IV's. A1965 alto, & a 1970 Tennor. Have always wsnted a Soprano. Because of your video, I will consider a Yanigasawa Soprano. Thanks.
Just picked up an almost new B901. Having a hard time with low D and C# speaking without wanting to jump the octave. Do I need to spend more time working out my Bari embouchure (me), or could it be needing an adjustment (the horn). I've played tenor for over 25yrs so I do have a strong embouchure in that regard. Thanks
@@dakopis Definitely want to relax and drop the jaw when changing from from soprano to Alto to tenor to Bari. That's why some tenor players can't make the adjustment to Alto without sounding flat at first. It can mess up your embouchure temporarily on tenor. Especially if playing metal on tenor going to Bari. Getting a hard rubber mouthpiece for your Bari might help to drop the jaw as you have to open up more. I would suggest a Rico Graftone mouthpiece for $20 new. It has a good basic sound if you're not ready to spend more experimenting. I have Jody jazz hard rubber Rousseau hard rubber Otto Link metal and they all cost a lot more than the Rico but it gives you a good basic sound to practice on to see if it helps.
I love your channel! I have been playing on Paris Buffet's, with high F# keys on my models on both Alto and Tenor. 1975 vintage for both. Grea horns. I bought a 1975 soprano that is not quite as good but still a great horn. I just purchased a new Yanagisawa baritone to replace my Vito stencil Yanagisawa. I love the new horn. It really has improved! I had a peg installed on the bottom which helps me play it with less fatigue.
For me and being a frugal spender: my best alto is a late 50's King Cleveland. I love its mellow tone and it plays extremely good at both ends of its range. My tenor is a 1957 Martin Indiana. It survived middle and high school bands and some pro big band performances while in college. Nice mellow tone and still looks almost new. The tenor survived 30 some years without being played and was given a new set of pads when I retired and decided to play again.
I have gone through numerous horns only until finding the best one for me-a Yanagisawa A901. Every time I play it I am continually blown away by the tone, intonation, ergonomics, craftsmanship, and overall playability. I will never sell it!
I have one too and sold my A9930 because there wasn't a big difference in the way it played. I've had the 901 since I bought it new in 2008 and bought my A9930 new in 2015. I sold the 9930 for what I paid and won't buy another alto until the 901 is worn out. Only issue is that the lacquer wears a lot on Yanis and there are a couple "rust" blisters around a couple of the soldered joints.
I love my keilwerth sx90r I was trying out a few saxes for a new tenor and it came down to the Yanagisawa and Keilwerth and I just liked the feel/sound of the keilwerth a bit more
used to play a sx90r as well. Loved it, but the sound was just too focused (atleast to me), while the Yani had more of a spread sound. Personal preference I guess
My tenor Yamaha custom 875ex I love this thing so much. I've never loved any thing or any one as much as this thing. It's amazing because I'm in highschool and play every type of music imaginable and it's versatile unlike the 82z and it was the best thing I can afford and I'm keeping it for life.
I agree that Yanagisawa saxophones are the best. I bought a new A880 in the 1980s and fell in love with them. I still own that horn and it is in fantastic condition and plays beautifully. Since then, I have purchased a T991, an A992, and an SC991, all beautiful horns. But my pride and joy is my A9937 which I have had less than a year now (bought new). That is absolutely the most beautiful horn I have ever seen. The engraving is unbelievable. Every one of these horns played perfectly out of the box, with no adjustment required. I also purchased a Selmer Reference 54 alto new, and it resides in its case, rarely if ever, to be played. It is beautiful but does not compare to the Yanagisawas when it comes to playing - in my opinion.
I have always wanted to learn to play the sax, and though I still don't have one, I'm learning a lot through your channel. What I love most about your channel is that you emphasize what really is important and do not get caught up in all of the hype.
Hi, Jay! I have been making money playing music for 73 years (I'm 76 & play every day). Sounds like a long time, but it went by like 73 days.. what a wonderful life! Anyway, I love your websites. The best horn I ever played was a Couf Superba ( like a dummy I sold it). I can be heard playing it on the "Full Circle" album ( Danny Skea). Now, I play a keilwerth student tenor w/ high F# ( and alto). I had my favorite repairman, Paul Degen, re-do the left hands ( on both). I payed $500.00 & $300,00, respectively. They are wonderful! I play a 160 mouthpiece on tenor, & a 130 on alto. I think a large tip opening works much better on a big-bore horn, like the Couf or the Keilwerth. Anyway, I feel so comfortable on both. thanks, John. youtube: "Songs featuring John Phillips on woodwinds"
I've been playing sax for 57 years and for 46 of those years I've played Yamaha. I own a YTS 61 and a YAS 61 and both have been incredible horns. I took them on the road for years and found them to be durable and consistent and still play them on a regular basis. I love them however, I would not be offended if someone were to hand me a Yanagisawa or two.
When I started alto lessons, my teacher told me it was time for me to upgrade to a better horn. He recommended a Selmer Mark VI, so I went to my local dealer and tried one out. I played it for 20 minutes and couldn't quite get used to the feel. After struggling with the Selmer, I tried a Cannonball Big Bell, black nickel. It fell right into my hands. It felt great and sounded amazing.. I bought it after ten minutes of testing it out. When I took it to my next lesson, my teacher threatened to stop teaching me because of my purchase. I asked him to give the horn a chance. He did and we went through our lesson as usual. After the lesson, he told me how rich the tone is and he apologized for his prejudice. Since then I've bought the tenor as well and I love both of them. I've tried other horns, but I always go back to my Cannonball horns. Update on my J.P. AS and TS 400s: I have about 20 hours on both of them and they're holding together very well. It's taken a little work to get used to the position of the C# on the tenor, but its playing and sounds great. The cork fell off of the low D on the alto, but it was an easy fix, and I kept playing with no issues. So far, no real issues and I'm very pleased with my purchase. Thank you for the reviews! I love this page.
I have a cannonball as well and it is the best horn in the world for me I was testing saxs for about 3 hours at a local music store, I tested over 20 and the cannonball big bell a4 was definitely the best
I play on a cannonball big bell bari ice black nickel and i love the thing. It roars when i wanna play jazz and the tone i can get for classical is great.
Hey Jay! Greatly appreciate your content. Based on your review I purchased the TWO 02 about a year ago and I absolutely love this horn. The ergonomics, tone, response are perfect for me. I play on a Vandoren T6 large chamber with 2.5 hard or 3 soft D’Addario select Jazz reeds and a Vandoren M/O ligature. It’s a dark set up that produces my sound (near) ideal sound concept. You are an incredible educator. Thanks, Dan.
My favorite sax was actually something i found a while back i was rooting around the band room and before my very eyes under a pile of parts was the case to my wonderful tenor sax i asked my band director about it and he said it was junk so he then gave it to me i did a back ground check turns out the tenor its self was manufactured in 1920 in the town of elkhart IN the company elkhart whitch was named after the town went out of buissnes in 1960 so i took it fixed it and now it is my favorite sax to play
I've been following your videos for quite a while. I got my first YANAGISAWA, a tenor sax I got on eBay. It needs some adjustment so I sent it to my usual repair shop. I've never seeing that person so happy of reparing one of my horns in years. Thanks for your video. On my way to get an alto YANAGISAWA now! 😁
Over Christmas break I picked up my old Yanagisawa 990u black lacquered alto from the 90’s so I could play it again. It’s in the shop getting a cleaning and reconditioning. I was always a little jealous of Selmer owners, so it’s nice to see Yanagisawas getting some love. Can’t wait to play it again!
I agree with your video. I’ve played saxophone for over 50 years, never professionally but still play in different groups. My mother purchased me a Mark VI in 1972 while I was in high school. I still have it and will never sell it. In 2000 I purchased a new Yani B901 baritone. The best Bari I ever played. Intonation is and always has been perfect. Love the ergonomics of the horn as well. If I was in the market for any new saxophone it would be a Yani!!
I know that many people have mixed likings to Keilwerth horns. Some love them, some don’t as much. Make sure you have a way to return or refund it in case your son doesn’t like very much. Other than that, I don’t think there are many downfalls to pro horns like those.
I've been playing my AWO2 for about 4 years now and decided to take the leap of faith and get a brand new TWO2 as well as a SWO2 earlier this year. I can say these new horns have been some of the best saxophones I have ever played! Especially the SWO2, no other soprano comes relatively close in tone, response, intonation, and build quality! I am very happy with my line of WO2 horns and will play them for the rest of my life. I just wish it were easier here in southern California to test more of their products like different plated necks before making a decision. Glad I was able to get each horn before the rest of the world catches on to how great Yanis really are!
For me the best saxophone in the world is my King Zephyr Special alto because it sounds outstanding no matter what kind of sound I want to get out of it.
Yes! Actually mine is a 1938 King Zephyr Special Tenor. Nothing else like it. Incredible big sound, clear and crisp. Great action, great. Of course the other key is the Otto Link 5* paired with it to bring out that big, clear sound.
Hey Jay great videos as always. I have a question. Im just curious as I used to play a vintage KING Super 20 mother of pearls, those have the Underslung Neck.. which system is better and more practical the traditional neck or the Underslung? Anyone? Thanks
My used CONN alto I got on eBay. I got to know my local repair technician here in Belgium, home of the saxophone. My CONNIE feels solid, and I'm getting better. I've only been playing a month, but I'm an elementary school music teacher, so I have a head start.
I owned a TWO10 some time ago. This is a wonderful sax with IMO the best intonation on the market today. Ergonomics was top notch and the overall build quality second to none. One important point raised is the weight of the Elite series ... quite heavy compared to my other tenors. Make sure you check the TW-01 also ... I didn't do that unfortunately. The Yanagisawa are free blowing instruments and the only reasons why I use a Selmer III and BA is that I can better shape my tone on those sax and they are way lighter. From a price/quality point of vue, the Yanigasawa are very attractive compared to Selmer or even some new brands without the proved experience that Yanasisawa has.
I'm pretty happy with my Better Sax alto and the wonderful people at Sweetwater. I'm returning to saxophone after 30 years. It's challenging and painful at how terrible I am from where I once was, but I am so truly grateful for your collaboration to create an entry level product that I can feel confident in and be proud of having. If I get better, I may pick up additional instruments, but I wanted to take a moment and leave some positive feedback and gratitude for your passion and care for the saxophone community.
I own a Martin, a 1948 "The Martin" that my mother gave to me for my 40th birthday. She passed away 6 months after that. In my opinion it sounds better than any mk VI I've played.
Have the Mark VI Alto & Soprano; but, my favourite jazz instrument is trumpet. Miles played a Martin Committee. Had a opportunity to buy a Martin trumpet, here in Toronto. Still regret I didn’t buy it. The store’s gone now, and Martin’s gone!
The best sax I own was gifted to me in the 70s by my Dad. He got it from a work buddy :) It was and still is a piece of Junk, but it was just the spark I needed to become a musician and singer. It was Wizzard and Roy Wood who made sense of it all, for me!!! See My Baby Jive !!!! It is a DORE from Paris, made in the 1950s, not worth really reconditioning but it stands in my Room like an Oscar award. :)
Thank you for the wonderful video A few years ago, I went to a major Japanese musical instrument store to purchase the T-WO10, but they had none in stock. The reason is that Yanagisawa is extremely popular in US and Europe, and even if it is produced, most of it is exported. But Now I got T-WO10!!
It's so good to get your take on various horns. I will say you sounded very good on those Amazon horns too. A very talented player for sure. Thank you for letting us know that you are sponsored by Yanagisawa.
I really want the swo37 soprano because the few months that I did play soprano I loved but but then later returned it(it was a cannon ball) and got a professional cannon ball alto instead. How does the soprano play? If you don’t mind, how much was it?
Kiersten Saxophone I tried a few different sopranos including the selmer jubilee series iii before I bought it, and the yanagisawa swo37 was definitely the best. I think the solid silver body just gives it a deeper and rounder sound compared to the ones that are made out of brass. The instrument was around $8500 when I bought it.
Selmer 3 soprano, Selmer 2 alto (neck changed) and Selmer 3 tenor. I totally agree with you. The neck piece and a good instrument mechanic are important.
The best instrument in the world is just like the best camera in the world... Its the one you have, because having one is better than not having one. :-)
I've only owned 3 tenor saxes in my long life, a Conn Pan American 1918, (nice and gutsy) a very, very cheap modern unbranded knock-off copy of a Yani, (which plays OK) and the sax I love best, my Selmer SBA 1949 (super smooth and mellow) but after watching your video I quite fancy trying a proper professional Yani tenor.
I really like my Cannonball brute soprano. Unlacquered dark brass, I am getting quite arthritic and the ergonomics, particularly the hand/finger placement is really comfortable for me. I tried the Yani and it didn't quite fit my hands. Great instrument but not for me. I tell anyone who asks to pick up the instrument and play it. No better way to know what is good for you until you do so. It is very personal.
I really beg to differ. I love the Yani soprano both in my playing and other players I know. Same with Baritone, I've played Yani baritone for big band and it was great. However, thumbs down on Yani Alto and tenor horns! A great player/teacher had a vintage Mark VI and was wearing out his pearls. He had great sound for Avant Garde Coltrane incl altissimo and phat sound for standards. So he gets a Yani black laquered tenor, brings it to a 18th Street Lounge gig in DC and sounds paper thin. So much so that that the rascal leader we had cut him off in mid solos! Another friend and great Alto player turned tenor later had same problem with his 3 different Yani Altos. Shrill sound. Finally got 2 nice VI Altos that were warm and dark. He couldn't wait to unload his Yanis. Of course he had owned a tenor VI that was very blase with No sex appeal at all that he dumped but just the same my shared experience with Yanis is they are thin and shrill in the Alto and Tenor Dept and great in the soprano and Bari Dept.
Played Yanagisawa for over 20 years - I have 4 of them and one Selmer Jubilee Tenor. They are all great and very different from the Selmer which is also a great horn. My A9932J and the WO32 Tenor really are quite something. Everything you say in your video plus one thing: they are absolutely stunning to look at - and then you get to play them!!!
Never tried Selmer, Yani... But I own Keilwerth sx90r tenor and it is a piece of art! Perfect in every aspect. Intonation, ergonomics, lightweight, full sound. And yeah, sooooo flexible in tone! But after this review of Yani I am eager to try it, and yeah, to own one! :D :D Thanks, Jay! :D
I have a Yanagasawa WO10 alto sax. Initially I was hesitant to buy-after all, I like my soprano Selmer super 80 and my tenor Yamaha YTS 62, both fine pro instruments. But I fell in love with this sax. The sound, the smooth play, the ease with with I can reach high notes. I am a convert.
My alto sax is a decent Student model Jupiter (JAS) 500. I learnt to play on it and settled on it after going through a few different makes. I like that the fact that is very solidly built. At that time, I still had a lot of tension in the hands when I played and pressed the keys very hard. I, since then, have much more relaxed hands and as a result, had the "action" (spring tension) for all the keys loosened and so, I enjoy playing it. I purchased a tenor sax after getting my legs under me and both a P. Muriat Le Bravo Sax. I have never needed ay adjustments to it and I play it much more than I do my alto. I also bought a brass/copper allow neck to get a richer and deeper sound which I used when I am going for sultry and sexy. Your video was very informative Jay. I think that despite the model and make, all decently manufactured saxes, if cared for by the owner and adjusted (as needed) and maintained (regularly) by good technician can serve a player well!
Jay, I wanted to thank you for turning me on to Yani’s. I have two Custom Z alto’s that I have to force myself to pick up ever since I’ve started using my WO-2....everything about it is superior in my opinion. I was honestly skeptical having played the Custom Z for so long....but the ergonomics and mechanics are just that much better. I’m actually buying another in anticipation of prices going to the moon when the public finally recognizes Yani as the premier horns manufactured in the modern era. Thank you!!
I have a Yamaha Custom Z alto with an E Rousseau mouthpiece or a Selmer C star and I've played a lot of horns but I can't think of one I like more ... from the moment I first played it I knew it was something special.
Best saxophone in the world to me is my yanagisawa B902. It’s the bronze model bari. I was looking for a bari to purchase for many years. From Yamaha to cannonball to selmer to cg conn and the moment my fingertips touched the yani I knew my search was over. The warmth in the tone, the roundness of the sound became a part of me. I play in a couple of swing bands and I am often complimented on my tone and warmth. I have a very old cg conn bari from the mid 20’s also. Bb version. That thing can bark. Switching between the two is like taking a ride with doc brown in the delorean time machine. We’ve come a long way since 1925. Thanks for the video. I’d love to hear from you on some bari stuff. I really struggle with altissimo on bari. I’ve played alto and tenor most of my life and have only been focusing on bari for the past 5-6 years and still struggling with altissimo. I’m going to try your overtones technique and see if that helps a little with altissimo. Keep the videos coming!
I just bought the professional model alto. It is excellent! Ergonomically it is so easy to play, easy blowing, in tune throughout, and seems to be made for my hands. Tonally, it sounds a lot better than any other alto sax I have owned. (Beuscher Trutone and Yamaha Custom). It is a beautiful object and I want to play it all the time. The Yana mouthpiece it came with is great too.
Is evident that Yanis are great, fine and top saxes. I like Keilwerth saxes. But my "cuotidien" sax is an Selmer aristocrat, tenor of Taiwan and i can say that sounds like the best i have tried or listened. But... for me, the best sound, is from an B&S tenor, and from an Aquilasax-"C" sax... absolut amazing... boths played by Mr. Michael Ausserbauer. Great video, as all yours boss!
I don't have a lot of opportunity to try different horns, but I picked up a Super Dynaction, Buffet Crampon alto and really love it. So responsive, easy to play, with great sound. Couldn't be happier.
Totaly agree. My too. I became a Yanagisawa boy. After trying the Selmers and Yamahas. So thats for le a big pkeasur to pkay ow Yanagisawa saxes. Big thank you for this great instruments.
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
I graduated high school in 1996, and entered college as a music major.
A gift from my grandmother, after searching and trying all of the best at the time, I settled on a Yanagisawa A990. I simply love my sax. Combined with the sentimental value attached to it now, I'll never part with it. There's nothing that fits my hands better and just knowing that it was hand made and not pumped out of a production line helps me wrap my mind around it's warm and full sound.
Combined with a Meyer mouthpiece, I can't ask for much more.
My Selmer SA80-SII... it was gift from my grandfather before he passed; and it's the only sax i own.
Eric Leija . Likewise, I own a Mk Vi given to me by my dear dad who sadly passed away. The only sax I own.
My brother and I also have this model, mine in silver, his in gold. I just bought mine 2nd hand and indeed it cost me as much as a new competitive instrument, however, it's a Selmer, you know.
Eric Leija
Absolutely a great horn. Had a couple of them. Usually Meyer w/Van Doren 4. Olegature or Selmer ligature. Both of them worked very well.
I’m glad I didn’t have to scroll the comments section too far before someone gave the Super Action 80’s Series II a very deserving shout out. I bought mine brand new for a little over 4K I believe, not to mention that was nearly 3 decades ago so I’m very curious in finding out how well they have held there price. Being such a staple in the industry similar to the mark 6s and 7s. I am enthusiastically Hoping that the same horn That I paid 4 for has hopefully kept nearly thefull value of it’s masterfullly craftedproduct. As I haven’t played it since high school, which will be 21 years ago. It’d be great for not just. Having the ability to make a decent amount of money back. But just as important would be getting that beautiful professional alto into the hands of an up and comer who might have all the potential in the world but is perhaps just being ever so slightly heldback due to the lesser quality that his student sax by his first and only Student-sax.held back from his student saxophone. If anyone could guess how much would you say that I’d be able to sell this for assuming it is in mint condition but it’s still going in regardless for a full tuneup and pad repair. Any thoughts? My feelings are if I can’t at least get the four grand that I paid I don’t see myself having the so-called courage to get rid of it as it’s such a sentimental work art to me
@@seanmullins7009 I'm looking for some good tenors atm. I cant find anything good. I would love to buy a yanagasowa but I dont have any dealers near me.
Rereading some of these comments after a couple years. It is more than evident that the best saxophone in the world is the one each one of us happens to be playing at the time. Fact is, there are a lot of great saxophones being manufactured today. There are countless awesome vintage saxes available to choose from. The one thing we can all agree on is, we are thankful that back in 6th or 7th grade band, we weren’t handed a trombone.
The best sax is an instrument you get as a free gift from someone.
You mean like when i was 8 ys old and dad brought home a Wurlitzer alto sax he won in a poker game ? Yeah thats how i started .. I asked dad for a trumpet but the guy who lost in the card game didnt have enough money so he offered dad the old Wurlitzer alto which i had to over haul .I think it was 1944 ..
bobby G.............
Not when they don't know the quarks!
@@robertgalardi3731 wow cool
I purchased a Yani w o 33 with a portion of my mother's inheritance. My father played tenor sax all his life and I thought it was worth purchasing the silver neck and Bell in the W series. I love playing the alto better than my tenor Yani 901. But both are very fun and responsive to play. You can feel the horns vibrate as you play just adding to the fun. I am an amateur player but love to play. Jay, love your online lessons
Naaa, they don’t come with any gloves... unforgivable... can’t be the best 🧤 🇨🇳
LOL
Yep, I was sold until I saw they don't include gloves. Deal breaker.
Came here for the gloves, leaving satisfied.
I was watching closely for gloves on the unboxing!
yeah and where's the side of Kung Po Chicken, with sax you get egg roll
4:35 "It's just the nature of an instrument that has lots of different Acoustical Compromises built into the design!" Well said, I love that understanding of the instrument. Bravo
I really want him to play that bari sax I see hiding in the back
Ha
Me too
I am a Selmer player. I currently own 2, including a Mark VI tenor, which I bought as an upgrade from a Super Action 80. I found it to be a big improvement, and I get a lot of pleasure from playing it. It is very responsive, has a nice tone, and great ergonomics. For me it is the best saxophone.
My 1951 Selmer SBA alto (a year older than me), that my dad bought for me in 1962 when I was in 5th grade (I don't think he knew the treasure he was giving me but I sure appreciate it now!). After residing in a closet for a couple decades, I had it overhauled (at the BSS) and am now loving it to death. I'm so grateful for the my involvement with music growing up, it's a gift to be able to nurture that again in my retirement. I would never part with this sax, for sentimental reasons alone. P.S. Thanks Jay for all you do.
Thanks to you Jay, I bought my first ever sax, the AW01 Yani today. You did a great job describing this make, and I'm happy I listened to you! Thanks, Lorel Lindstrom
Is the saxophone really good? Because I want to buy one
@@vhypnotic7825 I love the TW01 - I assume it's similar
being a Yanagisawa player. this makes me happy :) they really are amazing horns
Julius keilwerth toneking from 1954.
My dad learned playing on this horn and all my memorys are with him holding and playing this horn.
I love it!
I’m a high schooler who loves the saxophone. As of now, my sax is a conn 6m from 1951. I love it and it sounds amazing.
Haha I'm in highschool as well and play on a 51' 6m! I don't suppose you use a Theo Wanne Gaia 7?
I play a 10M from ‘48. I use a metal Otto Link with java red reeds.
For me it’s the Selmer Series III...at least it was when I chose it after trying a dozen or so horns back in 2003. It’s served me extremely well and still provides the power and projection which made me fall in love with it all those years ago. It really is subjective though, I’ve played Yamahas which retail at a fraction of the price of my Selmer which genuinely make me question why I needed to spend so much!
Love my Selmer Mark VI. It was a gift from my father for my high school graduation in 1973. I’ve developed my sound on it. I also own a Buffet alto sax, a Ponte Artist soprano sax, and a Diplomat baritone sax. Your so right in your video saying it’s not the saxophone it’s the player. Practice, practice, practice.
Jay, the tone on your Elite Yanagisawa alto, in the intro, is stunning! I came up in the 60s Selmer culture. But I love todays players, as Grace Kelly on Alto and Soprano. Though she had a Mark VI; she now plays Yamaha. So many good horns today-Yani, Cannonball, P. Mauriat, Yamaha.
Thank you ! I play a Yanagisawa tenor 991 which I bought new in 2008 and I love it. Great sound, easy to play, never even a single problem. It plays and plays and plays.
I've played the Couf Superba I since the mid '70's. I'm always surprised how many people have never even heard of them. The whole horn seems to vibrate throughout the entire range of the horn and they have the biggest sound of any alto I've tried. They are built like tanks (according to my repair tech).
They are made by J.Keilwerth, made in 🇩🇪 Germany. Some people say, Keilwerth is better than Selmer, like my late Sax Teacher...
I have a Yanagisawa alto sax that fell out of hands due to a defective saxophone strap. it was already over ten years old, but Yanagisawa paid to ship it back to them, repaired, it, gave me a new strap & case, shipped it back to me, all for no charge! That was the best customer service I ever experienced! Not only that, but it's a terrific saxophone and very rarely needs repair or adjustment. Very well made and highly recommended! I also have a Selmer Mk. VI tenor sax from 1957, which I also like very much!
I always fought the Mark VI hype, but spoiler alert, I feel in love with a weird mis-matched neck/body Frankenstein of a Mark VI. I’ve owned a couple Yanagisawa and they are amazing, I’d def to love own one if money was no issue... On a side note, I really like your videos. They are super down to earth and very non-judgey. Thank you!
I spent most of my time playing in the '60s and '70s, including a nine-year stint in a U.S. Army Reserve Band, playing beginner/student horns. Starting to play again after 40 years not playing, primarily for mind exercising, I committed to having good horns to play in my senior years and purchased a YAS-62 and a YTS-62, both excellent used horns out of Japan. Very pleased!
The alto saxophon you described at the beginning is pure art..............🥰
Hi Jay. Last year I bought the WO1 soprano saxophone and I loved it. And last week I bought the Tenor WO2 . When I first try it your sentence "feels like was made for you", resonated in my head! I fail in love with this instrument instantly! It's light, the ergonomics, the sound, the intonation are just perfect. And it looks stunning! So yes, for me too the Yanagisawa are the best!
Great to hear!
If you got yourself a Yani, with a Grand Seiko on the wrist... oooof what a combo of Japanese craftsmanship 👌
Yani saxophones yes... Wrist watch I can care less
Had the same thought myself:)
Hi Jay,
Thanks so much for all the videos. I especially liked the overtones and altissimo videos, but the gear reviews are a close 2nd.
I’ve been playing for over 40 years. Due to work responsibilities I had to take a 7 year hiatus but I’m back playing again and loving it more than I ever have. Your channel has helped me ‘get with the times’ so to speak : ).
I’ve been looking for a new tenor and recently played on a Conn 10M, a Selmer 80 series II, and I had previously owned a Mark VI I had bought new in 1974. It served me well but I sold it some time ago. So, based on your videos and other extensive research I bought a brand new TWO1. I received it 3 days ago and hands down, it’s THE BEST horn I’ve ever played! I’m truly blown away! The action is amazing, the horn explodes when you play, and I can ‘feel’ this horn more than any other I’ve played. Truly awesome!
I’m playing on a Jody Jazz Custom Dark #7 piece and the combo are the sound I’d been searching for, since I started playing.
Thanks again, and I’ll look forward to more videos.
Cheers! Joe
There is no doubt that the mechanisms for the Yanagisawa are the best. It is simply a joy to hold. I love my current 991 but I still remember very fondly a Mk VI I owned in college. In my mind at least that horn was the better sounding, but to be honest I've never found a horn that sounds as good as I remember -- even other Mk VIs. I also own a series III that is essentially brand new but 15+ years old because I only played it for a few months before I fell in love with the A-991.
I've had a SA80 Series II tenor since 1989, purchased new. Great horn. Work horse and never let me down. I just purchased a Yani TWO2 bronze...what a horn! I had a Mark VI tenor years ago, but after multiple visit to repairmen I determined it was a lemon. Have owned a Couf Superba 1 and it had a great tone, but flat in the upper palm keys...again after multiple repairmen visits it could not be fixed. Purchased a new Yani Soprano in 1976 at Mannys New York and was so impressed by the build quality I thought, after watching this video I could go with the WO2 tenor sight unseen. I was not disappointed. Thanks for the review. Final note...my alto is a 62 Mark VI with a 56 neck...lovingly referred to as Poppin Fresh. Like your videos...
1939 Selmer Balanced Action alto. So smooth, super easy low notes, pure and dark. Feels like a Stradivarius in my hands. And it has the gorgeous sailboats on a lake engraving. After some intonation work by Mark Aronson, intonation as good as any modern sax.
It’s all about that tone for me. Balanced action and SBA’s have the sweetest sound of all the Selmers IMHO. I play a 38 BA.
My very first sax was a Conn Alto. They were slated. I had it overhauled and the tech was impressed with it. I loved it and passed my grade 3 with it.
2:09 when hes just casually flexing his wealth in the form of saxophones...
he is...a musician.
That's like saying to a dentist he is flexing with all his nice and expensive drills and big seat.
@@blablabla9401 you have to buy them
They’re tools for his job. Of course he bought them. It’s not a flex, you’re just insecure
I have played the sax for 59 years. I have (2) Mark IV's. A1965 alto, & a 1970 Tennor. Have always wsnted a Soprano. Because of your video, I will consider a Yanigasawa Soprano. Thanks.
What about your Bari? Is that a Yanigasawa too? Would love to hear you play it.
Yes, that's a 901. Great horn.
@@bettersax My bari is a Yani 901 too.
I have a B-991 and it’s perfect!
Just picked up an almost new B901. Having a hard time with low D and C# speaking without wanting to jump the octave. Do I need to spend more time working out my Bari embouchure (me), or could it be needing an adjustment (the horn).
I've played tenor for over 25yrs so I do have a strong embouchure in that regard. Thanks
@@dakopis Definitely want to relax and drop the jaw when changing from from soprano to Alto to tenor to Bari. That's why some tenor players can't make the adjustment to Alto without sounding flat at first. It can mess up your embouchure temporarily on tenor. Especially if playing metal on tenor going to Bari. Getting a hard rubber mouthpiece for your Bari might help to drop the jaw as you have to open up more. I would suggest a Rico Graftone mouthpiece for $20 new. It has a good basic sound if you're not ready to spend more experimenting. I have Jody jazz hard rubber Rousseau hard rubber Otto Link metal and they all cost a lot more than the Rico but it gives you a good basic sound to practice on to see if it helps.
I love your channel! I have been playing on Paris Buffet's, with high F# keys on my models on both Alto and Tenor. 1975 vintage for both. Grea horns. I bought a 1975 soprano that is not quite as good but still a great horn. I just purchased a new Yanagisawa baritone to replace my Vito stencil Yanagisawa. I love the new horn. It really has improved! I had a peg installed on the bottom which helps me play it with less fatigue.
So happy to see that you’re with Yangisawa and Conn-Selmer! Welcome to the family!
Thanks!
For me and being a frugal spender: my best alto is a late 50's King Cleveland. I love its mellow tone and it plays extremely good at both ends of its range. My tenor is a 1957 Martin Indiana. It survived middle and high school bands and some pro big band performances while in college. Nice mellow tone and still looks almost new. The tenor survived 30 some years without being played and was given a new set of pads when I retired and decided to play again.
The Martin Tenor is great for me feels like it was made for me every time I pick it up!
I have a martin tenor as well! It's an almost 50 year old horn with some issues but it still plays great
I agree with you both. My Martin feels like and extension of my arms.
I have gone through numerous horns only until finding the best one for me-a Yanagisawa A901. Every time I play it I am continually blown away by the tone, intonation, ergonomics, craftsmanship, and overall playability. I will never sell it!
I have one too and sold my A9930 because there wasn't a big difference in the way it played. I've had the 901 since I bought it new in 2008 and bought my A9930 new in 2015. I sold the 9930 for what I paid and won't buy another alto until the 901 is worn out. Only issue is that the lacquer wears a lot on Yanis and there are a couple "rust" blisters around a couple of the soldered joints.
There is no gloves inside! It can't be best sax in the world without gloves))))
Great video! Keep doing that! You changing peoples minds!
Good luck!
Because it's not for middle school band.
My Ref 54. It’s got a dark, rich tone but with the right mouthpiece gives you that big band punch.
I love my keilwerth sx90r I was trying out a few saxes for a new tenor and it came down to the Yanagisawa and Keilwerth and I just liked the feel/sound of the keilwerth a bit more
used to play a sx90r as well. Loved it, but the sound was just too focused (atleast to me), while the Yani had more of a spread sound. Personal preference I guess
Mark Kim I understand that, I more prefer the focussed sound for Jazz and Rock N Roll sax so it works for me.
My tenor Yamaha custom 875ex I love this thing so much. I've never loved any thing or any one as much as this thing. It's amazing because I'm in highschool and play every type of music imaginable and it's versatile unlike the 82z and it was the best thing I can afford and I'm keeping it for life.
I agree that Yanagisawa saxophones are the best. I bought a new A880 in the 1980s and fell in love with them. I still own that horn and it is in fantastic condition and plays beautifully. Since then, I have purchased a T991, an A992, and an SC991, all beautiful horns. But my pride and joy is my A9937 which I have had less than a year now (bought new). That is absolutely the most beautiful horn I have ever seen. The engraving is unbelievable. Every one of these horns played perfectly out of the box, with no adjustment required. I also purchased a Selmer Reference 54 alto new, and it resides in its case, rarely if ever, to be played. It is beautiful but does not compare to the Yanagisawas when it comes to playing - in my opinion.
I want one of those special engraving horns!
I have always wanted to learn to play the sax, and though I still don't have one, I'm learning a lot through your channel. What I love most about your channel is that you emphasize what really is important and do not get caught up in all of the hype.
Thanks, hope you get yourself a sax one day.
If you’re in the USA you can a very good student horn called Vito. They are a Yamaha under cover. I have own 4 of them.
@@MoraAdventist I was actually considering the $300 sax that was covered in this channel not to long ago.
Cheap import saxophones are down around $220 in 2024.
@@bettersaxgreat video, as uz
Hi, Jay! I have been making money playing music for 73 years (I'm 76 & play every day). Sounds like a long time, but it went by like 73 days.. what a wonderful life! Anyway, I love your websites. The best horn I ever played was a Couf Superba ( like a dummy I sold it). I can be heard playing it on the "Full Circle" album ( Danny Skea). Now, I play a keilwerth student tenor w/ high F# ( and alto). I had my favorite repairman, Paul Degen, re-do the left hands ( on both). I payed $500.00 & $300,00, respectively. They are wonderful! I play a 160 mouthpiece on tenor, & a 130 on alto. I think a large tip opening works much better on a big-bore horn, like the Couf or the Keilwerth. Anyway, I feel so comfortable on both. thanks, John. youtube: "Songs featuring John Phillips on woodwinds"
Is that you, John Phillips that I knew in Vegas?
I've been playing sax for 57 years and for 46 of those years I've played Yamaha. I own a YTS 61 and a YAS 61 and both have been incredible horns. I took them on the road for years and found them to be durable and consistent and still play them on a regular basis. I love them however, I would not be offended if someone were to hand me a Yanagisawa or two.
When I started alto lessons, my teacher told me it was time for me to upgrade to a better horn. He recommended a Selmer Mark VI, so I went to my local dealer and tried one out. I played it for 20 minutes and couldn't quite get used to the feel. After struggling with the Selmer, I tried a Cannonball Big Bell, black nickel. It fell right into my hands. It felt great and sounded amazing.. I bought it after ten minutes of testing it out. When I took it to my next lesson, my teacher threatened to stop teaching me because of my purchase. I asked him to give the horn a chance. He did and we went through our lesson as usual. After the lesson, he told me how rich the tone is and he apologized for his prejudice. Since then I've bought the tenor as well and I love both of them. I've tried other horns, but I always go back to my Cannonball horns.
Update on my J.P. AS and TS 400s: I have about 20 hours on both of them and they're holding together very well. It's taken a little work to get used to the position of the C# on the tenor, but its playing and sounds great. The cork fell off of the low D on the alto, but it was an easy fix, and I kept playing with no issues. So far, no real issues and I'm very pleased with my purchase.
Thank you for the reviews! I love this page.
I have a cannonball as well and it is the best horn in the world for me I was testing saxs for about 3 hours at a local music store, I tested over 20 and the cannonball big bell a4 was definitely the best
I play on a cannonball big bell bari ice black nickel and i love the thing. It roars when i wanna play jazz and the tone i can get for classical is great.
"my teacher threatened to stop teaching me because of my purchase." What the hell ? ? If he told you this, this is just insane.
sean crader :n
Hey Jay! Greatly appreciate your content. Based on your review I purchased the TWO 02 about a year ago and I absolutely love this horn. The ergonomics, tone, response are perfect for me. I play on a Vandoren T6 large chamber with 2.5 hard or 3 soft D’Addario select Jazz reeds and a Vandoren M/O ligature. It’s a dark set up that produces my sound (near) ideal sound concept. You are an incredible educator. Thanks, Dan.
My favorite sax was actually something i found a while back i was rooting around the band room and before my very eyes under a pile of parts was the case to my wonderful tenor sax i asked my band director about it and he said it was junk so he then gave it to me i did a back ground check turns out the tenor its self was manufactured in 1920 in the town of elkhart IN the company elkhart whitch was named after the town went out of buissnes in 1960 so i took it fixed it and now it is my favorite sax to play
I've been following your videos for quite a while. I got my first YANAGISAWA, a tenor sax I got on eBay. It needs some adjustment so I sent it to my usual repair shop. I've never seeing that person so happy of reparing one of my horns in years. Thanks for your video. On my way to get an alto YANAGISAWA now! 😁
I love my cannonball tenor. It's not gentle, it's not elegant, but goddammit it plays.
Matthew Wong I love my Cannonball Raven. It screams and sax isn’t supposed to be a delicate sounding instrument IMHO 🎷
Over Christmas break I picked up my old Yanagisawa 990u black lacquered alto from the 90’s so I could play it again. It’s in the shop getting a cleaning and reconditioning. I was always a little jealous of Selmer owners, so it’s nice to see Yanagisawas getting some love. Can’t wait to play it again!
Nice horn!
1925-1930 king alto saxophone as it sounds great and looks great, easy to play, sounds great, and beautiful.
I'd love to own a King Super 20 someday. Naturally, since Bird and Cannonball are my favorites.
I agree with your video. I’ve played saxophone for over 50 years, never professionally but still play in different groups. My mother purchased me a Mark VI in 1972 while I was in high school. I still have it and will never sell it. In 2000 I purchased a new Yani B901 baritone. The best Bari I ever played. Intonation is and always has been perfect. Love the ergonomics of the horn as well. If I was in the market for any new saxophone it would be a Yani!!
The Yanagisawa baritones and sopranos are miles better than anything else for me.
Julius Keilwerth sx R90 ! For me best Saxophone!!! Because I can play everything on it !
My son wants this and we're supposed to pick it up later this week.
Any downfalls?
I know that many people have mixed likings to Keilwerth horns. Some love them, some don’t as much. Make sure you have a way to return or refund it in case your son doesn’t like very much. Other than that, I don’t think there are many downfalls to pro horns like those.
@@stephaniecisneros1003 check the rolled tone holes...if those are ok, is a solid horn ( i own one )
@@Lucia-kk4kn .
Great horn. Monster
I've been playing my AWO2 for about 4 years now and decided to take the leap of faith and get a brand new TWO2 as well as a SWO2 earlier this year. I can say these new horns have been some of the best saxophones I have ever played! Especially the SWO2, no other soprano comes relatively close in tone, response, intonation, and build quality! I am very happy with my line of WO2 horns and will play them for the rest of my life. I just wish it were easier here in southern California to test more of their products like different plated necks before making a decision. Glad I was able to get each horn before the rest of the world catches on to how great Yanis really are!
For me the best saxophone in the world is my King Zephyr Special alto because it sounds outstanding no matter what kind of sound I want to get out of it.
Yes! Actually mine is a 1938 King Zephyr Special Tenor. Nothing else like it. Incredible big sound, clear and crisp. Great action, great. Of course the other key is the Otto Link 5* paired with it to bring out that big, clear sound.
Hey Jay great videos as always. I have a question. Im just curious as I used to play a vintage KING Super 20 mother of pearls, those have the Underslung Neck.. which system is better and more practical the traditional neck or the Underslung? Anyone? Thanks
You are asking the wrong question, it should be who is the best saxophone teacher..........answer Jay
My used CONN alto I got on eBay. I got to know my local repair technician here in Belgium, home of the saxophone. My CONNIE feels solid, and I'm getting better. I've only been playing a month, but I'm an elementary school music teacher, so I have a head start.
I owned a TWO10 some time ago. This is a wonderful sax with IMO the best intonation on the market today. Ergonomics was top notch and the overall build quality second to none. One important point raised is the weight of the Elite series ... quite heavy compared to my other tenors. Make sure you check the TW-01 also ... I didn't do that unfortunately. The Yanagisawa are free blowing instruments and the only reasons why I use a Selmer III and BA is that I can better shape my tone on those sax and they are way lighter. From a price/quality point of vue, the Yanigasawa are very attractive compared to Selmer or even some new brands without the proved experience that Yanasisawa has.
I'm pretty happy with my Better Sax alto and the wonderful people at Sweetwater.
I'm returning to saxophone after 30 years. It's challenging and painful at how terrible I am from where I once was, but I am so truly grateful for your collaboration to create an entry level product that I can feel confident in and be proud of having. If I get better, I may pick up additional instruments, but I wanted to take a moment and leave some positive feedback and gratitude for your passion and care for the saxophone community.
I own a Martin, a 1948 "The Martin" that my mother gave to me for my 40th birthday. She passed away 6 months after that. In my opinion it sounds better than any mk VI I've played.
Have the Mark VI Alto & Soprano; but, my favourite jazz instrument is trumpet. Miles played a Martin Committee. Had a opportunity to buy a Martin trumpet, here in Toronto. Still regret I didn’t buy it. The store’s gone now, and Martin’s gone!
48 was a great year for The Martin! Congrats.
I play tenor Yanagisawa T901 and Mark 6 soprano and I love them so hard
My mom's '81 YTS-23... because it's all I've got at the moment.
Yts 23 is a really, really good instrument! Believe me ,You dont need to buy another horn!
I had the same for 10 years Otto link is a good match l have a video of it on here back in the 80's go go gators.
I have a yts 23 that I liked until I got a Jupiter JAS 767 used, which is warmer and darker sounding using the same set up, Meyer piece and Rico Reed.
The best sax I own was gifted to me in the 70s by my Dad. He got it from a work buddy :) It was and still is a piece of Junk, but it was just the spark I needed to become a musician and singer. It was Wizzard and Roy Wood who made sense of it all, for me!!! See My Baby Jive !!!! It is a DORE from Paris, made in the 1950s, not worth really reconditioning but it stands in my Room like an Oscar award. :)
I've been arguing that cheap junk is often the only hope to connect some folks.
do you have any videos about where and how to find the right saxophone for you?
You should just go to a good saxophone store with tons of options and try the heck out of every single one of them.
Not yet, but that's a good idea.
Thank you for the wonderful video
A few years ago, I went to a major Japanese musical instrument store to purchase the T-WO10, but they had none in stock. The reason is that Yanagisawa is extremely popular in US and Europe, and even if it is produced, most of it is exported. But Now I got T-WO10!!
I’ve barely played on different type of saxophones but I used the alto cannonball big bell stone series raven alto
Exact!...the CB Big Bell Stone Series Alto (Brute) is a wonderful sounding and looking Sax....together with a YTS-62 - an unbelievable Duo....
As an wo30 owner for 3 years, I couldn't agree more in what you say about tone, intonation and playability of this horn
my best horns are what I own as well!
A 2002model YAS-62 and a late 60s Buescher aristocrat tenor
haha, I have the 2002 YTS-62 and a later Aristocrat 200 Alto. Close...
Both good to play in their ways.
Just got myself a yanagisawa a-wo2 alto
And I love it soooooo much
Thank you so much for this video
Congratulations amazing saxophone
I love the sound of my Cannonball big bell SS, Doesn't look bad either.
jesse Miller the option to have personalized stones on it is really cool too 😎
It's so good to get your take on various horns. I will say you sounded very good on those Amazon horns too. A very talented player for sure. Thank you for letting us know that you are sponsored by Yanagisawa.
Great video!! I am a begginner learning your methods (pentatonics etc...) so for me it is not the arrow, it is the indian....
Well said👍
so Happy to see someone giving these incredible saxophones some love.
I have a yanagisawa awo37 and a swo 37, absolute best in the world
Ethan Zhang alto saxes? Or soprano?
Kiersten Saxophone so the awo37 is the solid silver alto and the swo37 is the soprano, I have both of them
I really want the swo37 soprano because the few months that I did play soprano I loved but but then later returned it(it was a cannon ball) and got a professional cannon ball alto instead. How does the soprano play? If you don’t mind, how much was it?
Kiersten Saxophone I tried a few different sopranos including the selmer jubilee series iii before I bought it, and the yanagisawa swo37 was definitely the best. I think the solid silver body just gives it a deeper and rounder sound compared to the ones that are made out of brass. The instrument was around $8500 when I bought it.
Wow, that’s expensive but I bet it’s worth every penny.
Selmer 3 soprano, Selmer 2 alto (neck changed) and Selmer 3 tenor. I totally agree with you. The neck piece and a good instrument mechanic are important.
I love my CANNONBALL alto and Tenor sax.
Cannonball? Is that a brand?
I have a Yanagisawa 901 Alto Sax that I've been playing for quite a few years now and really love it!
The best instrument in the world is just like the best camera in the world... Its the one you have, because having one is better than not having one. :-)
I've only owned 3 tenor saxes in my long life, a Conn Pan American 1918, (nice and gutsy) a very, very cheap modern unbranded knock-off copy of a Yani, (which plays OK) and the sax I love best, my Selmer SBA 1949 (super smooth and mellow) but after watching your video I quite fancy trying a proper professional Yani tenor.
I really like my Cannonball brute soprano. Unlacquered dark brass, I am getting quite arthritic and the ergonomics, particularly the hand/finger placement is really comfortable for me. I tried the Yani and it didn't quite fit my hands. Great instrument but not for me. I tell anyone who asks to pick up the instrument and play it. No better way to know what is good for you until you do so. It is very personal.
I really beg to differ. I love the Yani soprano both in my playing and other players I know. Same with Baritone, I've played Yani baritone for big band and it was great. However, thumbs down on Yani Alto and tenor horns! A great player/teacher had a vintage Mark VI and was wearing out his pearls. He had great sound for Avant Garde Coltrane incl altissimo and phat sound for standards. So he gets a Yani black laquered tenor, brings it to a 18th Street Lounge gig in DC and sounds paper thin. So much so that that the rascal leader we had cut him off in mid solos! Another friend and great Alto player turned tenor later had same problem with his 3 different Yani Altos. Shrill sound. Finally got 2 nice VI Altos that were warm and dark. He couldn't wait to unload his Yanis. Of course he had owned a tenor VI that was very blase with No sex appeal at all that he dumped but just the same my shared experience with Yanis is they are thin and shrill in the Alto and Tenor Dept and great in the soprano and Bari Dept.
Played Yanagisawa for over 20 years - I have 4 of them and one Selmer Jubilee Tenor. They are all great and very different from the Selmer which is also a great horn. My A9932J and the WO32 Tenor really are quite something. Everything you say in your video plus one thing: they are absolutely stunning to look at - and then you get to play them!!!
What do you think aw01 vs aw02? For solo performances
Never tried Selmer, Yani... But I own Keilwerth sx90r tenor and it is a piece of art! Perfect in every aspect. Intonation, ergonomics, lightweight, full sound. And yeah, sooooo flexible in tone! But after this review of Yani I am eager to try it, and yeah, to own one! :D :D
Thanks, Jay! :D
I have a Yanagasawa WO10 alto sax. Initially I was hesitant to buy-after all, I like my soprano Selmer super 80 and my tenor Yamaha YTS 62, both fine pro instruments. But I fell in love with this sax. The sound, the smooth play, the ease with with I can reach high notes. I am a convert.
The best to me is the JTS-700 tenor sax. It's the only one I'm able to afford. (I'm 14 and it's also the only one I've ever played)
Nice one kiddo.
I'm no James Carter but I just picked a P.Mauriat 76.
I never thought I'd get one and it dead set boogies
My alto sax is a decent Student model Jupiter (JAS) 500. I learnt to play on it and settled on it after going through a few different makes. I like that the fact that is very solidly built. At that time, I still had a lot of tension in the hands when I played and pressed the keys very hard. I, since then, have much more relaxed hands and as a result, had the "action" (spring tension) for all the keys loosened and so, I enjoy playing it.
I purchased a tenor sax after getting my legs under me and both a P. Muriat Le Bravo Sax. I have never needed ay adjustments to it and I play it much more than I do my alto. I also bought a brass/copper allow neck to get a richer and deeper sound which I used when I am going for sultry and sexy.
Your video was very informative Jay. I think that despite the model and make, all decently manufactured saxes, if cared for by the owner and adjusted (as needed) and maintained (regularly) by good technician can serve a player well!
Hey day I will own one 🎶🎶🎶🎶🎷✌🏽😎 thank you for sharing this 🎶🎶🎶🎷
Jay, I wanted to thank you for turning me on to Yani’s. I have two Custom Z alto’s that I have to force myself to pick up ever since I’ve started using my WO-2....everything about it is superior in my opinion. I was honestly skeptical having played the Custom Z for so long....but the ergonomics and mechanics are just that much better. I’m actually buying another in anticipation of prices going to the moon when the public finally recognizes Yani as the premier horns manufactured in the modern era. Thank you!!
are you interested in selling one of your custom Zs?
The best Saxophone in the world is obviously my Buffet Crampon Senzo!
thanks nobody speaks about that gem
hey Jay, I just love your Jazz vibe and all your wee stories, We dig you brudda, Keep up the good and essential work , :)
I have a Yamaha Custom Z alto with an E Rousseau mouthpiece or a Selmer C star and I've played a lot of horns but I can't think of one I like more ... from the moment I first played it I knew it was something special.
Best saxophone in the world to me is my yanagisawa B902. It’s the bronze model bari. I was looking for a bari to purchase for many years. From Yamaha to cannonball to selmer to cg conn and the moment my fingertips touched the yani I knew my search was over. The warmth in the tone, the roundness of the sound became a part of me. I play in a couple of swing bands and I am often complimented on my tone and warmth. I have a very old cg conn bari from the mid 20’s also. Bb version. That thing can bark. Switching between the two is like taking a ride with doc brown in the delorean time machine. We’ve come a long way since 1925. Thanks for the video. I’d love to hear from you on some bari stuff. I really struggle with altissimo on bari. I’ve played alto and tenor most of my life and have only been focusing on bari for the past 5-6 years and still struggling with altissimo. I’m going to try your overtones technique and see if that helps a little with altissimo. Keep the videos coming!
Couf Superba 1’s for me!
Interesting choice! I could not attach myself to them when I tried, I'm more of a vintie king player.
I just bought the professional model alto. It is excellent! Ergonomically it is so easy to play, easy blowing, in tune throughout, and seems to be made for my hands. Tonally, it sounds a lot better than any other alto sax I have owned. (Beuscher Trutone and Yamaha Custom). It is a beautiful object and I want to play it all the time. The Yana mouthpiece it came with is great too.
Is evident that Yanis are great, fine and top saxes.
I like Keilwerth saxes. But my "cuotidien" sax is an Selmer aristocrat, tenor of Taiwan and i can say that sounds like the best i have tried or listened.
But... for me, the best sound, is from an B&S tenor, and from an Aquilasax-"C" sax... absolut amazing... boths played by Mr. Michael Ausserbauer.
Great video, as all yours boss!
I don't have a lot of opportunity to try different horns, but I picked up a Super Dynaction, Buffet Crampon alto and really love it. So responsive, easy to play, with great sound. Couldn't be happier.
I love my King super 20! Half the Prince of a selmer but wouldn't trade it for anything
My dad swore by his King Super 20.
The King Super 20 is legendary like the Selmer Mk VI or SBA, I guess their value is legendary too.
Totaly agree. My too. I became a Yanagisawa boy. After trying the Selmers and Yamahas. So thats for le a big pkeasur to pkay ow Yanagisawa saxes. Big thank you for this great instruments.