Buying / upgrading a sax. What's the difference in price / brand? 🎶 saxophone advice
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- Опубліковано 8 вер 2024
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Hi, Velvet it is! I had a few Mark VI (1960, 1961, 1969) then a few months ago I acquired a 1951 SBA which is now my best sax. You're right about the low and the high that it just comes out. It's really hard to put down :-)..
How happy you were with the SBA makes me think you should allow yourself to change horns really. It's ok. Your series horn would understand. ;-)
Thanks Chez, a great insight into how they compare, it would be good if you could do another video along the same lines of a selection of each manufactures top sax to get your opinion on how they differ. I appreciate it’s subjective but your comparison has been the best I’ve seen, thank you 🙏
Great shout. I'm sure I'll be back at sax.co.uk!!
When I started playing the saxophone I rented a Yamaha lacquered alto saxophone, and it was okay, I started playing in college, though my saxophone teacher played a mark VI and I loved her tone ha. I started with a 2( 1/2 ) vandoren reed and I worked my way up to a 5. After about a year I bought my current saxophone, a Unlacquered 52nd Eastman, and I absolutely love it!
Thx for posting Chez. I'm an amateur alto sax player, with 2.5 years self-taught on a good used Yamaha YAS-23. My low end notes did the same thing (buzzing). Then I found out via McGill Music Sax School video, that it is a simple screw adjustment to fix that problem. All along II thought it was my technique. Once adjusted, I had clear notes, and didn't have to "work" for them. When you played the Selmer Balanced Action, it suddenly hit me, you get what you pay for mostly. My sax doesn't perform on the top end. Sometimes with the right reed, but mostly not. So I figure it's either another adjustment somewhere along the line, or just simply a typical "student sax" inherent in the design and price.
Let's be honest - every saxophone is naturally out of tune. It's a matter of training your ear and embouchure to play in tune consistently across the horn.
Great Video. Thanks for heading down to the store Chez!
Pleasure! Thanks for having me, Always have a hoot there ;-) (awkward sax pun intended....)
I have always loved the sound of older horns, I currently play a 1918 Conn, I love the mellow vibes. But she does force me to work to get the highs and lows. After watching this I may be taking a trip to the music store. Great videos!
Great video. I have not got those clear answers on differences before. People tend to just say that a more expensive sax feels better, and that could really mean anything.
Thanks honey. Really appreciate the nice comment and glad it was helpful. Cx
Something to dream about that selmer, maybe a lottery or a good bond win, one day, thanks for vid.
I want that saxophone so so so much!!!!!!!
If I win the lottery, gimme the Yanagisawa.
If I win the lottery, I gonna get the Big Boy Tubax
Thanks for the demos...congrats on moving over 7,000 subscribers! The Yamaha needs to go up to a 62 or a “custom” to get really much better tuning and tone I think! Of course, you can’t put them all in here. Please revisit with high end from Yamaha vs Keilwurth, Buffet, and Cannonball?! Rocket 🚀
I'll definitely be back! Was such a fun session! I'll get some others reviewed in the new year. CX
Hi Chez. I'm lucky enough to own a 1948 Super Action like the one you were trying. People have started calling this vintage of sax a Super Balanced Action since the introduction of the S80 and S80II, but I think that this can also lead to confusion as it is a different sax to the earlier Balanced Action which had in line keys. I do agree though that it is a lovely sax, and does play easily at the bottom. I used to be a real fan of the build quality of the Yamahas, but they seem to be cutting corners and the brass they are using is softer, so the keys go out of regulation more easily.
Keep up the good work with all the videos.
Hi Chez. If you like the Selmer, you’d LOVE the Ishimori WoodStone!! Also, the Yanagisawa horns re amazing. I have a Yamaha 2Zii tenor and those are also amazing. I was looking at Selmers and in each case I favored the horns mentioned above. Love my Yanigasaw soprano. My alto is the WoodStone and it is the best sax I’ve ever played. If you get a chance, you might really enjoy trying one
Very interesting look at 3 different brands of alto saxes. I agree with your comments. Yamahas make very good dependable saxes--their student models are great for student players. Once you become a serious player and can afford a more expensive sax, it is good to look for a vintage Selmer. Also agree with your endorsement of Legere reeds. They are great.
Hey greg! thanks for commenting. Glad we're on the same page. Thanks for reinforcing my points, that's useful for other viewers/readers. Cxx
greg sco has
Hi Chez! Student horns for beginners / young players best go with closed up mouthpieces that come with the instrument: 4C, C* and similar openings. Your pro mouthpiece setup with a wide tip pushes student horns too far. Same as in your Yamaha tenors review; pro tenors played well with your powerful Jody Jazz DV, but the student tenor was breaking apart.
Hi Chez, thanks for a great video. A clear explanation as to why I'm struggling with those lower notes.
the saxophone definitly has an effect on intonation, but that is nothing compared to the player. Any good player can play any reasonable saxophone in tune.
Fair point well made. But, much like my love of foundation and mascara - a little help doesn't go amiss!
Very true
I had a starter sax 5 years ago cost me £237.. was a great sax but lacked the spring response time as I was getting better.. but my music teacher made it sound like I'd spent the 4k your talking about for apparently high end selmer
Chez...please compare the SBA you fell in love with in this video, with the RS Berkeley Virtuoso alto. I tried their beginning level horn and instantly fell in love. The bottom of their line played easier top and bottom notes than my beloved Yamaha (sentimental, yes). I promise, you will be thinking about the Virtuoso non-stop. I do. Slightly less expensive than the top horn in your vid here. Worth a look for sure.
Thank you for that video. I was actually hoping to see it before I visited Sax.co.uk. Buuut, the staff there were so amazing at helping me find the right sax to upgrade to. I wish there were more specialized places like that around who really know their stuff.
In the last q&a video I brought up the intermediate upgrade of possibly a PM le Bravo or a Selmer in that same price bracket. One thing I discovered is the sax chooses you. It either works or it doesn’t. I tried cheaper and more expensive instruments, but it was like I was in Harry Potter. The wand choses the wizard, well, the Yanagisawa AWO1 chose me. It just WORKED. It was quite a bit more expensive than I was originally looking to spend, but it just clicked so well that I could not say no to it coming home with me. Actually, back home to the states. If it wasn’t that horn, I’m quite sure the YAS480 would have been the runner up. That is quite a solid horn as well. I did appreciate your talk about the lows and highs. It took me a while to sort that out on some of these horns. Like the YAS 62, I felt like I had to work hard to get anything below low D out properly, which actually surprised me.
Thank you for this great channel. Your energy and passion are always easily seen. I’ll be subscribed as long as you are here!
This story is entirely awesome and you've properly made my day! I'm so thrilled that you found the right sax for you & thanks so much for supporting my channel. Means a lot. Cx
I went to a music store a few days ago and I found that I really liked the feel and sound of the yanagisawa sax they had in stock
poke gaming my tenor is a yani & I love it. Think I’ll do a similar video for tenor soon...watch this space!
thanks for all your good honest advice
some honest comments, wow. thanks very rare indeed
This video was great one of your best. Looking forward to the video when you play the comedy ones. What was your favourite sax that you played on or off camera?
Hi Chez, I have a repair man friend who sometimes calls me in to check his sax repairs.I ALWAYS start with subtones at the bottom end - if there's a leak anywhere it'll show up there, as in the flapping sound on the Jupiter.
Sadly eBay has declined as a source of quality used bargains, though what I've got will probably outlast me.
And what about the pink one?)
I'm jealous !! .....also want to visit that store again .
root4343 fancy some shop lifting,lol.
Not really, more thinking of the service and the selection they have.
root4343 You really cannot beat that store. The local store near my place in the USA has two saxes on show, that is it. I’m not going to special order something that I may not like at all. Sax.co having all of them on hand made the task of finding a new horn so easy it was crazy.
TrekRiderMark Yes, I bought a new mouthpice in that store. The gave me like 8 different ones to try out.
Thanks a lot for this very interesting benchmark. Personally I am in love with Selmer saxes, but I have heard lately a tenor P. Mauriat sax sounding amazing (played by another saxophonist, don’t know if it was the player or the instrument), with a very dark tone. Have you tried one ? Your feeling ? Greetings from Mexico ! 🎄🎄🎷🙏🏻
I haven't actually tried the mauriat but heard similar things. I'll see if I can try one of these next time. Maybe I'll do a version for tenor with different models....? X
What did you use to check the tuning on the individual saxophones, was it an app or a traditional tuner ? I'm looking into buying an alto sax and start taking lessons. I don't mind spending a bit more for a better sax but not looking to spend the "balanced action" type money as a beginner. Even with my amateur ears (if I can even be considered that), I could tell the differences between the "high" end sax compared to the "lower" end ines but not so much between the "mid range" saxophones. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE help me with my decision 🙏. I've seen quite a few videos on saxophones and this is one of the better ones, mostly I think because of the way you described the nuances. Btw, why do so many people choose a tenor over an alto sax ?
Jupiter sound better than the Yamaha!
Please please please hold the neck when adjusting the mouthpiece- I learned that the hatd way when I had a Yani tenor :(
Thanks for the videos they are awesome
Ah...interesting....what happened? Did the neckjoint become misaligned?
Chez Taylor - Saxophone i somehow pulled it upwards (don't ask me how). anyway it had to be repaired, obvs
I would like subtitles. I miss some words.
I was not the only one with the problem! The yas 280 sounds too light or pinched on the upper register!!!!
Yeh I agree to be fair. Thanks for the comment, I'm sure lots of people will find it useful. x
The top end😏😮
how come the Selmer did not get a tuner test, maybe next time we also could see what your app result showed with those high notes
Thanks so much for that! Now I don't feel so bad. I can't afford the $5.5k, but at least I know that not getting the sub tones out every time isn't "all" me, and neither is the intonation over 3 octaves (I know it's still up to me to try to get the note bang on, though). My sax was a gift from a friend who means so well. If it wasn't for a "cheaper" sax, I wouldn't have one at all and be missing out. Maybe in a couple years ...
Have you had your sax serviced? Sometimes issues with the low notes can be due to leaks etc. I am totally in love with that selmer balanced action though. It was like driving a porche!
My alto is a Canex (China) and the tenor is a Zeff. No one wants to touch them. :(. I do my best to maintain it. And at the moment, I'm not a good enough driver to handle a Porsche. However, a musician making a living at it should probably treat herself, er, themselves .... :)
I’m just starting to consider playing sax, I wish you would’ve demoed a much cheaper beginners sax,
Alex Wintermantel saxes are very pricey I’m afraid! You could rent? Or try one of the plastic ones for fun for a bit until you know it’s definitely worth the investment; ua-cam.com/video/xAOSdXdQAuU/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/2AVPV428Eh4/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/nhzLQhrCcGs/v-deo.html
Chez Taylor - Saxophone I found E.F Durand AS-400 NB for 125 on offer up I believe that’s the best deal I can find, any thoughts? Love your videos and your sound is great ☺️
Hello 😄😄... Do you know roy benson? Roy benson is the one of alto saxophone's brand. What do you think about that brand? Because i want to buy it... Thank you 😉
Hi chez
Another great vid , has always .
I was just wondering , has anything happened to your voice it seems really deep , or maybe it's just my new tv ?
Ha ha! That'll be winter in london for you. I get sick every year. You should check out my xmas playlist of tunes - I have a snotty nose in almost every one!
Chez Taylor - Saxophone
Hi chez
Yeah I seem to remember , looking back to previous years , hope you are feeling better soon . Plenty of fluids , + rest , and have a lovely Christmas.
Another great video Chez!
I have a YAS280 as my first sax and after almost a year of playing I still have a tough time with the low b and high f. It’s interesting you noticed the same difficulties, maybe it’s not my playing 😂. Can adjustments be made to rectify such an issue or is it simply the characteristic of the horn?
Hello I got a Yamaha 275 for 10 years now, previous version of yours ^^
Those notes are totally "doable" on this sax, it demands a lot of work on your embouchure (you shouldn't take as much mouthpiece as teachers tells you to do), it really helps getting them out :) Also working on the air collumn is really important. Of course on the Selmer it's easier but don't get stop by this ! :)
I learned to drive on a vintage old VW beetle - it made me a great driver! Let that be a metaphor for you ;-)
I'm sure you'll tame that horn with time. Keep at it honey! Cx
Couple of suggestions for the low notes - try the pencil under the octave key mechanism on the crook. Then try to play down from C# down, in the bottom octave. Sounds terrible but really works for the bottom end.
Also try to play an octave using just the mouthpiece. Again sounds horrid, but really helps.
High notes try throat tuning and making sure your tongue is positioned for fast air (i.e. eeee)
Hi there, I find your channel very informative. what do you advise especially for a beginner like me that can't able to read music notes?
Wydm. Just because you can’t read notes doesn’t affect what sax you buy. Go out and try different saxes find which one suits you best
@@emilianojustice5566 Oh, what I mean is, I wanna learn how to read notes. Can you gave me some tips, please...
Is the 280 really mid range? I'd consider this a beginer instrument and got one for my 8 yeard old daughter as a move up from the alpha sax. Mid range perhaps more Yamaha 62, Yani AWO1 or Mauriat 67?
Paul Carne certainly mid range in terms of price. Sax.co.uk recommended it for intermediate. I think with a decent mouthpiece it could take a player to grade 6 level. Everyone’s opinion differs though I’m sure. Thanks for commenting paul. Cx
The UK prices include all taxes, right? So the price you said is what rings up at the register? Whereas in many other places there is sales tax added on at the register?
Good point. Yep, UK includes tax so the price tag you see is what you get. Cx
Hello Chez, thanks for video. Please, you opinion on upgrade Yamaha YAS 280 with better neck? (yamaha neck) - should this improve sound? Some experience to change neck? thanks, Alex.
You'll love the video I'm planning for next month....I'm going to sax.co.uk again to compare yamaha brands - cheapest to most expensive. Watch this space, video coming your way soon...
Ms. Taylor, I played in a rock band back in the early 90s, called Tradewinds, here in Michigan, USA. I played on a YTS 23, a student model tenor. It was about 1200$ US. It was actually a very decent horn, much better than the Buescher that I had before. I had no problem with low register, and the upper register I did have to work to keep it down in tune, but it just comes naturally after awhile. I look forward to your visit to Sax.co.uk and to see what yamaha is doing now. I almost forgot, I was using a Brilhart Levelair metal mouthpiece with Vandoren Java reeds in 2.5. The throat opening was a star C. If I were doing it again, I would possibly change the mouthpiece to something a little bit brighter, but I also did a little session work for a couple of other bands and a few times for radio commercials. I had a day gig also, and could not afford to pay for a bunch of gear due to kids. Anyway, thanks for what you are doing, keep it up.
Hi, Any comments about Jean Paul AS-400. Jean Paul AS-400 Vs Jupiter 767 Vs Yamahs -23 which one is good for the beginner?
The Jean Paul is great for the money especially to learn on. Save some money and get the Jean Paul. Spend the bigger money when you are ready to get a pro horn.
Hi Chez, what sound app do you use ? great vid, all the sax's out of my price range :-)
Do you mean the tuner app? It's called clear tune. Cx
Ps will do a video soon on 2nd hand and cheaper saxes if I can. Maybe in the new year! xxx
Thanks for the app and that will be great for the lower budgets.....
chez, what do you think, can these price ranges be moved to saprano sax and expect the same quality differences?
Yep, I would say so! Here's an example of price comparison on tenor saxes so you can see what I mean; ua-cam.com/video/8Tvpxs4Y_gI/v-deo.html
Have you tried the Yamaha yas-62 04?
I'm thinking of buying that sax for me to learn to play and keep for a while (not growing out of).
I agree. Yamaha's are really reliable. It's definitely a safe choice. Cx
pelleper another great sax, lucky guy.
Have a look at Steve's reviews at SHWoodwind. He knows saxes as well as anyone. I agree with him about the YAS62s, every generation gets a little bit worse. Can't go wrong with an 80s YAS62.
Just got a new one...how ever when I use just the neck to blow I can manage a steady sound...however when I connect it to the sax...and press buttons only the first one makes some deviations in music but rest all buttons nothing happens...what am I doing wrong?
Hmm... seems odd. Difficult to access without hearing or seeing the issue I'm afraid. Have you considered having a lesson over skype? Or if you can;t afford that, perhaps you could send me a video of the problem...? Cx
Chez Taylor - Saxophone hey Chez, thanks for the response. I am looking for a tutor to get my basics right. However, i am in Luxembourg and is difficult to find one. So will have to switch onto the online live courses asap..cheers
What app do you use to tune your sax?
I like cleartune. Seems to work well for me. X
Hey, better sharp than out of tune, right?
Ideal is a sax which is in tune throughout the whole tessitura. None of these were particularly bad saxes, just good to see the comparison between and what you get for your money. Cx
Can you review some Yamaha and Yanagisawa Soprano Saxophones? Professional level preferably. Thanks.
Great shout. My tenor is a yani & I love it. Will def go back to sax.co.uk soon!
ummmm...... does that ring on the left hand mean what i think it means?
also 2nd question: I play the Trevor James SR (alto). What are your thoughts on it. When i next upgrade shall i stick with TJ or go to another make ( Ive always played TJ so another opinion would be nice)
Ha ha! Well observed! I am indeed going to go and get married again. Crazy times! Let's hope I've picked a good one this time ;-) Re: TJ I think they're inmtermediates are fantastic. If you're heading towards the pro price bracket then it's worth checking out selmers, yanagisawas, yamahas, Mauriats & even Conn... x
Chez Taylor - Saxophone thanks very much! I might go for the TJ top of the line because it is cheaper. Other wise I would go for a yagi. Also CONGRATULATIONS!
Top #F-key missing.... how does that work?
You can use side key Bb instead. Crazy times!
Any explaination for the different concept of having or not having that f#-key on the instruments?
Use alternative fingerings, read Sigurd Rascher, "top tones manual"
app.box.com/s/zni7egc1eiyrxsk3upjuqcbxx748namn here's a copy.....
Looks like Will has beaten me to it here. Great advice thanks buddy. Hope his link helps you Root4343 honey. Cx
what tuner are you using?
It's called cleartune honey/ Got it from the app store. Cx
B.S.
Half the proper sound an intonation is in the MP and emachure. To hell with Selmer junk. The best Selmer mk4 was a copy from China, set up by a master @ back Kansas city. I've had Yamahas also but gave em up. My favorite is Old buescher aristocrat and True tones. Fuck price notoriety. No such thing as a pro horn. Only pro set up and pro players......
Strong words hun. Good to know you feel passionately about this. I, myself, am I bit of a believer in 'you get what you pay for'.....If I was racing in the Grand Prix and was handed a fiat punto as my noble steed, I wouldn't bank on my chances of winning! :-)
Bf
This girl has no clue! get advice somewhere else
All the information presented in the video is correct and is an excellent buying guide. Perhaps one alto in between Yamaha 280 and the Selmer should be added in, but a separate video can be made for that level of instruments.
Bf