will you be able to review Gottsu mouthpieces? They're very expensive (more expensive than Jody Jazz or Theo Wanne) and I would like to see a review from a Western player for an honest opinion. The Japanese players are so nice that they are reluctant to give an honest and straight review.
Thank you Nick! After watching your review I ordered one, too, without testing it, as there is no shop anywhere near where I live. Of course, that was a risky decision, but I did not regret it. The instrument is just amazingly well built, and the sound is beautiful. I am expecting prices to go up the more people discover this brand.
Ishimori overhauled an SBA tenor I had in 1980 when I was in the Army Band in Japan. Best work (along with Matt Stohrer and Emilio L.) I have ever had done.
I own the vintage lacquer version and I fully agree with what is said here about Wood Stone Tenor. One thing that was not mentioned is that, the thumb hook is actually adjustable on the fly. It's got two notches to the left and to the right, making it really adjustable when you sit and stand while strapped on you. When you play in an orchestra where you have to play sitting, and stand up for your solo part, you can move the thumb hook to your preference by just pushing it to the side and you can feel the click for the first and second notches. You will have to use a screw driver to adjust this with a vintage selmer. There's nothing bad about this horn except for one thing I noticed. The octave key on the body does not open up wide. I had to go back to Ishimori and had it fixed because of that. The technician told me that it has something to do with the neck arm that works as a spring for the neck octave key. However, it has not affected my tone nor playing in tune. Anything else is very good.
Meridian winds in okemos michigan is where I bought my ishimori, highly recommend that shop for any wind instrument needs you may have, and instruments come with a two year warranty for all normal wear and tear.
ciao, io abito in Italia e qui questi sax non si trovano. io suono con un Eastman 52 Street che era di Bob Mintzer e vorrei cambiarlo con uno di questi. Sarebbe possibile? Puoi fare qualcosa? hello, I live in Italy and these saxes are not found here. I play with an Eastman 52 Street that was by Bob Mintzer and I would like to exchange it for one of these. It would be possible? you can do something
Hi Nick, I am a Woodstone Tenor fan, I notice in your recent videos it looks like you are playing a Selmer SBA? Was wondering if you could compare your current Tenor and the Woodstone Tenor.
Hey Steve! Unfortunately, I had to sell my ishimori to go in some different directions but maybe if I can borrow one from a friend or local shop I’ll do that!
Can you compare/contrast anything between this and the P.Mauriet 76? I play-tested a PM and liked the fullness of the timbre, but the right hand stack just didn't ever feel right to me.
Hi, I want to buy a professional tenor but I can't decide between this saxophone and Eastman 52nd street. I can't try them out. Have you tried the 52nd street and how does it compare to Ishimori? Thanks in advance.
I have tried the Eastman. It's a great horn! I ultimately went with the Ishimori because it felt more comfortable in my hands and gave me more of the sound I was looking for. They were very close though!
Nick! Thank you for the video. Thanks to you, I ordered the same instrument as Nick in Ishimori yesterday. It will arrive in Korea in a month. I'm already looking forward to it. What is the name of the mouthpiece in the video?
Hey Nick You sound really good on your Ishi. This vid is a great review. Previously, you reviewed an 82Z. How would you compare the 82Z to your Ishi? Secondly, what about expected resale value for a boutique brand like Ishimori?
Why Isimori? I think at the end of the day it comes down to the sounds we got from playing one. Did it speak to us like no other? As should be the deciding factor in any purchase. And not things like cache (e.g. Selmer-Paris...the Apple of the sax world..people buy I'm sure partly for the status). Using parts other manufacturers cheap out on is a plus...agreed. Reliability/Working musician. Yes I agree "reliability" should play a part in helping us decide on this brand...but for a "working musician" I think then they would want to look at a brand like Yamaha. Well built and engineered. Easy to service. More people qualified in most major cities to service a Yamaha. An Ishimori? While not hugely different does have differences. Will it be as easily serviced around the glove?
I loved my Yamaha when I owned it. I think this horn stands right with them in terms of quality and reliability. I think it can be easily serviced anywhere. At the end of the day, unless you need to replace a part, a good saxophone tech can work on any horn (or at least should be able to!)
Awesome vid dude. Haven't seen any of your latest content but love the new setup. Killer sound as well on the horn. For me it was between this and a Yamaha 82z and went with the Yamaha.
I have a original yts 875, 66r and a 113xxx mk6 and I think the woodstone sounds woolly and lifeless compared to my 6! Don’t like it!.........dam wish my yamaha was an 82z! 😎👍🏽
Hey Nick! Thanks for posting this review. I listen to your pod cast regularly. This horn has the high F (no F#) key. What is your opinion of this feature, or in this case lack of a feature? I have had both SBAs & early MK IVs with the high F# and made good use of the key but what is the other side of the argument? Value your opinion and contributions to the music
Hey Ian! I really don't think it makes all that much of a difference. At least in my experience. I got the one without F# simply because I came from a horn without one. There may be some TINY differences in sound or response, but I don't think enough to sway a decision one way or another.
It came with a seal, but it has since worn off. No tarnishing, only some oxidation has occurred. This is to be expected with an unlaquered horn. I can keep this to a minimum if I open my case when I get home and let it dry out overnight.
I brought it in for a 1 year checkup. Just small stuff like a little bit of clicking. About 20 minutes on the bench and it was back to brand new condition!
Hey Nick Mainella side Bb and side C on my S80ii is a V shaped lever to lift the key. On a VI for example it uses this ball and pin mechanism, I believe that wears out and rattles of that makes sense. Yamaha copied this on the EX also, I’m wondering what the Ishimori uses. Sorry if this isn’t a clear question.
Nice looking and sounding sax. Do you know if they can make the soprano in any of the vintage finishes? I don't see the option on their website. I have a CE Winds NY Studio in the beautiful matte gray. I wanted to get a matching soprano or even bari at some point, but it seems they closed shop 🙁
So Nick, since we all know that those horns (MK-VI) were some of the best ever made but they had all these issues, how then are they the best ever made?
There's just something about the sound that can't be replicated. You also have to remember, the time period this horn came out, it was simply in a league of its own. Nothing could touch it. I think that still carries over into the pedestal we put these horns on. There is also something to the fact that all of our favorite players used these horns.
@@nickmainella I think the greatest attribute the MK-VI had was their ergonomics. As for sound, I much prefer the Conn 10M. I think Dexter Gordon's earlier recordings with his 10M were better sound wise then his stuff on the MK-VI. But you know, different strokes and all that. I must say though, I've heard good stuff about the Ishimori horns, I wish I could check one out.
Selmer donated the MarkVl to top players of that era .A great marketing strategy for that era .Fortunately or unfortunately the hype continues to this day that is why all Selmers are overrated and overpriced.
@@nickmainella thanks! it was killing me haha BTW I've heard the mauriat 66r is really close to those vintage horns, it'll be nice to have those reviewed too
You sound great on this horn Nick. I'm thinking of purchasing an un-lacquered one but without the high f-sharp key. What are your thoughts either way? Thanks
I have one, the Tenor UL without F Key. I absolutely love it, it makes me want to play, even boring long notes lol It plays so close to my VI sound wise, I doubt the average person would tell the difference, which is which, when played side by side. Feels like my Yanagisawa TWO1 ergonomics, which are my fave. Looks awesome, and is quality in itself. Yeah, yeah, crybaby whine, the marketing sucks, and it’s foreign, get over it, get over yourself, or at least quit your whining. This is a d%mn good sax, and because of it, my Mark VI and Conn 10M are up for sale, because this saxophone is fun all the time, the Selmer and Conn, eh, not so much anymore, and the Selmer never impressed me to start with. I highly recommend the Ishimori Woodstone Tenor UL for your consideration, it’s a “keeper”. If it wasn’t, I’d a sold it and mums the word, right.
I have only played one of those horns a couple of times but they seem fairly similar. I think the Eastman is a little further away from a vintage Selmer. Kind of more it's own thing. My friend has an Eastman, I might see if I can borrow and do a review!
Nick Mainella I’d love to see a review or a comparison of both the Ishimori and the Eastman. They seem to be sort of in the same class but it would be interesting to see how they sound like
Nick Mainella I’m considering getting one of these horns . And I’m trying to find an objective comparison in terms of how they sound, the weights of both instruments on your neck and like you mentioned , how they both compare to the Mark Vi’s and many more 😊 . Looking forward to the review 😁👏🏽🙏🏽
They NEED to do more to standout. During a critical time for them being a new and small company. Turning off comments in social media apps isn't helping their rep. Nor is asking people to pay as much as for other JP horns...companies that are MUCH more established and larger. ISHIMORI is not at that stage yet. IF I were them I'd discount their horns by about $500 LESS than any pro level JP horn from Yamaha or Yanagisawa.. IF they did that (under $5000 CAD) I'd consider them in a heart beat...once they get their horns in local shops...which they're working on I'm told. They answer DM's at least...
You do realize Ishimori has a reputation going back to the 1950s, right? In The Who’s Who of Sax repair and mods, you’re talking about one of the best shops, period.
A couple things to consider...Ishimori is a limited production brand. That means costs will be necessarily higher. They spend a lot of labor in the setup. Building a reputable brand doesn't mean undercutting. It means correct price valuation. I have a Yanagisawa. I also happen to have a Yamaha. Both are great horns. However, at the end of the day, my Ishimori won me over. The problem is getting these horns into the hands of potential players. If someone is buying a pro horn merely on price, then caveat emptor, as they say. The workman is worth his wage. What needs to happen is greater awareness through expanded marketing. In these days of inflation, I doubt that reducing $500 will help them stay in business. This isn't WalMart, after all.
Let me know what else you all would like to see reviewed! Enjoy the video!
marmaduke mouthpieces
Love your videos Nick 🙏
Thinking of buying the Ishimori Tenor , was wondering what the finish of yours is ? looks great!
BSS s series alto mouthpiece.
will you be able to review Gottsu mouthpieces? They're very expensive (more expensive than Jody Jazz or Theo Wanne) and I would like to see a review from a Western player for an honest opinion. The Japanese players are so nice that they are reluctant to give an honest and straight review.
As a guitarist who's never touched a sax, I can confirm that THAT is what a tenor sax should sound like. Beautiful rich thick tone.
Wow thank you for the kind words!
I got a new Ishimori Woodstone Tenor Saxophone at JL Woodwinds in Manhattan, New York. I am extremely impressed with my horn. 😎
Awesome! Enjoy the new axe!!
I would love to see a review of some of the Rampone & Cazzani horns.
I would love to get my hands on one!!
Thank you Nick! After watching your review I ordered one, too, without testing it, as there is no shop anywhere near where I live. Of course, that was a risky decision, but I did not regret it. The instrument is just amazingly well built, and the sound is beautiful. I am expecting prices to go up the more people discover this brand.
Hope you enjoy it!
Ishimori overhauled an SBA tenor I had in 1980 when I was in the Army Band in Japan. Best work (along with Matt Stohrer and Emilio L.) I have ever had done.
Very cool! Love hearing stuff like this.
Nick congrats it's great to see someone so happy with their instrument.
I own one and I can testify... amazing horn!
Thanks for posting. I bought my Ishimori custom from JL Saxophone, NYC Absolutely
amazing horn. I agree with you completely
Hey man, did you get the chance to compare them to any Mark VI’s? Thanks!
I own the vintage lacquer version and I fully agree with what is said here about Wood Stone Tenor. One thing that was not mentioned is that, the thumb hook is actually adjustable on the fly. It's got two notches to the left and to the right, making it really adjustable when you sit and stand while strapped on you. When you play in an orchestra where you have to play sitting, and stand up for your solo part, you can move the thumb hook to your preference by just pushing it to the side and you can feel the click for the first and second notches. You will have to use a screw driver to adjust this with a vintage selmer. There's nothing bad about this horn except for one thing I noticed. The octave key on the body does not open up wide. I had to go back to Ishimori and had it fixed because of that. The technician told me that it has something to do with the neck arm that works as a spring for the neck octave key. However, it has not affected my tone nor playing in tune. Anything else is very good.
Ooh good tip on the thumb rest. I had no idea...
Still looking forward to a review of the Eastman52ndst and the Ishimori 🙏🏼
Meridian winds in okemos michigan is where I bought my ishimori, highly recommend that shop for any wind instrument needs you may have, and instruments come with a two year warranty for all normal wear and tear.
ciao, io abito in Italia e qui questi sax non si trovano. io suono con un Eastman 52 Street che era di Bob Mintzer e vorrei cambiarlo con uno di questi. Sarebbe possibile? Puoi fare qualcosa?
hello, I live in Italy and these saxes are not found here. I play with an Eastman 52 Street that was by Bob Mintzer and I would like to exchange it for one of these. It would be possible? you can do something
Hmmm not sure where to locate these in Europe, I'm based in the US. Sorry!
I have a Balanced Action, but I would not trade it for this.
It sounds and looks really good though.
So you think this is better at capturing that vintage sound that the p. mauriat system 76?
Hi Nick, I am a Woodstone Tenor fan, I notice in your recent videos it looks like you are playing a Selmer SBA? Was wondering if you could compare your current Tenor and the Woodstone Tenor.
Hey Steve! Unfortunately, I had to sell my ishimori to go in some different directions but maybe if I can borrow one from a friend or local shop I’ll do that!
JL Woodwind carries them!!
Tried one at NAMM 2020 and by far an excellent saxophone. My favorite and hopefully have one soon.
Can you compare/contrast anything between this and the P.Mauriet 76? I play-tested a PM and liked the fullness of the timbre, but the right hand stack just didn't ever feel right to me.
Love the Mauriat , the alto 67 Rul and the Tenor 66R are jewels
Does it plays similar to a Mark VI or SBA? How is the intonation?
Hi! I mention both of those things in the video 👍
does your tech like it
I'd love to try one of these. Just had my VI overhauled so it's playing like new. These look quality.
Hi,
I want to buy a professional tenor but I can't decide between this saxophone and Eastman 52nd street. I can't try them out. Have you tried the 52nd street and how does it compare to Ishimori?
Thanks in advance.
I have tried the Eastman. It's a great horn! I ultimately went with the Ishimori because it felt more comfortable in my hands and gave me more of the sound I was looking for. They were very close though!
Hi Nick, would you switch to it coming from a bronze Yanagisawa ?
Nick! Thank you for the video. Thanks to you, I ordered the same instrument as Nick in Ishimori yesterday. It will arrive in Korea in a month. I'm already looking forward to it. What is the name of the mouthpiece in the video?
Hi, Did you get it? Do you still like it?
Thanks
@@mariofesta1968
Yes, I've been using it for a year since I received itI'm quite pleased.^^
Hi Nick! sounds good! btw is this V model or VH model of ishimori tenor?
such a cool horn
Hey Nick
You sound really good on your Ishi. This vid is a great review.
Previously, you reviewed an 82Z. How would you compare the 82Z to your Ishi?
Secondly, what about expected resale value for a boutique brand like Ishimori?
Hey! Not Nick but man, ask John Leadbetter, these horns barely lose a dime in resale value. We’re talking 800$ off or something.
Beautiful tone . Never heard of this horn. Very curious.
Why Isimori? I think at the end of the day it comes down to the sounds we got from playing one. Did it speak to us like no other? As should be the deciding factor in any purchase. And not things like cache (e.g. Selmer-Paris...the Apple of the sax world..people buy I'm sure partly for the status). Using parts other manufacturers cheap out on is a plus...agreed.
Reliability/Working musician. Yes I agree "reliability" should play a part in helping us decide on this brand...but for a "working musician" I think then they would want to look at a brand like Yamaha. Well built and engineered. Easy to service. More people qualified in most major cities to service a Yamaha. An Ishimori? While not hugely different does have differences. Will it be as easily serviced around the glove?
I loved my Yamaha when I owned it. I think this horn stands right with them in terms of quality and reliability.
I think it can be easily serviced anywhere. At the end of the day, unless you need to replace a part, a good saxophone tech can work on any horn (or at least should be able to!)
Well I have to hear it first because I'm loving the tone on the P Marriott horns don't have but I love the tone on them
This horn is new to me! Thanks
Great sounding horn!
Soundin good, Nick! Great channel too! So says the Rooster!
Thanks Paul!
Awesome vid dude. Haven't seen any of your latest content but love the new setup. Killer sound as well on the horn. For me it was between this and a Yamaha 82z and went with the Yamaha.
I have a original yts 875, 66r and a 113xxx mk6 and I think the woodstone sounds woolly and lifeless compared to my 6! Don’t like it!.........dam wish my yamaha was an 82z! 😎👍🏽
Excellent review, thank you!
Hey Nick! Thanks for posting this review. I listen to your pod cast regularly. This horn has the high F (no F#) key. What is your opinion of this feature, or in this case lack of a feature? I have had both SBAs & early MK IVs with the high F# and made good use of the key but what is the other side of the argument? Value your opinion and contributions to the music
Hey Ian! I really don't think it makes all that much of a difference. At least in my experience. I got the one without F# simply because I came from a horn without one. There may be some TINY differences in sound or response, but I don't think enough to sway a decision one way or another.
I think some players like to have a high F# for certain altissimo fingering.
Played one at NAMM 2020 & loved it in every way. The only other tenor that was equal was the seller reference 54.
Is there is much of a difference in sound between the lacquer and unlacquered?
Not noticeable I would say
Is the unlacquered finished sealed? Is it difficult to keep clean or has any tarnishing occurred?
It came with a seal, but it has since worn off. No tarnishing, only some oxidation has occurred. This is to be expected with an unlaquered horn. I can keep this to a minimum if I open my case when I get home and let it dry out overnight.
@@nickmainella Awesome. Thanks for the response!
Beautiful horn Nick! Did you ever have to service it in the 1,5 year you now have it?
I brought it in for a 1 year checkup. Just small stuff like a little bit of clicking. About 20 minutes on the bench and it was back to brand new condition!
Nick Mainella thanks for your reply. I would love to try one out, but like you said, they are very hard to get, also in Europe...too bad.
Nice rewiew, cool sound!
Hey Nick- glad to hear this review. Do the side keys have that ball mechanism that a VI does?
Hey Mark. Not sure what you mean?
Hey Nick Mainella side Bb and side C on my S80ii is a V shaped lever to lift the key. On a VI for example it uses this ball and pin mechanism, I believe that wears out and rattles of that makes sense. Yamaha copied this on the EX also, I’m wondering what the Ishimori uses. Sorry if this isn’t a clear question.
@@marksimpson3064 ah yes I see what you mean now. It doesn't appear to be a ball and pin mechanism.
Nick Mainella cool, horn sounds good man!
Nice looking and sounding sax. Do you know if they can make the soprano in any of the vintage finishes? I don't see the option on their website.
I have a CE Winds NY Studio in the beautiful matte gray. I wanted to get a matching soprano or even bari at some point, but it seems they closed shop 🙁
Oh and has ishamori made any baris in the past?
Lovely tone. What mpc and lig are you using?
Thanks! It's a syos tivon pennicott
Awesome review mayne!!
So Nick, since we all know that those horns (MK-VI) were some of the best ever made but they had all these issues, how then are they the best ever made?
There's just something about the sound that can't be replicated. You also have to remember, the time period this horn came out, it was simply in a league of its own. Nothing could touch it. I think that still carries over into the pedestal we put these horns on. There is also something to the fact that all of our favorite players used these horns.
@@nickmainella I think the greatest attribute the MK-VI had was their ergonomics. As for sound, I much prefer the Conn 10M. I think Dexter Gordon's earlier recordings with his 10M were better sound wise then his stuff on the MK-VI. But you know, different strokes and all that. I must say though, I've heard good stuff about the Ishimori horns, I wish I could check one out.
Selmer donated the MarkVl to top players of that era .A great marketing strategy for that era .Fortunately or unfortunately the hype continues to this day that is why all Selmers are overrated and overpriced.
what's that song you are playing at 3:35?
It's Body & Soul
@@nickmainella thanks! it was killing me haha BTW I've heard the mauriat 66r is really close to those vintage horns, it'll be nice to have those reviewed too
and how much is the cost of this master wonder?
You sound great on this horn Nick. I'm thinking of purchasing an un-lacquered one but without the high f-sharp key. What are your thoughts either way? Thanks
The one you playing how much did it cost
I think it was like $4700
@@nickmainella okay thank you
Is this the AF or VL model?
It is the AF model
Thank you.🎶🎷😃
I have one, the Tenor UL without F Key. I absolutely love it, it makes me want to play, even boring long notes lol It plays so close to my VI sound wise, I doubt the average person would tell the difference, which is which, when played side by side. Feels like my Yanagisawa TWO1 ergonomics, which are my fave. Looks awesome, and is quality in itself. Yeah, yeah, crybaby whine, the marketing sucks, and it’s foreign, get over it, get over yourself, or at least quit your whining. This is a d%mn good sax, and because of it, my Mark VI and Conn 10M are up for sale, because this saxophone is fun all the time, the Selmer and Conn, eh, not so much anymore, and the Selmer never impressed me to start with. I highly recommend the Ishimori Woodstone Tenor UL for your consideration, it’s a “keeper”. If it wasn’t, I’d a sold it and mums the word, right.
Glad you're liking the new horn!
What is the first tune he played called? It is escaping me hahah
That tune is called Sandu :)
I am pleased with everything you said except when it came to price you just went in circles not even an approximate price in terms of location
Long Beach Woodwinds in CA
Wait a minute.....is that a Syos mouthpiece? If so, it seems out of the ordinary to have one that’s not a super “Loud” color. 🤔😂
How do you think this compare to the Eastman52ndst Tenor ?
I have only played one of those horns a couple of times but they seem fairly similar. I think the Eastman is a little further away from a vintage Selmer. Kind of more it's own thing. My friend has an Eastman, I might see if I can borrow and do a review!
Nick Mainella I’d love to see a review or a comparison of both the Ishimori and the Eastman. They seem to be sort of in the same class but it would be interesting to see how they sound like
Nick Mainella I’m considering getting one of these horns . And I’m trying to find an objective comparison in terms of how they sound, the weights of both instruments on your neck and like you mentioned , how they both compare to the Mark Vi’s and many more 😊 . Looking forward to the review 😁👏🏽🙏🏽
Harps Prince I have an Ishimori New Vintage silver alto and It is a much better horn than either the Muriat or Eastman, in my opinion (of course)
West Coasters can contact Long Beach WoodWinds
They NEED to do more to standout. During a critical time for them being a new and small company. Turning off comments in social media apps isn't helping their rep. Nor is asking people to pay as much as for other JP horns...companies that are MUCH more established and larger. ISHIMORI is not at that stage yet. IF I were them I'd discount their horns by about $500 LESS than any pro level JP horn from Yamaha or Yanagisawa.. IF they did that (under $5000 CAD) I'd consider them in a heart beat...once they get their horns in local shops...which they're working on I'm told. They answer DM's at least...
You do realize Ishimori has a reputation going back to the 1950s, right? In The Who’s Who of Sax repair and mods, you’re talking about one of the best shops, period.
I really disagree with you. If they price them too low they are not going to be respected for being handmade masterpieces.
A couple things to consider...Ishimori is a limited production brand. That means costs will be necessarily higher. They spend a lot of labor in the setup. Building a reputable brand doesn't mean undercutting. It means correct price valuation. I have a Yanagisawa. I also happen to have a Yamaha. Both are great horns. However, at the end of the day, my Ishimori won me over. The problem is getting these horns into the hands of potential players. If someone is buying a pro horn merely on price, then caveat emptor, as they say. The workman is worth his wage.
What needs to happen is greater awareness through expanded marketing. In these days of inflation, I doubt that reducing $500 will help them stay in business. This isn't WalMart, after all.
Get a Mark 6
ua-cam.com/video/puApTzibuHM/v-deo.html