I think insaneintherain made a great point that when playing an electronic wind instrument, don't treat it like a replacement for real instruments, treat it like a digital instrument and you'll find it much more satisfying.
I just purchased the AE-20 a few weeks ago after watching all of your previous digital sax reviews. For me, I think it was the right fit because it gives me extra versatility to play different sounds when I'm jamming with my band, yet the feel is close enough to my sax to where what I practice on the AE-20 transfers to my sax. I've been having a lot of fun with my Aerophone, and one feature that you didn't touch on here is the pitch bend wheel! The pitch bend is really useful when I'm jamming and doing call and response with the guitar player! Though I agree with you that the bite control is not as useful as I originally thought it would be. Thank you for always posting helpful videos, Jay!
I followed your advice and got the TravelSax2. And I absolutely love it. I am a fisherman and stay out on the ocean for long times and I can practice the saxophone in my cabin. P.s. I also bought one of your courses, the Pentatonic Foundation, and it really hit the spot.
Love practicing and playing on my Roland AE-10. Not even the slightest desire to upgrade to an AE-20 or AE-30 or switch to another digital instrument. The AE-10 has great build quality, the supernatural sounds are fantastic, it's fun to match different sounds to different songs, and its size and weight make it super comfortable and convenient to play.
Thanks for another fantastic comparison, Jay! I use the YDS-120 for travel practice and don't experience the glitches. I press the keys hard in general. It fits in my carry-on case. I don't miss the Bluetooth - I use an aux chord to connect to my iPad or phone. Also - I've never put actual batteries in it. I connect a very old portable charger to it while I play. (This charger is so old it can't even charge a new phone). I rarely change the sounds - but I love that I can switch between Alto, Tenor, and Soprano, so I don't have to transpose. Two ideas worth mentioning next time: 1)The air pressure required to play the electronic one is nothing compared to the real sax. And voicing is not required. You cannot practice many of the skills that make your sax sing, such as vibrato, bends, dynamics, and tonguing techniques. It's most useful to work on fingerwork (such as a fast passage). Make sure you have a few hours with your real sax before you return to rehearsal or play live! 2) It's great for written transcribing. The actual sax is clunky to set down and pick up. The electronic sax (no matter which brand you choose) is light and easy to set down and pick up to test a passage and then write it down.
I used your discount code for the travel sax about 6 months ago and have grown to really enjoy it, in that 'does what it says on the tin' kind of way. I've been travelling for the last four months and have taken it everywhere, whilst my sax has mostly been in storage. Ive played it on trains, in tents, camper vans and on bike trips as it fits easily in panniers. I used it in cafe's and it's become a conversation opener as people are curious to what Im doing. I even watch TV with it and pay along to theme tunes and incidental music, whilst still taking in what im watching. It's become a bit obsessional, I have to admit, but it has improved my ear no end. I'm currently full of cold and can, laid low and can still play the thing in bed, as it doesn't require much of a puff to get a sound out of it. The sounds are awful, I just leave it on Trumpet as its the least offensive sound to my ears. I also have an EMEO that I bought at the same time and don't play it as much, but will do once my travelling stint comes to an end. I still play my tenor in a band ( 4 times in four months ) and realise I'm suffering from sarcopenia and so need to rectify that by hitting the gym ! My travels is I must say starting to wear out, after 6 months of solid use. The battery life is decreasing so I always travel with a battery bank that will charge the thing at least 3 or 4 times. The keys are beginning to squeak and some notes like D are getting a bit glitchy. I'm going to speak to the guys in Spain to see if they are interested in taking it back to give it a service. I never thought Id say that about it, but like everything with moving parts, albeit in 3D printed plastic, things do wear out. All that to say I have found it to be a great tool. As for the people taking interest in the thing, it is only women it seems. The Netherlands was a big hit, putting life into the old adage " Is that a Travel sax in your pocket, or are you just pleased to see me ? "
I love your videos, if I wanted a digital sax for using as a midi controller when recording singer songwriter type stuff, what would your recommendations be? Doesnt have to be the (3) you reviewed here either. Thanks in advance.
I have a man Aerophone AE-20 and have been playing with it live for a while now. It’s really great for the synth sounds or if I need a horn section for certain songs (think sledgehammer) and for quiet practice at home. The only bad thing about mine though is the internal speaker seems to not work anymore, which is a bummer. Thanks again for the great video!
I didn’t agree with your review of the YDS-150, but your review of the travelsax2 was spot on. Do to its size and internal battery I’m finding myself practicing with it most often. With the limited room available in the cab of my truck it gives me the best chance to get some practice when I’m waiting on a load. It also allows me to practice quietly at home at night as I’m trying to force myself into a practice habit. I’m still looking forward to ordering the Master Class off of the Better Sax website. I’m not sure why I haven’t ordered it already, just trying to figure out the best way to do the class in the truck while I’m on the road.
@@bettersax Nice, thanks for the heads up. I guess that is what I was waiting for and I didn't even know it. Should make it home just in time for that. Were you planning on putting out a BetterSax Bari-Sax? I'm saving up for a Bari-Sax to reward myself when I can finally get myself into a good practice habit.
@@bettersax The temptation of the Mega Bundle was too much for me to pass up for $399 and a no brainer when I clicked to purchase it, and it was $299. There was no way I could pass that up. I think I'm going to purchase the Rhythmic Pyramid when I regain a little more skill. I'm trying to get myself to the point where I'm excited to improvise again, but set myself up for better success, with a better foundation then I had when I put my sax down a little over 30 years ago. Hopefully I can make this fun again and begin to look forward to my practice time.
I’ve had the EMEO for a couple of years and have loved it. I do find that for traveling, it’s a little cumbersome because of its size. So, I recently bought a TS2. The TS2 really can go anywhere. A few points: My EMEO sometimes doesn’t connect for me right away. Since it has no internal sounds, this is very frustrating and I’ve sometimes lost good practice time trying to connect it. Other times, it connects right away and I’m good to go. My TS2 always connects quickly. And, as I said, the size makes it super convenient to take anywhere. It has those internal sounds, so I’m ready to practice right away. I have found it a little glitchy sometimes. I’m not sure if that’s just my instrument or what. I will go to play a key and it will sometimes not play for a moment. I need to find out if that fixable and why that might be happening. But, overall, it works well.
I’m a beginner, and took a chance on the YDS-120. I actually like it, and it’s fun, although you are absolutely right: it’s glitchy. And that octave key…whoa. Really bad. The forums are pretty up in arms about that octave key. But overall it lets me practice in places I normally couldn’t, like when i travel, or even in the hospital visiting a relative. When I progress to more intermediate level, I will really take a look at the Emeo.
what do you think with saxophone sound between ae-20 and yamaha yds 120? i feel like yds 120 is more realistic. i still dont know what to choose. i love yamaha sound but after hearing cons. it makes me unsure.
@@MrArztzIn truth, I think my YDS-120 sounds like a toy. It’s not a realistic sax sound at all. I can’t speak to the AE-20. There are other sounds that sound kind of other-worldly, and they are fun. The flute type sounds are fun. But I like it because it helps me practice my fingering, not because it sounds good. Hope this helps :)
@@brandolph83 it helps a lot. i heard sound only on UA-cam, so real user comment is more solid. what i have heard might be editing and making sound good.
I own an Aerophone Go (AE-05) which I used to use to practice silently, to transcribe or compose and take on (some) trips (it takes some space). I play it live as well ! However it too has glitches and as you describe, the feeling of the key pressure/response is far from a real sax. I also found that the bite sensor is not essential ... After watching your previous videos on the TS2, I ordered one with your code earlier this year and I think that's the best gear purchase I've made in years 😄 I take it with me on trips, I take it with me to the office and practice at lunch break. I use it every day and the battery lasts quite a long time ! The key response is so much closer to a real sax and no glitches ! I just love it ❣
I used to play quite a long time ago and have been interested in these mainly due to budget and that I dabble with synths right now. Would this be a good choice instead of a traditional sax?
Jay, this was an excellent and informative video, and I have a follow-up question for you. Did you find there was a little "learning curve" with the Aerophone in terms of fingering? I ask because my Aerophone (which is an AE-10) is NOT glitch-free, unless I'm very careful with my fingering. With a not-quite-firm enough key press, I'll get a howl/squeal sound between notes. I have to be a lot more careful and precise with my fingering on this instrument than with my real saxophones. Have you had that experience? I don't think the AE-10 is fundamentally different from the AE-20 you have, other than extra features.
The EMEO is finest digital-sax. Jay previously reviewed as the best in class. I agree. It travels easily and the actual sax keys allow you to not lose the proper manual coordination and orientation. The customer service is first rate. It's not glitchy, has great software and uses Bluetooth.
To me the bite sensor is very important for pitch bend and vibrato. That's why I switched from my trusty but very old WX7 to the Roland AE20. I don't use it live and I don't use the internal sounds. It's a studio tool for me to record mostly brass sections (trumpets, trombones, saxes) and I use dedicated plugins for all sounds (Samplemodeling, Audiomodeling, Acousticsamples).
For someone on a (gigantic) budget, would a Roland AE-05 do? I can get one for 500 CAD. There is a new AE-01 sold for 200 CAD new in my local area too. Need something that won't tax my jaw too much (cannot keep a tip vacuum on my old Soprano anymore; broken jaw in pieces for life...), and that I can play with headphones. Also REAL buttons, not just like EWI Midi stuff with touch buttons. I used to play sax (Tenor and Alto in the military cadets where I learned to play 20 years ago, + several Sopranos) and compose my own pieces in another life... I wish to play again, even if I suck after years, but don't want to be heard, and not taxing physically, I'm a mess unfortunately, but the jaw in particular. Thanks for your time and advices :) and MOST INFORMATIVE vid on the subject!
Regarding budget options, there's also cheaper variants of the AE-20. I picked up a AE-05 to use as a practice tool (most of my music making time is after the kid's gone to sleep, so the actual sax is off the table for that situation!) and it's pretty great for that IMO
@@fgerv Yeah the internal sounds aren't great (the additional ones available through the app are better, but I can't be bothered with the app most of the time). Though for practice purposes, I'm mostly just concerned with hitting the right notes in time rather than the actual sound quality, so it still does the job for me.
Are you able to transpose to F on the fly? I'd like to be able to transpose quickly between C, F, Bb, and Eb for use as a rehearsal tool as a band director.
I can't speak for anything except the Aerophone, but I generally keep mine in Eb since I mostly play alto, but sometimes I change it to Bb (for a tenor part) or C if I'm trying to figure out a key from an original recording of something. I wouldn't say that "on the fly" is the expression I would use since it takes quite a few button pushes to navigate through the menu to do this. There may be an easier way to do it through the phone app, but, so far, I haven't needed or tried to link the instrument to the app. I would think that the other two (YDS-120 &TS2) have similar capabilities. It seems like a pretty fundamental requirement in an instrument like these.
Jay, I recently bought the Travel sax 2 but I am confused on how to use the Blue tooth features. I tex the company several times w/o any response. I can not get my travel sax 2 (TS2) bluetooth to connect to any apps or my computer. Are u saying to hook up BT to your headphones and use the apps or computer for sounds to go to your headphones, so that you can hear the backing track on headphones while the headphones are pluged into your DS2. That way you hear the backing track on headphones and hear the music you made from your TS2 together!! Hope that make sense. If not can you explain how to incorporate BT on your TS2!! Thanks you Wayne Pharo
Not sure if you are asking in your comment, but if you connect via Bluetooth the TS2 with your phone for example, any music coming from your phone as backing track your can hear it through headphones and play over it
I bought the yds 120 and have the same issue with the glitches . I tried adjusting the key response in the app but it doesn't really do the trick. I was thinking about let it recalibrate . Dunno if that is possible though ...
I have a cheap IngPartner Y8. It doesn’t have side keys but it’s fun. It’s touch sensitive with over 95 instruments. I think the best alto sax sound is actually the soprano setting with a lower octave.
I'm a happy owner of a TS2 since they put it in pre-sale. Perfect to study, especially reading and "mechanics" (scales, intervals, arpeggios). 'm looking how to use it live, but still trying to figure it out. Yamaha got a big fail with this new YDS line (150 and 120), compared to the glorious WX5, in my opinion.
I have all of these (older Aerophone), also the EMEO. But by far the best is the original Akai EWI that Brecker used. Far more expressive; I have one. OK, not sax fingering, the others are good for practice, with the EMEO being the best.
Like the key arrangements on a piano, I wish someone would invent a digital saxophone with piano-like keys, instead of saxophone arranged keys. I always have the toughest time finding and pressing several keys on a saxophone just to get one note, whereas one only needs to press one key on a piano to get a note. I'm sure I can learn to play the sax faster this way. I learned to play the harmonium quickly because this wind instrument's keys are like piano keys. Arranging piano-like keys on the traditional acoustic sax may not work, but maybe can work on a digital sax? No, not making the keys on a digital sax look like piano keys but maybe make each key round, about dime size for the major notes and slightly smaller and raised for the sharps and flats. And a switch for higher and or lower octaves. Maybe this idea can also work with all wind instrument (and strings) sounds on a digital sax. After all, many electric keyboards can mimic strings, brass, and woodwind sounds, played all on piano keys. Roland, can you please create piano-like key arrangements on your Aerophones? If you can, I'll certainly buy one from you! Yes, unorthodox, but....okay......I'm spoiled.
If you live in an apartment and have very limited time to practice your real sax then I’d definitely 1000% recommend the EMEO. I had to take a break from real playing and practicing for 1.5 years, but I kept practicing with the EMEO 3-4 times a week, for 2-5 hours. (Because I actually enjoyed it) Just now I could come back and start practicing again on my real sax. And I’m flying through all 12 keys arpeggios everything, and maybe because I was using the supplied alto mouthpiece, my embouchure didn’t suffer neither, and I came back MUCH better then I ever was. It was the best investment I ever made. Now I can 100% focus on tone and articulation practice when I’m with my sax, and leave all the tedious finger work for the EMEO. HIGHLY recommend! (Btw I’m using the SWAM sounds on an iPad)
@davidquidas961 I purchased a second AE-30 and noticed how different the keys were, no clicks. Long story short, I found out that Roland can retrofit older Aerophones to the quieter keys. I contacted Roland through their website and sent over my older horn. They did a great job and it wasn't expensive, less than $100 at the time. It was worth it. My 2 instruments play identically. Hope this helps.
I play wind controller in a horn section so I only use SWAM sounds. In 2024 I used AE05 but did pick up a used YDS-150. Paid much less than a new 120. Modified it about 10 minutes using a tube I had to cut to size to fit a removable alto neck, mp and alto strap. Forget any of the internal sounds. Had to strap on a rechargeable battery if I want to use Bluetooth midi. Can’t tell if you adjusted the YDS using the iOS app. With your sound you should stick with acoustic sax. Played wind controller since 1984. Had a Lyricon, two WXs, 2 EWIs, 2 AE 30s. My keepers are AE05 and 10 and WARBL 1 & 2. I host on M1 iPad Pro but have a M1 Mac mini with Sample Modeling horns.
I ordered the Roland AE-30 Aerophone Pro today. On Sweetwater and Musician's Friend, it's $450 off, bringing the total to $999. With the 48-month 0% interest financing option, I finally decided it was time to pull the trigger. For approximately $20 per month, I think I'll be satisfied with what I get out of it, which is hopefully fun.
Ugh. So disappointed to hear Yamaha turned out a toy, best looking IMO. The screechy key could probably be fixed with a tiny amount of lube like lanolin (grease from cleaning sheared wool). I would also want a great saxophone sound. Steam calliope of the Roland was very desirable IMO.
So none of these are good enough for recording? I want an expressive midi controller that can output expressive sounds that simply can't be replicated on a MIDI keyboard. I've played sax in the past, but don't have a place where I can play sax and record it without disturbing others.
I got this kind and I don't like it. I went back to normal sax. I can't stand to play these things. I am advanced keyboard player. Can play anything I want on keys.... Just no point in playing this ugly, electric goblin. Don't buy this. You will regret it. YAMAHA sucks at this too.
I think insaneintherain made a great point that when playing an electronic wind instrument, don't treat it like a replacement for real instruments, treat it like a digital instrument and you'll find it much more satisfying.
agreed
I just purchased the AE-20 a few weeks ago after watching all of your previous digital sax reviews. For me, I think it was the right fit because it gives me extra versatility to play different sounds when I'm jamming with my band, yet the feel is close enough to my sax to where what I practice on the AE-20 transfers to my sax. I've been having a lot of fun with my Aerophone, and one feature that you didn't touch on here is the pitch bend wheel! The pitch bend is really useful when I'm jamming and doing call and response with the guitar player! Though I agree with you that the bite control is not as useful as I originally thought it would be. Thank you for always posting helpful videos, Jay!
Don't forget to add the new free tones, I really likes some of them (Bass clarinet and 5 flutes especially)
I followed your advice and got the TravelSax2. And I absolutely love it. I am a fisherman and stay out on the ocean for long times and I can practice the saxophone in my cabin.
P.s. I also bought one of your courses, the Pentatonic Foundation, and it really hit the spot.
Great to hear!
Love practicing and playing on my Roland AE-10. Not even the slightest desire to upgrade to an AE-20 or AE-30 or switch to another digital instrument. The AE-10 has great build quality, the supernatural sounds are fantastic, it's fun to match different sounds to different songs, and its size and weight make it super comfortable and convenient to play.
Thanks for another fantastic comparison, Jay! I use the YDS-120 for travel practice and don't experience the glitches. I press the keys hard in general. It fits in my carry-on case. I don't miss the Bluetooth - I use an aux chord to connect to my iPad or phone. Also - I've never put actual batteries in it. I connect a very old portable charger to it while I play. (This charger is so old it can't even charge a new phone). I rarely change the sounds - but I love that I can switch between Alto, Tenor, and Soprano, so I don't have to transpose. Two ideas worth mentioning next time: 1)The air pressure required to play the electronic one is nothing compared to the real sax. And voicing is not required. You cannot practice many of the skills that make your sax sing, such as vibrato, bends, dynamics, and tonguing techniques. It's most useful to work on fingerwork (such as a fast passage). Make sure you have a few hours with your real sax before you return to rehearsal or play live! 2) It's great for written transcribing. The actual sax is clunky to set down and pick up. The electronic sax (no matter which brand you choose) is light and easy to set down and pick up to test a passage and then write it down.
I used your discount code for the travel sax about 6 months ago and have grown to really enjoy it, in that 'does what it says on the tin' kind of way. I've been travelling for the last four months and have taken it everywhere, whilst my sax has mostly been in storage. Ive played it on trains, in tents, camper vans and on bike trips as it fits easily in panniers. I used it in cafe's and it's become a conversation opener as people are curious to what Im doing. I even watch TV with it and pay along to theme tunes and incidental music, whilst still taking in what im watching. It's become a bit obsessional, I have to admit, but it has improved my ear no end. I'm currently full of cold and can, laid low and can still play the thing in bed, as it doesn't require much of a puff to get a sound out of it. The sounds are awful, I just leave it on Trumpet as its the least offensive sound to my ears.
I also have an EMEO that I bought at the same time and don't play it as much, but will do once my travelling stint comes to an end. I still play my tenor in a band ( 4 times in four months ) and realise I'm suffering from sarcopenia and so need to rectify that by hitting the gym !
My travels is I must say starting to wear out, after 6 months of solid use. The battery life is decreasing so I always travel with a battery bank that will charge the thing at least 3 or 4 times. The keys are beginning to squeak and some notes like D are getting a bit glitchy. I'm going to speak to the guys in Spain to see if they are interested in taking it back to give it a service. I never thought Id say that about it, but like everything with moving parts, albeit in 3D printed plastic, things do wear out.
All that to say I have found it to be a great tool.
As for the people taking interest in the thing, it is only women it seems. The Netherlands was a big hit, putting life into the old adage " Is that a Travel sax in your pocket, or are you just pleased to see me ? "
Great to hear.
Great to hear.
Jay, I'm looking forward to you reviewing the NUX digital sax
I love your videos, if I wanted a digital sax for using as a midi controller when recording singer songwriter type stuff, what would your recommendations be? Doesnt have to be the (3) you reviewed here either. Thanks in advance.
I have a man Aerophone AE-20 and have been playing with it live for a while now. It’s really great for the synth sounds or if I need a horn section for certain songs (think sledgehammer) and for quiet practice at home. The only bad thing about mine though is the internal speaker seems to not work anymore, which is a bummer.
Thanks again for the great video!
I didn’t agree with your review of the YDS-150, but your review of the travelsax2 was spot on. Do to its size and internal battery I’m finding myself practicing with it most often. With the limited room available in the cab of my truck it gives me the best chance to get some practice when I’m waiting on a load. It also allows me to practice quietly at home at night as I’m trying to force myself into a practice habit. I’m still looking forward to ordering the Master Class off of the Better Sax website. I’m not sure why I haven’t ordered it already, just trying to figure out the best way to do the class in the truck while I’m on the road.
Nice. Black Friday sale starting in a couple days, so it's the best time to sign up for the courses.
@@bettersax Nice, thanks for the heads up. I guess that is what I was waiting for and I didn't even know it. Should make it home just in time for that. Were you planning on putting out a BetterSax Bari-Sax? I'm saving up for a Bari-Sax to reward myself when I can finally get myself into a good practice habit.
@@bettersax The temptation of the Mega Bundle was too much for me to pass up for $399 and a no brainer when I clicked to purchase it, and it was $299. There was no way I could pass that up. I think I'm going to purchase the Rhythmic Pyramid when I regain a little more skill. I'm trying to get myself to the point where I'm excited to improvise again, but set myself up for better success, with a better foundation then I had when I put my sax down a little over 30 years ago. Hopefully I can make this fun again and begin to look forward to my practice time.
I’ve had the EMEO for a couple of years and have loved it. I do find that for traveling, it’s a little cumbersome because of its size. So, I recently bought a TS2. The TS2 really can go anywhere. A few points: My EMEO sometimes doesn’t connect for me right away. Since it has no internal sounds, this is very frustrating and I’ve sometimes lost good practice time trying to connect it. Other times, it connects right away and I’m good to go. My TS2 always connects quickly. And, as I said, the size makes it super convenient to take anywhere. It has those internal sounds, so I’m ready to practice right away. I have found it a little glitchy sometimes. I’m not sure if that’s just my instrument or what. I will go to play a key and it will sometimes not play for a moment. I need to find out if that fixable and why that might be happening. But, overall, it works well.
I’m a beginner, and took a chance on the YDS-120. I actually like it, and it’s fun, although you are absolutely right: it’s glitchy. And that octave key…whoa. Really bad. The forums are pretty up in arms about that octave key. But overall it lets me practice in places I normally couldn’t, like when i travel, or even in the hospital visiting a relative.
When I progress to more intermediate level, I will really take a look at the Emeo.
what do you think with saxophone sound between ae-20 and yamaha yds 120?
i feel like yds 120 is more realistic.
i still dont know what to choose. i love yamaha sound but after hearing cons. it makes me unsure.
@@MrArztzIn truth, I think my YDS-120 sounds like a toy. It’s not a realistic sax sound at all. I can’t speak to the AE-20.
There are other sounds that sound kind of other-worldly, and they are fun. The flute type sounds are fun. But I like it because it helps me practice my fingering, not because it sounds good. Hope this helps :)
@@brandolph83 it helps a lot. i heard sound only on UA-cam, so real user comment is more solid.
what i have heard might be editing and making sound good.
for performing, better choices in my opinion would be nurad or older akai ewi models. also yamaha wx7 and wx5 are good
I own an Aerophone Go (AE-05) which I used to use to practice silently, to transcribe or compose and take on (some) trips (it takes some space). I play it live as well ! However it too has glitches and as you describe, the feeling of the key pressure/response is far from a real sax. I also found that the bite sensor is not essential ...
After watching your previous videos on the TS2, I ordered one with your code earlier this year and I think that's the best gear purchase I've made in years 😄
I take it with me on trips, I take it with me to the office and practice at lunch break. I use it every day and the battery lasts quite a long time ! The key response is so much closer to a real sax and no glitches ! I just love it ❣
I used to play quite a long time ago and have been interested in these mainly due to budget and that I dabble with synths right now. Would this be a good choice instead of a traditional sax?
Please review and compare other options such as NUX NES-1 and Robkoo R1
Jay, this was an excellent and informative video, and I have a follow-up question for you. Did you find there was a little "learning curve" with the Aerophone in terms of fingering? I ask because my Aerophone (which is an AE-10) is NOT glitch-free, unless I'm very careful with my fingering. With a not-quite-firm enough key press, I'll get a howl/squeal sound between notes. I have to be a lot more careful and precise with my fingering on this instrument than with my real saxophones. Have you had that experience? I don't think the AE-10 is fundamentally different from the AE-20 you have, other than extra features.
there is a small learning curve. Not much though. Finger glitches will always be more prominent on an ewi than on a real saxophone though.
I think YDS is better than aerophone, have owned both.
Have you tried the EMEO Saxophone?
I do think these digital instruments are nice to have but I practice enough every day that I feel like this is not really necessary
but what if you're traveling, in a plane, bus, waiting etc.
EWI 4000s & Yamaha VL70m (Patchman) is my go to wind synth, also with Respiro software
The EMEO is finest digital-sax. Jay previously reviewed as the best in class. I agree. It travels easily and the actual sax keys allow you to not lose the proper manual coordination and orientation. The customer service is first rate. It's not glitchy, has great software and uses Bluetooth.
my issue is it is that it has no internal sound.
I saw Sonny Rollins in the late 70’s, he played an electronic wind instrument for a couple tunes. It was pretty wild for those days.
Had to be a Lyricon. It predated midi.
YDS 150 is excellent!!
To me the bite sensor is very important for pitch bend and vibrato. That's why I switched from my trusty but very old WX7 to the Roland AE20. I don't use it live and I don't use the internal sounds. It's a studio tool for me to record mostly brass sections (trumpets, trombones, saxes) and I use dedicated plugins for all sounds (Samplemodeling, Audiomodeling, Acousticsamples).
For someone on a (gigantic) budget, would a Roland AE-05 do? I can get one for 500 CAD.
There is a new AE-01 sold for 200 CAD new in my local area too.
Need something that won't tax my jaw too much (cannot keep a tip vacuum on my old Soprano anymore; broken jaw in pieces for life...), and that I can play with headphones.
Also REAL buttons, not just like EWI Midi stuff with touch buttons.
I used to play sax (Tenor and Alto in the military cadets where I learned to play 20 years ago, + several Sopranos) and compose my own pieces in another life...
I wish to play again, even if I suck after years, but don't want to be heard, and not taxing physically, I'm a mess unfortunately, but the jaw in particular.
Thanks for your time and advices :) and MOST INFORMATIVE vid on the subject!
What about the EWI?
Sold every EWI I owned long ago.
@@fgerv Why mention just EWI? Let us see the whole list of items you sold. Akai's are great.
Hey was wondering what in a good mouthpiece for a alto under 50$
Get the BetterSax Classic alto mouthpiece it is awesome and on sale right now amzn.to/3CRdjiu
Regarding budget options, there's also cheaper variants of the AE-20. I picked up a AE-05 to use as a practice tool (most of my music making time is after the kid's gone to sleep, so the actual sax is off the table for that situation!) and it's pretty great for that IMO
The AE05 is a keeper but not for internal sounds.
@@fgerv Yeah the internal sounds aren't great (the additional ones available through the app are better, but I can't be bothered with the app most of the time).
Though for practice purposes, I'm mostly just concerned with hitting the right notes in time rather than the actual sound quality, so it still does the job for me.
Are you able to transpose to F on the fly? I'd like to be able to transpose quickly between C, F, Bb, and Eb for use as a rehearsal tool as a band director.
I can't speak for anything except the Aerophone, but I generally keep mine in Eb since I mostly play alto, but sometimes I change it to Bb (for a tenor part) or C if I'm trying to figure out a key from an original recording of something. I wouldn't say that "on the fly" is the expression I would use since it takes quite a few button pushes to navigate through the menu to do this. There may be an easier way to do it through the phone app, but, so far, I haven't needed or tried to link the instrument to the app. I would think that the other two (YDS-120 &TS2) have similar capabilities. It seems like a pretty fundamental requirement in an instrument like these.
I was literally sitting here debating if I should get the Yamaha YDS-120 while it's on sale and you upload this 😂
Check Reverb for a used 150. Don’t offer above a new 120.
yamaha definitely is not worth it. At least Roland or go straight to the best.
@@fgerv
One of these would be great to practice with but why are they so expensive?
Just because.
Agreed. 45 Euros for a plastic tube worth 10 cents?
Que tal amigos tengo una pregunta que tal estos instrumentos digitales cargando sonidos sampleados
have you tried NuRAD?
I have not, but want to.
Jay, I recently bought the Travel sax 2 but I am confused on how to use the Blue tooth features. I tex the company several times w/o any response. I can not get my travel sax 2 (TS2) bluetooth to connect to any apps or my computer. Are u saying to hook up BT to your headphones and use the apps or computer for sounds to go to your headphones, so that you can hear the backing track on headphones while the headphones are pluged into your DS2. That way you hear the backing track on headphones and hear the music you made from your TS2 together!! Hope that make sense. If not can you explain how to incorporate BT on your TS2!!
Thanks you
Wayne Pharo
Not sure if you are asking in your comment, but if you connect via Bluetooth the TS2 with your phone for example, any music coming from your phone as backing track your can hear it through headphones and play over it
Is AE-30 Pro better than AE-20?
Do u recommend this for complete beginners? I live in an urban area so since im a complete beginners i might annoy my neighbors.🤣
I bought the yds 120 and have the same issue with the glitches . I tried adjusting the key response in the app but it doesn't really do the trick. I was thinking about let it recalibrate . Dunno if that is possible though ...
Just press the keys a bit harder than a real sax, but I do think the octave key is a pain in the rear.
Me refiero a la respuesta an tiempo real con sampler Conectado via midi a la computadora tendría latencia
I think of the AE-20/30 as a synth with a sax keybed instead of a piano keybed.
I have a cheap IngPartner Y8. It doesn’t have side keys but it’s fun. It’s touch sensitive with over 95 instruments. I think the best alto sax sound is actually the soprano setting with a lower octave.
I'm a happy owner of a TS2 since they put it in pre-sale. Perfect to study, especially reading and "mechanics" (scales, intervals, arpeggios). 'm looking how to use it live, but still trying to figure it out.
Yamaha got a big fail with this new YDS line (150 and 120), compared to the glorious WX5, in my opinion.
I have all of these (older Aerophone), also the EMEO. But by far the best is the original Akai EWI that Brecker used. Far more expressive; I have one. OK, not sax fingering, the others are good for practice, with the EMEO being the best.
YDS 150 is great instrument!
Like the key arrangements on a piano, I wish someone would invent a digital saxophone with piano-like keys, instead of saxophone arranged keys. I always have the toughest time finding and pressing several keys on a saxophone just to get one note, whereas one only needs to press one key on a piano to get a note. I'm sure I can learn to play the sax faster this way. I learned to play the harmonium quickly because this wind instrument's keys are like piano keys. Arranging piano-like keys on the traditional acoustic sax may not work, but maybe can work on a digital sax? No, not making the keys on a digital sax look like piano keys but maybe make each key round, about dime size for the major notes and slightly smaller and raised for the sharps and flats. And a switch for higher and or lower octaves. Maybe this idea can also work with all wind instrument (and strings) sounds on a digital sax. After all, many electric keyboards can mimic strings, brass, and woodwind sounds, played all on piano keys. Roland, can you please create piano-like key arrangements on your Aerophones? If you can, I'll certainly buy one from you! Yes, unorthodox, but....okay......I'm spoiled.
The Ae-20 is my personal favorite in my oppinion it sounds like one of my favorite video games Sonic when i try to play the theme song😂😂😂😂😂😂
If you live in an apartment and have very limited time to practice your real sax then I’d definitely 1000% recommend the EMEO.
I had to take a break from real playing and practicing for 1.5 years, but I kept practicing with the EMEO 3-4 times a week, for 2-5 hours. (Because I actually enjoyed it)
Just now I could come back and start practicing again on my real sax. And I’m flying through all 12 keys arpeggios everything, and maybe because I was using the supplied alto mouthpiece, my embouchure didn’t suffer neither, and I came back MUCH better then I ever was.
It was the best investment I ever made. Now I can 100% focus on tone and articulation practice when I’m with my sax, and leave all the tedious finger work for the EMEO.
HIGHLY recommend!
(Btw I’m using the SWAM sounds on an iPad)
The AE-20 now has quiet keys. Older units can be retrofitted.
Please tell us more about retrofitting the AE-20. Mine has the clicketty clacketty keys.
I can't find any info on Roland's site about it.
@davidquidas961 I purchased a second AE-30 and noticed how different the keys were, no clicks. Long story short, I found out that Roland can retrofit older Aerophones to the quieter keys. I contacted Roland through their website and sent over my older horn. They did a great job and it wasn't expensive, less than $100 at the time. It was worth it. My 2 instruments play identically. Hope this helps.
I had an akai ewi . Made me out of breath. Couldn’t get on wi it
Though you were going to play Original Rays there for a sec.
yds 120 is the best one if you're on a budget.
The built-in sax sound of YDS-120 when playing with headphones blows the other two out of the water.
I play wind controller in a horn section so I only use SWAM sounds. In 2024 I used AE05 but did pick up a used YDS-150. Paid much less than a new 120. Modified it about 10 minutes using a tube I had to cut to size to fit a removable alto neck, mp and alto strap. Forget any of the internal sounds. Had to strap on a rechargeable battery if I want to use Bluetooth midi. Can’t tell if you adjusted the YDS using the iOS app. With your sound you should stick with acoustic sax. Played wind controller since 1984. Had a Lyricon, two WXs, 2 EWIs, 2 AE 30s. My keepers are AE05 and 10 and WARBL 1 & 2. I host on M1 iPad Pro but have a M1 Mac mini with Sample Modeling horns.
I hadn't heard of SWAM, but, after watching a brief trailer, I'm definitely gonna check that out!
@@Cysubtor_8vbWhat controller do you have and do you have an iPad?
Nothing compares to the Yamaha WX5/VL70 - great instrument. Don’t know why Yamaha stopped making it.
Before Sample Modeling and then SWAM I would agree. Got rid of that combination in 2015. Would never go back now.
@ What do you have now?
Tried them all only the Roland is good ‼️ That's my 10 cents.
Roland AE-20 and Yamaha YDS-120 are NOT in same price range
I ordered the Roland AE-30 Aerophone Pro today. On Sweetwater and Musician's Friend, it's $450 off, bringing the total to $999. With the 48-month 0% interest financing option, I finally decided it was time to pull the trigger. For approximately $20 per month, I think I'll be satisfied with what I get out of it, which is hopefully fun.
Yeah, that's like the AE-20 with some more options. You'll have fun with it.
A bettersax baritone sax would be TERRIBLE rn...😏
Am I the only one packing an old metal clarinet everywhere? It is the instrument that gives me the most trouble..... of course, it is not a sax 🙂
I made a lamp out of mine.
Ugh. So disappointed to hear Yamaha turned out a toy, best looking IMO. The screechy key could probably be fixed with a tiny amount of lube like lanolin (grease from cleaning sheared wool). I would also want a great saxophone sound. Steam calliope of the Roland was very desirable IMO.
So none of these are good enough for recording? I want an expressive midi controller that can output expressive sounds that simply can't be replicated on a MIDI keyboard. I've played sax in the past, but don't have a place where I can play sax and record it without disturbing others.
The Roland would be your best choice out of these.
Yamaha one sucks balls. Why no review of the Akai 5000 or that other one they make?
Sold that crap years ago.
The travel sax is a kind of toy betwen the others 2 , very bad instruemnt , no stable ata all and looks like a bad toy ¡¡¡¡¡¡
I got this kind and I don't like it. I went back to normal sax. I can't stand to play these things. I am advanced keyboard player. Can play anything I want on keys.... Just no point in playing this ugly, electric goblin. Don't buy this. You will regret it. YAMAHA sucks at this too.
Yes, these are not for you.
They’re for practicing, not performance. Ofc the sound is not gonna be the best.
Even in my worst dreams i would not buy something like that....😅
Yes if you don’t know how to use iOS devices for music then stick with acoustic instruments. Most musicians I play with have your prejudice. .
@@fgerv Well, nobody is Michael Brecker so... You can stick your iOS wherever you like. =) Have a nice day or night or whatever is on your side.
First?