Venova vs Saxophone | Can a Plastic Tube Sound Good?

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ธ.ค. 2019
  • #bettersax #saxophone #yamaha
    Jay Metcalf compares the Yamaha Venova versus a Yanagisawa S991.
    Yamaha Venova - geni.us/FYE4
    Alto Venova - geni.us/Hc6Ap
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ความคิดเห็น • 2.1K

  • @Microsoftman
    @Microsoftman 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1733

    “And if I wanna sound bad, I’ll just get my clarinet out” as a clarinet and sax player I feel this.

    • @Chryoss
      @Chryoss 4 ปีที่แล้ว +52

      I don't get this one... Is it a joke telling clarinet are inferior to saxophone (in that case I would be totally offended as a bass clarinet player, I'd call the police ! ;) ), or is it because a good clarinet sound is harder to achieve than a good saxophone sound ?

    • @jackieg6754
      @jackieg6754 4 ปีที่แล้ว +25

      @@Chryoss bass clarinet gang. But I also play bari sax so..

    • @vibratingaught3656
      @vibratingaught3656 4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Same) but now i’ve got venova too and you know... clarinet now become much better compared to my venova skills

    • @squiddyjamzzz
      @squiddyjamzzz 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      I play both too. Im glad someone else caught that lol

    • @squiddyjamzzz
      @squiddyjamzzz 4 ปีที่แล้ว +25

      @@Chryoss I was guessing he said that because clarinet is harder to maintain a clear tone. Im a clarinetist. Im also hoping he wasn't taking a shot at the clarinet.. everybody always trynna hate on the saxophones Mother

  • @kitt080863
    @kitt080863 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1106

    I can't imagine someone hiking with a real sax but I could see chilling at the beach or bonfire with this

    • @ARVash
      @ARVash 4 ปีที่แล้ว +69

      yeah I think there's a lot of room for it as a part of casual use. Porta-sax

    • @YardenBarden
      @YardenBarden 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Nice 🤯

    • @SBVCP
      @SBVCP 4 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      its 200 to sound like that tho, I prefer to take a kalimba or harmonica

    • @ARVash
      @ARVash 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      @@SBVCP maybe if you only play the saxophone

    • @spitgorge2021
      @spitgorge2021 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      marching

  • @Zekrom3150
    @Zekrom3150 4 ปีที่แล้ว +424

    5:58 "If I wanna sound bad, I just need to pull my clarinet out"
    all the clarinets in the world: *ooft*

    • @samuelwarshaw9480
      @samuelwarshaw9480 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Jeremy Lin is clarinet the viola of the woodwinds?

    • @allisonmacias634
      @allisonmacias634 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Jeremy Lin sadness._.

    • @lltheguy8387
      @lltheguy8387 4 ปีที่แล้ว +30

      I think he just meant that he sucks at clarinet (or at least that's what I'll be telling myself...)

    • @LinneRinne
      @LinneRinne 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@lltheguy8387 He refered to himself sucking at clarinet + pulling correct notes in tone in clarinet being a pain if you aren't really a constant player, since he is clearly more of a Saxophonist most of the time

    • @BariSaxGod25
      @BariSaxGod25 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      PTSD from Rockin’ In Rhythm has entered the chat.

  • @nealewhite2651
    @nealewhite2651 4 ปีที่แล้ว +180

    I bought one of these and discovered your findings were accurate. After two weeks of frustrating practice, the Venova began to become a friend. Being light and portable is a bonus.

  • @Walasqueegee
    @Walasqueegee 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1561

    "Can a plastic tube sound good?"
    Boomwhackers: Allow us to introduce ourselves

    • @okey7261
      @okey7261 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      lel

    • @burgballs5780
      @burgballs5780 4 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      mannn, i remember boomwhackers

    • @sophiac7578
      @sophiac7578 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Walasqueegee I own a pair and lets just say that my home revisits elementary school often

    • @jamesle7180
      @jamesle7180 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      This needs more clout then it has

    • @heysmg2325
      @heysmg2325 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hehe

  • @tristenpride5268
    @tristenpride5268 4 ปีที่แล้ว +500

    The Venova sounds like Elmo talking in scales

  • @doglover12345andfr
    @doglover12345andfr 3 ปีที่แล้ว +115

    Part of me really digs the Venova, it’s a great novelty.

    •  3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      And it's cheap! I bought a used one for like $50

  • @alchemedes
    @alchemedes 4 ปีที่แล้ว +210

    The venova sounds like the love child of a sax and kazoo...🤦🏽‍♀️

    • @onesyphorus
      @onesyphorus 4 ปีที่แล้ว +19

      I can't even begin to explain how accurate this statement is...

    • @luisAponteSax
      @luisAponteSax 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Liked por venova than that soprano damn yes

    • @scottpandich3972
      @scottpandich3972 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I could see that definitely for the alto version.

    • @bigboy-mn9en
      @bigboy-mn9en 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yesh

    • @jacktsaibr
      @jacktsaibr 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Damn that was the best description I've ever read

  • @dliessmgg
    @dliessmgg 4 ปีที่แล้ว +760

    "Nobody's gonna write Venova concertos"
    sounds like a challenge

    • @pestoriusj
      @pestoriusj 4 ปีที่แล้ว +51

      I reckon if anyone writes a Venova concerto, they'll be Japanese

    • @adlan_kacak
      @adlan_kacak 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      beethoven be like " the challenge i have accepted!"

    • @suzibikerbabe8073
      @suzibikerbabe8073 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Listen to the All Plasic Band playing Bolero, here on youtube.

    • @davida.musicdavideammendol4702
      @davida.musicdavideammendol4702 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      yes, there are venova concertos and they're japanese

    • @ankokunokayoubi
      @ankokunokayoubi 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      You would end up doing Mario game soundtrack

  • @terryd2634
    @terryd2634 4 ปีที่แล้ว +802

    Sounds like a kazoo on bad steroids.

    • @cynthiamolenaar770
      @cynthiamolenaar770 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Terry D just my thought!!

    • @jamesalfaro3155
      @jamesalfaro3155 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      🤣🤣🤣

    • @LeandroLoan
      @LeandroLoan 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      hahahahaha

    • @shamusp7084
      @shamusp7084 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I was gonna say it sounds like a tone deaf kazoo player.

    • @RamDragon32
      @RamDragon32 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I need to stop checking comments before I post. That was exactly what I was thinking it sounded like.

  • @neuron_star
    @neuron_star 4 ปีที่แล้ว +41

    I bought a sop venova to prepare myself for learning wind instruments. I’ve been playing violin for 10 years and took a recorder class along the way and the thing looked fun, so I was pretty excited. I was glad that I did, even though the venova is pretty much a toy for wind players it gave me a good and simple introduction to playing a wind instrument and taking care of reeds. Sometime after I began playing oboe since the band teacher at school said that I’d have to learn the alto or tenor sax before learning the soprano and I can say that if it wasn’t for my venova, I wouldn’t have had any clue as to what I was doing. I didn’t even know what the word “embouchure” was or how to develop one before. It was nice to have something to work off of, especially because oboe isn’t easy. I brought my venova to music camp and had a lot of fun with an actual sax player and a clarinet player just messing around with it. Later on my brother started playing saxophone and then the alto venova came out so I’m trying to get one XD Anyways, 10/10 recommend it’s pretty great for some casual fun, once I remember playing a dumb sound on it in the park and a goose nearby answered lol. Good for beginners and recorder players looking for something spicy
    Ps it’s resin, not plastic

  • @rogercloud8861
    @rogercloud8861 3 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    Oh, and I really liked that rendition of "Fry me like a goon."

  • @reidskull5018
    @reidskull5018 4 ปีที่แล้ว +411

    The real soprano definitely has a fuller and deeper sound.

    • @passionatemelon6627
      @passionatemelon6627 4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      The venova is only 100 dollars

    • @ryansmock2717
      @ryansmock2717 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      At a $5000 price tag, I sure hope it does.
      My $300 soprano sounds hundreds of times better than that, too.
      Don't buy these glorified plastic tubes

    • @TopherMoss
      @TopherMoss 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ryansmock2717 what sax do you have?

    • @ryansmock2717
      @ryansmock2717 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@TopherMoss I have an Alto, Soprano, and Sopranino.

    • @ryansmock2717
      @ryansmock2717 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@TopherMoss My Soprano is a Lazarro and is one of the cheapest Sopranos you can get on Amazon. I bought a Yamaha 4c mouthpiece and Vandoren reeds for it, as well as a nice ligature. It does take a lot of work to get certain notes in tune, but it sounds fine. At a $240 price though, don't even consider these sacrilegious tubes

  • @kpoudavoff
    @kpoudavoff 4 ปีที่แล้ว +396

    This thing sounds like muted and thinned soprano sax to me

    • @mchachom8134
      @mchachom8134 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Yes that's true also it doesn't sound like a real soprano saxophone

    • @sperom88
      @sperom88 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      phonomono78s 78 rpm records Actually it sounds like a very (unnecessarily) expensive tube to me.

    • @DillonRing
      @DillonRing 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Lol kirill

  • @MarceloSilva-lh9mh
    @MarceloSilva-lh9mh 4 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    When I was a kid my dad used to do this "trick" where he placed some tracing paper over a plastic comb and used a mixture of his voice and breath to "play" it. The noise generated by the tracing paper vibrating on the comb's teeth made it "almost" sound like a harmonica (but not quite). That answers your question of what this instrument (Venova) sounds like. Still, I bought one and don't regret it. I can't afford a saxophone right now... and I'm using this to practice saxophone embouchure AND recorder fingering. LOL.

  • @plexoruselpuerco7193
    @plexoruselpuerco7193 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    finally, a sax comparison video where i actually can notice the difference

  • @T.H.W.O.T.H
    @T.H.W.O.T.H 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2329

    Sounds like a duck that's had a rather patchy musical education.

    • @bettersax
      @bettersax  4 ปีที่แล้ว +59

      😂😂😂

    • @isnow8278
      @isnow8278 4 ปีที่แล้ว +25

      That's rather humorous. Yeah it is. I almost lost my f***n monocle

    • @janbevelsborg
      @janbevelsborg 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      That’s it! Sounds like a duck. And when you play it you wear a duckface :).
      I played this thing as well. It does help when you can play recorder as well. The fingering has variations. But it’s still a dead duck.

    • @wakurjunior1924
      @wakurjunior1924 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      In my opinion I think the actual instrument is better but the venola has a unique sound and honestly it sounds like something in a Pixar movie or something

    • @aadhityasenthilkumar8138
      @aadhityasenthilkumar8138 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      AKA an oboe

  • @ericmyrs
    @ericmyrs 4 ปีที่แล้ว +307

    I would say that this might be useful in a mass education setting. It's hard to break, and sounds better than a recorder. Though it's not as cheap.

    • @DellaStreet123
      @DellaStreet123 4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      I think the Venova's intonation issues make it even more useless for group playing than for just playing for yourself. Recorders have similar intonation issues -- this, plus the high pitch of the soprano recorder (one octave above other soprano woodwinds) is what makes a group of 30 schoolchildren playing recorders so insufferable. The Venova plays like an ordinary soprano instrument, which might be gentler on the ears, but it's also richer in overtones. Frankly, I wouldn't want to be in a room with a class of schoolchildren playing Venovas. The Venova looks like a great woodwind instrument for younger children or older children whose parents cannot afford a clarinet. Semi-keyed, requires no cross-fingering for accidentals, lightweight and sturdy. But it only looks that way, it's very hard to play accidentals on it, in fact, even the manufacturer admits it. The leaflet takes it takes skill to play the accidentals. But beginners need an instrument that is responsive throughout the chromatic scale, everything that "requires skill" requires an experienced player who is able to bend notes into tune. A keyed woodwind instrument by and otherwise reputable company sounds to good to be true, and my suspicion was confirmed.

    • @pestoriusj
      @pestoriusj 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      I actually really like the sound of the recorder (when not played by dozens of schoolchildren

    • @DellaStreet123
      @DellaStreet123 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@pestoriusj I'm a recorder player myself. I have several recorders I absolutely love. But the intonation issues exist. Due to the way the sound is produced (fipple vs. reed) the intonation issues are not as detectable as with a "reedocorder" like the Venova. Voicing is also an issue, some recorders are much better voiced than others. And, last but not least, the set-up. If you setting up a recorder ensemble, not everybody can play the soprano. The majority must play low recorders, basset and lower. Then you need a line of tenors, and only the best players on soprano and alto.

    • @1911dawg
      @1911dawg 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      If you actually here the recorder playing, it’s quite beautiful. But your giving it to a bunch of elementary kids, so it sounds terrible. So I think, the more we change what we teach in music class, the more instruments we ruin.

  • @jakemoof
    @jakemoof 4 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    The difference is so stark I actually laughed aloud when it transitioned back to the plastic pipe

  • @azice01
    @azice01 4 ปีที่แล้ว +66

    A brass version of Venova would be interesting.

    • @unfilteredprune1436
      @unfilteredprune1436 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      wait would it be a venova made of brass or a brass instrument venovafied

    • @tone.c.a.e
      @tone.c.a.e 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@unfilteredprune1436 of brass

    • @yaboi-km2qn
      @yaboi-km2qn 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      resin cornett basically.

    • @fimethr6248
      @fimethr6248 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Its called a saxophone lfmao

    • @michael18276
      @michael18276 ปีที่แล้ว

      no brass is casual.

  • @meatsupplies5282
    @meatsupplies5282 4 ปีที่แล้ว +97

    Everytime u pause when u play the venova, it looks like ur rethinking all of ur life decisions that led to this point

  • @apinakapinastorba
    @apinakapinastorba 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1003

    It kinda sounds like a man trying to sound like a saxophone.

    • @bettersax
      @bettersax  4 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      😂😂

    • @UlIxes1
      @UlIxes1 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Joseph Pujol ?!?

    • @miarpheolliro3100
      @miarpheolliro3100 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Exactly what's on my mind😅😅😅

    • @CTSpeed413
      @CTSpeed413 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      ... And now for something completely different!!!
      th-cam.com/video/DjAUtsWYxE4/w-d-xo.html
      One more ting.
      I’ve never heard any man or machine properly imitate the sound of a saxophone.
      Maybe I’m biased, but I doubt it.

    • @n3v3rg01ngback
      @n3v3rg01ngback 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      apinakapinastorba Adam Lavine?

  • @MarcieBee
    @MarcieBee 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    As a trombone player of 7 years, I find the venova to be a good intro to reed instruments and treble clef, for not too high of a price.

  • @andesneko
    @andesneko 4 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    Imagine recorder players when the first plastic recorders came out :D

  • @tuxsax
    @tuxsax 4 ปีที่แล้ว +147

    "I play the saxophone! If I wanted to sound bad, I would just get my clarinet out.."
    That was harsh but funny!

    • @xtarssgi5922
      @xtarssgi5922 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      As a clarinetist that hurt me...

    • @chrisoakland8036
      @chrisoakland8036 4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      he's saying he's not a clarinet player, not that clarinets sound bad

    • @DellaStreet123
      @DellaStreet123 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@xtarssgi5922 I frowned, too -- clarinets aren't regularly put down. If clarinets sounded bad by default, why did great composers like Mozart write so much music for the clarinet? If a clarinet is tough on the ear, it's either a shoddy instrument, or the player is at fault. I guess in his case, it's the latter.

    • @ThomasSantosCanal1
      @ThomasSantosCanal1 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      The way i understood is that he is the one bad at playing clarinet

  • @twowheelsonly1
    @twowheelsonly1 4 ปีที่แล้ว +72

    Venova, for when you want your saxophone to sound like it has a cold.

  • @xxmountaindewxx7893
    @xxmountaindewxx7893 3 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    I really love my venova, its really nice to just take it with you on a hike. It sounds pretty decent to me aswell. Of course it wont sound like a 1000 dollar sax but for the price its awesome

    • @TranquiloCamilo
      @TranquiloCamilo 10 วันที่ผ่านมา

      It also doesn’t sound like a 50 dollar sax. Sound more like a pvc sax

  • @urmomspeen7061
    @urmomspeen7061 4 ปีที่แล้ว +60

    Isn’t this just a recorder with a reed?

    • @jasonjayalap
      @jasonjayalap 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      The body? Recorders are reverse conical.

    • @neuron_star
      @neuron_star 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Yeah pretty much 😅 It’s really fun to play tho

    • @bigboy-mn9en
      @bigboy-mn9en 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Probably

    • @yvesfrancoisritmo
      @yvesfrancoisritmo 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Sounds like one of these bamboo reed instruments on Jamican mento 78's ... but it still sounds even less like a sax.

  • @gosneygosney
    @gosneygosney 4 ปีที่แล้ว +176

    Sounds like a plastic tube, not sure when I would ever want to use it.

    • @theoverunderthinker
      @theoverunderthinker 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      traveling and wanted to keep you embouchure up without carry around a full size horn?

    • @theoverunderthinker
      @theoverunderthinker 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I posted before I got to the end...... whoops! :)

    • @sameman6884
      @sameman6884 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      It's a lot cheaper

    • @wyatthampton684
      @wyatthampton684 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Maybe because it is a plastic tube.

    • @CaveXD
      @CaveXD 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      sounds like a sax with a sock in it

  • @jordancyphers
    @jordancyphers 4 ปีที่แล้ว +49

    I was playing my Yanagisawa just the other day and thought, "Man, I wish this thing sounded a little more like a plastic tube." Well, here ya go.

    • @marydunn163
      @marydunn163 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Jordan, me, too! 😂😂😂😂

  • @aninaholbek
    @aninaholbek 4 ปีที่แล้ว +188

    Back in the good old days: guy brings his guitar, and girls flock around him.
    Nowadays: guy brings his Venova... and will probably stay single forever.

    • @lubos4639
      @lubos4639 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      You are a kind of cruel but deadly right - this Venova is one of the things in the world that make being sorry for them and their existence... nobody really can like it...

    • @hessamhajiaghazadeh400
      @hessamhajiaghazadeh400 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Ha ha haaaaaa🤣

    • @raymundogarciapena6751
      @raymundogarciapena6751 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Ouch !!!

    • @ihatemyself2208
      @ihatemyself2208 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      But.... You yourself single. Guess the sax women don't get the sex if you know wot i mean

    • @aninaholbek
      @aninaholbek 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@ihatemyself2208 I'm married to an accordion player. xD xD And you're right, everything is very boring in that department, with two social distancing instruments under the same roof ;)

  • @philbarone4603
    @philbarone4603 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I’ve been in the mouthpiece and sax business for about forty years and made mouthpieces from seven different materials and when I made the dimensions the same they played identical to each other, even wood. Did the same thing with necks. Bird played a plastic horn and it sounded the same as any other sax. It’s too bad that it doesn’t play in tune but it’s not because it’s plastic. Feel free to dialogue with me.

  • @aydencox1859
    @aydencox1859 4 ปีที่แล้ว +561

    Sounds like a recorder that’s pretending to be a saxophone

    • @verenaheuss
      @verenaheuss 4 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      No.... dont bring back memories of recorders.....no, NO *NO*

    • @zacharynelson8558
      @zacharynelson8558 4 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      Ummmm... I think that was kinda the whole idea of the instrument

    • @NatashaEstrada
      @NatashaEstrada 4 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      If you tape a clarinet mouthpiece to a recorder you get basically the same thing.

    • @DellaStreet123
      @DellaStreet123 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@NatashaEstrada Then you'd have a chalumeau, the clarinet's ancestor. It was Jacob Denner who invented the register key and thereby the first clarinet.Still without key work and needing cross-fingering for accidentals. Gradually, keys were added to improve intonation and temperament, and after the sixth key was added, the clarinet was considered a fully chromatic instrument. However, since both the recorder and the chalumeau have a conical bore, any type of recorder body with a clarinet mouthpiece overblows like a clarinet. The Venova is somehow twisted to overblow into the octave, like a saxophone. Clever idea, but the Venova has horrible intonation issues.

    • @DieFlabbergast
      @DieFlabbergast 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Would they do that? :)

  • @jacobleavey7335
    @jacobleavey7335 4 ปีที่แล้ว +149

    "it's grown on me" stockholm syndrome be like

    • @marydunn163
      @marydunn163 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Jacob Leavey 😂😂😂😂

  • @scottbailey7626
    @scottbailey7626 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Nice video, but, as a Venova owner and player, you can tune it. Do it by moving the position of the mouth piece on the neck. Love that all my piano sheet music is mainly in the key of C, as this means that I can play it on my Venova. #Yammaha did a great job, first new wind instriment in decades.....

  • @anthonypierre2094
    @anthonypierre2094 4 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    Hey Jay, thanks a lot for reviewing this instrument. I saw it and was wondering what a pro player would think of it. You answered most of my questions in terms of sound and easy of play. Would love to see you review an electronic sax. Roland has a full AE series of electronic saxophones

  • @finemo122
    @finemo122 4 ปีที่แล้ว +42

    I work at my local music store, my co-workers and I had a challenge to see who could sell one. 2 1/2 years later I finally sold it to someone that wanted a travel saxophone.
    We all think it sounds like a weird sax-kazoo.

    • @ivanbliminse5350
      @ivanbliminse5350 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      It hits a weird market. For people like me who haven't touched a woodwind in years but wants a fun trinket for when I am bored at home.

  • @joshedwardsOTR
    @joshedwardsOTR 4 ปีที่แล้ว +221

    It sounds like someone took a party blower and added some keys to it.

    • @brownie3454
      @brownie3454 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      it sounds like if a soccer stadium had a music education

    • @gealdyrtheta6938
      @gealdyrtheta6938 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Wow pretty accurate

  • @sunnowo
    @sunnowo 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I gotta say, I really enjoyed the microtonal rendition of jingle bells on the Venova

  • @Gyklarin
    @Gyklarin 4 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    I think it has a funny sound. And I'd love to hear some really good musicians play those in a group of - say - six persons.
    It would sound hilarious

  • @asianz5960
    @asianz5960 4 ปีที่แล้ว +58

    Man that venova sounds like a really upgraded kazoo.

    • @asianz5960
      @asianz5960 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Daeighve Geoughnns just go further beyond.

    • @nard1000
      @nard1000 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Well said, he does like a kazoo. I have heard better on this instrument, but I think he showed the difficulty of having a sax background and trying to translate it to this casual instrument.

  • @SwissRiven
    @SwissRiven 4 ปีที่แล้ว +35

    6:00 thanks for that joke!!! Made my day!

  • @onesyphorus
    @onesyphorus 4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    _"and if I just wanna sound bad, I'll just get my clarinet out"_
    This is too relatable as a T Sacophonist 😂👌

  • @PitsTasteGood
    @PitsTasteGood 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I started on clarinet. It was very tricky for me. But I was told that if I completed three years of clarinet study, I would be allowed to play a saxophone. I was eventually able to rent a sax from my school so I can solidify my dedication.
    But I personally wouldn't suggest a recorder. Yes there are professional recorders out there, but no, most of the classmates that I went to school with had nothing to do with music. They all started on recorders.
    So, with this in mind, it might be a better choice to start with something that requires half the skill needed to play a woodwind instrument. And when I was a kid, renting a clarinet cost around six hundred bucks. So for the most part, this is a steal if you're just trying to get someone warmed up to the concept of embouchure.
    I ordered one and I intend on treating it Like A Penny Whistle with a reed.
    If used properly, this could be a versatile instrument for someone who records using samples.

  • @XavierJordanMusic
    @XavierJordanMusic 4 ปีที่แล้ว +56

    The real sax blows it out the water. That plastic Yamaha sounds like you’re playing under water

  • @matthewmeador9565
    @matthewmeador9565 4 ปีที่แล้ว +75

    I’d have to say that both have their qualities, the soprano gives you the great tone and resonance, but the venova almost has a dreamy, airy sound that kinda puts a smooth overtone on it; but the intonation is the biggest problem, and it doesn’t compare at all to a soprano sax

    • @certifiedpossum8655
      @certifiedpossum8655 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      If you want that dreamy sound, an EWI would be a much better choice with much more flexibility

  • @thehangeryhippo1674
    @thehangeryhippo1674 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Loving the content. Loved the video

  • @rillloudmother
    @rillloudmother 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    as a guitar player who has been tempted by these things, thank you! one perpetually out of tune instrument is enough for me...

  • @ne0romantic
    @ne0romantic 4 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    From an acoustics standpoint the Venova is kind of facinating. There was a time when the saxophone was new, remember. The clarinet only has strong odd number partials because the end is closed. The flute has all the partials because both ends are open; the mouthpiece is a flow control, not a pressure control. The saxophone changes the resonator to a cone which fills in the partials and you get to hear what a clarinet would sound like if it had a complete overtone series. The other way to do this would be if you could somehow have a tube with a reed and two open ends... which would be some kind of ... 3 ended tube, and Yamaha did it... it should sound like a saxophone? right? Now practically... this does not seem to be best execution of the idea... but I'm sure it's actually pretty hard to do and in some years people may figure out how to make it work better; who knows?

  • @acch0rd
    @acch0rd 4 ปีที่แล้ว +44

    The Venova sounds like the bastard child of a cheap Soprano sax and a kazoo.

  • @juansgalt
    @juansgalt 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks man, fair review, still kind of love it.

  • @kingslaphappy1533
    @kingslaphappy1533 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That was a very cool review…now i can really hear the differance, thanks.

  • @lucassstache8069
    @lucassstache8069 4 ปีที่แล้ว +32

    It sounds like one of those toy cat pianos and a plastic trombone mixed together

  • @teeztoyz
    @teeztoyz 4 ปีที่แล้ว +74

    It sounds like how it looks - plastic

  • @daviddoyle1017
    @daviddoyle1017 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great channel. Makes me want to get back into the Sax. Would love to hear your views and the notes you play the Jsax Nuvo.

  • @badrudinlazim1400
    @badrudinlazim1400 4 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    The Venova sounds 'plasticky'(of course) in the sense that it lacks the timbre associated with a real brass saxophone. This is akin to playing a violin made of plywood , as opposed to a real violin made of spruce and maple.

  • @BISHOPBUCK
    @BISHOPBUCK 4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    "...if I want to sound bad, I'll just get my clarinet out." Hilarious!

  • @sameman6884
    @sameman6884 4 ปีที่แล้ว +74

    "Can a plastic tube sound good?"
    Isn't that just a clarinet?
    Jokes aside, it sounds like a saxophone that has a kazoo for a mouthpiece.
    I would like to see a elementary school band with recorders, pbones, and venovas though, that'd be fun

    • @GriffenfacePlays
      @GriffenfacePlays 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      SameMan6 somehow I feel like it’s the exact inverse. A kazoo with a saxophone mouthpiece...

    • @KharamelSueno
      @KharamelSueno 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Dear God no!!!! What we don't want is a bunch of struggling venovas in Elem. school that can't hit the proper notes T_T.... we have violin for that....

    • @GriffenfacePlays
      @GriffenfacePlays 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Tyler M lmaooo

    • @Yachiruchua
      @Yachiruchua 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      GriffenfacePlays I’m personally offended ugh

  • @jazzrat2000
    @jazzrat2000 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you so much! You have made my day. I only play in F.

  • @whitenoiseblackvoid148
    @whitenoiseblackvoid148 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video, very helpful. Would you like to review Xaphoon? I got one for my birthsday and it's very hard to stay in tune. I though that it's all reed instruments thing and the problem is with my technique , but I borrowed a tenor sax month ago and I find this MUUUCH easier to stay in tune. I think that review of pocket sax can be very helpful for begginers who think it's good idea to try it before trying a real sax. I think starting with this can be very discouraging. Best regards!

  • @GabrielVelasco
    @GabrielVelasco 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Ha! I was sitting here listening to his criticisms and enjoying my Venova...with my ukuleles (each size of course), didgeridoo, and cajon literally within arms reach. :-) He totally called me on it.

    • @HrvojeBan
      @HrvojeBan 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I don't have a didgeridoo in my room, but I have a uke, cajon and a Venova (and a dozen other instruments), haha...

  • @tomswift6198
    @tomswift6198 4 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    Sounds like an expensive kazoo, without the kazoo's wacky charm.

  • @mikkikas6821
    @mikkikas6821 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Definitely the real thing. Has a richer and fuller, warm tone.🤗

  • @despoinakoliodimou7920
    @despoinakoliodimou7920 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you so much
    You helped me to hear and understand the sound difference

  • @maguffle
    @maguffle 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Great, honest review. I play sax (not professionally or anything like that) and I got one just to play around with....and that's all it's good for. However, if they make the changes you suggest (especially the left pinky keys) it'll be a lot more fun to play.

  • @ShadowUnanimous
    @ShadowUnanimous 4 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Venova sounds like a soprano and clarinet fused into each other and transformed into an instrument with less keys. The Alto version just sounds like a congested oboe/bassoon.

    • @DellaStreet123
      @DellaStreet123 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I didn't realize Yamaha came out with an alto version until now. Interesting, it's in F, like the alto recorder. Confirms my suspicion that they target recorder players. The instrument has an insert for the F-hole sou you can play it like a Baroque recorder, and now they have it in F. I think of all "reedocorders", the only one that works is the Kunath clarineau with 3 keys. It has intonation issues because it is lacking a key work befitting a true clarinet, but the better your embouchure, the better you are able to correct those. On the downside, the 3-eyed clarineau is expensive if you buy it as a transitory instrument.

  • @ThroatAcapellist
    @ThroatAcapellist 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    First time hearing about this instrument, just got mine today and love it so far, I got it for exact reason at end. But I'm trying to get my kids interested in music so I got a wacky one and wanna learn to prove they can to.

  • @Must_not_say_that
    @Must_not_say_that 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Excellent review, thank you.

  • @danielseleguim
    @danielseleguim 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I have the soprano one but honestly I barely use it (for the same reasons listed on the video).
    But I think it’s a great strategy from Yamaha; young kids showing interest on saxophone are hard to find but they still play the recorder, which has a very similar fingering to the Venova. I think Yamaha is essentially investing on future players as kids will be using a fingering system they are familiar with at the same time they incorporate single reed “dynamics” into their playing, thus paving the road to the saxophone at a later age.
    It’s still a cheap instrument and investment for a much more expensive purchase later. Genius move!

  • @jeffpf38
    @jeffpf38 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Totally agree with your review, Jay! I'm really not very crazy about this instrument, and I'm really scratching my head as to what Yamaha was thinking when they came up with this. Thanks for the video!

  • @ARVash
    @ARVash 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thats some mighty good kazoo playing you're doing there

  • @yeeturmcbeetur8197
    @yeeturmcbeetur8197 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I think it being so small and short lessens it’s ability to bring out bass and get rid of the reed squeak if that makes sense (coming from a trombone player.)

  • @Timelesshero1711
    @Timelesshero1711 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Good Lord. If even Jay can't play it always in tune then nobody can. It's amazing that in the videos comparing chinese saxes with expensive ones; sometimes Jay can make them sound very similar, especially when closing your eyes. but this time, every time the sax popped out it was like sweet anodyne to ease the pain from the venova's sound.

  • @wugiz4784
    @wugiz4784 4 ปีที่แล้ว +30

    It sounds like you're playing with the mouthpiece by it self.

  • @coyjin
    @coyjin ปีที่แล้ว +2

    It sounds like what it is, a Reeded Recorder. It's got all the hollow sound and pitch problems of the recorder and the distinct vibratory tone of reed instruments. I like the way that Yamaha sells it as a introductory or casual instrument. affordable accessible and dare I say fun. I recently picked up the recorder from my childhood and found that I like the challenge and reward of stumbling through simple tunes. while trying to find which exact recorder I had on their website I stumbled across this beauty and I was instantly intrigued. I grew up in a musical family so we all learned piano and a second instrument, my brothers being the alto sax and I always loved its tone. so this might be something that I buy.

  • @arlotaylor6741
    @arlotaylor6741 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    where do you get those silicone covers on your palm keys? I have seen them in a few of your videos? Great vid btw.

  • @imelpomene
    @imelpomene 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    This video certainly confirmed my suspicion that the venova has tuning issues (after watching lots of demos on TH-cam). Being a violin player, I just can’t get past this issue.

  • @rodolfodiazrusconi2965
    @rodolfodiazrusconi2965 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I have a venova and I like it.
    The sound is not like real sax but it is not so bad.
    It sounds quite loud but less than a sax.
    I using stock mouthpiece and Gonzales 2 1/2 reed.
    For me the best thing is that it is portable and lightweight and allows me to take it on my bike and play in a park or with my friends
    The fingering is like a recorder.
    The problem is the F# G# A# notes, I have to use vocing to be in tune, with the other notes I don't have problems to be in tune
    .
    You can use effects than use in a sax like vibrato glissando Growl Bending .
    Jay I hope one day to play like you. I have their courses and they are so GREAT!!!

  • @tommymulcahy2717
    @tommymulcahy2717 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    what mouthpiece was on the alto? the sound was awesome

  • @teabean2325
    @teabean2325 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    is it bad i kinda like the venova? like ye it might need a few adjustments but i could see it being good for like christmas songs

  • @damoncombs4959
    @damoncombs4959 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Sounds like a blend of muted trumpet and a saxophone combined🎷

  • @dem4xed
    @dem4xed 4 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    I think the soprano is okay, but the alto one is just hilarious 😂.

  • @tswvlor9877
    @tswvlor9877 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Have you done any reviews on the AKAI EWI USB, AKAI Professional EWI400S or AKAI Professional EWI5000? I wonder if their keys are like the Roland Aerophone AEO-01 or can we change the setting if it's that of Saxophone.
    Thanks!

  • @tc5425
    @tc5425 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You are harlious. You're very talented. You gave some good tips.

    • @tc5425
      @tc5425 ปีที่แล้ว

      How can you make a melcodica sound like a sax?

  • @lelpep1
    @lelpep1 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Hi Jay, have you had a go on the Roland Aerophone? Sax fingering.

    • @laurentvenet2758
      @laurentvenet2758 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes I would love to hear from Jay on that.

  • @ALAPINO
    @ALAPINO 4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Another thought: this is for the guy who buys an ABS plastic Ukulele as a serious instrument.

  • @leoalves7981
    @leoalves7981 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You are a genius, congratulations for your channel 👍

  • @davidgalvan2470
    @davidgalvan2470 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Can you please tell me what song you were playing at the beginning of the video, I know it has nothing to do it the video but that song just sounds so familiar to me, but I can't put my finger on it

  • @lylecrawford2794
    @lylecrawford2794 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    The first thing I thought of is portability while travelling, but in that case I think I would use the Jazzlab mouthpiece silencer for emboucher work, and maybe a wooden flute for fun.

    • @bettersax
      @bettersax  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      the silencer is anything but silent. I'd rather play this and at least be able to change notes....

    • @lylecrawford2794
      @lylecrawford2794 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@bettersax It is an exaggeration to say one could use the mouthpiece silencer in a library as shown in one of their videos, that's true, but my wife tells me she can't hear in at all when I'm in my "practice closet."
      The concert G, A flat, A, and B flat that I can make with the silencer so far doesn't exactly make for great music or fingering technique either.

    • @lylecrawford2794
      @lylecrawford2794 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@bettersax Sorry Jay, I somehow missed the part where you said that you could probably play it in a hotel room without disturbing people.

  • @markmetzler9108
    @markmetzler9108 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    You could use it to record a musical sound track bit for "Toy Story". Has a corny kind of sound to it. I actually find it a bit of a fun sound.

  • @joeyblue2057
    @joeyblue2057 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hey J thanks for the review. I have been following you now for a few months. And I am new to the alto sax and I will never play professionally. It’s all just in my heart and that being said I am looking for something, maybe a pocket sax or one of these or a sax Nuevo. Mainly because I cannot take my saxophone with me everywhere and I do a lot of camping and I am noticing when I am out of town I’m not practicing but when I get home I am practicing every day. That being said do you recommend this for on the road and in the woods for camping to keep up my beginning playing. Like are the finger notes the same? Please let me know. I’m lost as what to do and I am not taking that Yamaha YAS 23 out in the woods so please advise.

    • @bettersax
      @bettersax  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Fingerings are quite different on this but the mouthpiece is the same as saxophone so at least it helps keep your embouchure going somewhat.

    • @joeyblue2057
      @joeyblue2057 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@bettersax thanks... maybe better than jsax?

  • @PratonicSky
    @PratonicSky 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Sounds a bit like the Vuvuzela plastic "horns" that became popular during the South Africa World Cup soccer tournament some years back.
    Thanks for the reviews. I almost was gonna buy a second hand one. Rgds

  • @karinkay3256
    @karinkay3256 4 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    It reminds me of Jack Black's saxaboom.

    • @brownie3454
      @brownie3454 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      don't you dare drag Sexboom down to this glorified pvc's level

  • @pyronman
    @pyronman 4 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    "Mom, dad! I will be the best venova player in the world!"

  • @88Fitzy88
    @88Fitzy88 ปีที่แล้ว

    What stand is holding the venova in the background? And would it fit the soprano?

  • @chrisperyagh
    @chrisperyagh 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Does it behave like a clarinet (drops down an 8ve and overblows a 12th) if you seal the end of the double branch tube?

  • @logangervais627
    @logangervais627 4 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Was he playing "Fly me to the moon" ?

    • @meh6222
      @meh6222 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Yes

  • @colinz226
    @colinz226 4 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    One sounds like a congested nose, the other sounds like a warm fireplace

    • @segala7853
      @segala7853 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      yeah the Venova has such a nice warm sound

  • @Gabry2138
    @Gabry2138 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great review, Thank you!

  • @pablodardarga3258
    @pablodardarga3258 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Tremendamente bien explicado!!! Genio total!!!