Thanks for answering all these questions. The manual for the YDS and for the app don’t answer a lot of these important questions. I would like to add that the YDS is great for bending notes and vibrato but, these are not articulated by the brochure so, if it is being used as a practice tool you won’t be able to work on these issues. I play flute and vibrato is achieved by modulating the airflow. This works well on the YDS which has adjustable airflow controls. The little joystick by the right thumb also does a fine job of flexibly manipulating the bending of notes. This is clearly something I can’t do on my flute so I’m having great fun with this new instrument. I don’t plan to get or have a real sax because I can’t practice anything that loud. I don’t need to worry about creating any bad practice habits so my focus is on expanding the capabilities of the YDS. Thanks again for your helpful input on this instrument.
Great job and comprehensive. If you don't mind I'll recap the MIDI functionality garnered from your video: Breath pressure on the mouthpiece outputs CC11 and CC74. CC11 needs to be assigned/routed externally to the CC/function of your choice - such as CC02, the standard CC for breath. CC74 typically controls filter cutoff frequency of a synth, but of course this is at the discretion of the maker. But it does make sense that as you reach higher pressure it would open (raise) the cutoff to produce a brighter sound or even a slight "wah" - which is a great way to add expression. Looking at the data output, CC74 seems to have a different output curve; it follows along with CC11 in the lower values but then tops out in the 60's - or half the CC value range while CC11 continues up to the standard 127. Not sure why it's done this way but as it is non user adjustable, I suppose it avoids sweeping the cutoff too dramatically. Finally there is MIDI CC01 for modwheel type functionality (typically vibrato). With my Yamaha WX5 - particularly when controlling hardware synths - I use the Midi Solutions Event Processor to remap several CC values with different output curves, so you can change CC11 to CC02 (breath) or to aftertouch before you even get to your computer or hardware synth... and in addition, remap CC74 and CC01. To use that with the YDS you would need to convert to MIDI DIN with one of those USB MIDI host boxes. There are solutions now that do both, convert USB to MIDI DIN or through to MIDI USB while also remapping, such as the iConnectivity mioXM (not super cheap, however). As you stated, this remapping can generally be done within your DAW or using an inexpensive or freeware app. The VST host Cantabile has excellent CC mapping built in... and Ableton Live, my DAW of choice.
Ellie, thanks for all the input on the yds!!! Having played for close to 50 years and losing my 2 favorite saxes to Hurricane Harvey and trying to re establish my skills and abilities with tenor soprano and occasionally a bari sax, Is the YDS 150 versatile and strong enough to be used in performances in Vegas w my bride to be's band??? Her shows are beginning again in DEC @ ZAPPOS!!!!!
I'm following your channel subscribed with notification bell ringing as Harry shared this with me when I met him somewhere while helping guys ( musicians ) with his car to shoot their Music video tonight. Details will come up in my Vlog and I'm gonna tag this channel when I have the vlog comes up. Appreciating your Sax reviews and performances on this channel @elle sax 🎷 🎶 Good guys ..welldone 😻
Hi Ellie, I love your videos! I'm a saxophonist here in Brazil and I'm buying the YSD 150 and I would like to know if for me to use the instrument to teach online it is necessary to connect it to an audio interface or it would work with the Bluetooth connection or the USB output of the instrument. How do I make this connection? Thanks you in advance!
Hi Ellie sax Thank you for addressing my question on the video. Very much appreciated. I enjoy the details you address in your videos and they are very helpful. I do however have a few followup questions. When I tried the YDS at the store, I had my Mac with me, and I tried to use it as a MIDI Controler on mainstage and garage band. I tried to get it setup via bluetooth or wired, and neither worked. I now understand from your video that I should have unlinked the YDS from the YDS app first, for attempting a bluetooth MIDI connection. Is this why I couldn’t find the Bluetooth MIDI on the Mac’s Bluetooth settings? However you said that for a wired connection you just have to connect a micro USB cable. I tried that at the store but the Mac did not recognize any input on either apps or the default “audio MIDI setup” app(have not tried logic yet). Does it only recognize the MIDI input if you turn the volume all the way down + disconnected from the YDS app(bluetooth)? I would appreciate it if you could help me with this question. Thank you!
For a real tenor or alto sound I’d still use the real thing, but think there might be a place as a Bari alternative or if I want something more synth like. Do you think the YDS-150 would make a serious performance instrument?
Hi Ellie. Good video. I'm still awaiting my YDS150. The first shipment here in Aus is till not here. The 4th revised arrival date is mid April. Anyway, my question is do you know whether Yamaha will make available more inbuilt sounds as a download in to the instrument. My Roland AE10 has every instrument you could imagine. In particular, Trumpet and Mute Trumpet, Harmonica, Flute, Flugelhorn, Trombone, Violin, Clarinet from the 127 on board sounds are all really good and makes for great fun when playing with back up tracks. The lack of traditional type onboard sounds is disappointing. Some of the 50 or so Sax sounds could have been pared back if space was an issue. Given that I can't wait to get my hands on it.....Peter
Hi Peter, did you get your yds150? How do you like it compared to the Roland? I am weighing up ewi solo, Roland and this Yamaha. Ellie do you have all 3? Thoughts?
Follow up question...? How robust is the YDS? From the initial press photos I was assuming it was metal but I now know it's plastic. Does it look like it will hold up and do you think the keys are replaceable...? I read on one forum that it is difficult to clean - but then... so is a sax. I've taken saxes totally apart down to the prickly cactus they are. I just wish I knew Yamaha's plans like... do they have a serious controller in the works that has the sax action with the built in sound module for practice but with more expression output for MIDI particularly involving the mouthpiece? The YDS is very, very tempting. Cheers.
Hi Gary - I find it really robust - the top is plastic and the bell is metal. The keys feel really sturdy and I think it'll stand up to pretty repetitive playing - it feels more robust than other wind synthesisers I've used. I'm not sure that the keys are replaceable - I have a vibrato sax (the plastic sax) and have had to order quite a few replacement keys for it but the YDS feels a quite a bit more solid. I've just given it a wipe down between playing sessions at the moment, haven't tried to give it a deep clean so will definitely let you know when I do! I know - I wish I knew Yamahas plans too! I really love the YDS but I am using it mainly as a practice tool and rarely as a MIDI controller :) Hope that helps!
So would you suggest using a yds for sounds you can't produce with an acoustic sax and primarily use the real thing for gigs and shows??? Am asking because lost my tenor and soprano to Harvey 4 yrs ago and am wanting to expand my library of sounds beyond just running a wireless mic for sax through guitar effects pedals!! And don't want to sink almost 9 grand into a professional Bari!! But I will spend $3500 on a professional Sopranino!!! With my wife being the superstar she is, you may soon see and hear me on a national morning news program with my wife!!!
Hola. Gracias por el vídeo!! Tengo una duda sobre el YDS. sabe cómo se puede grabar el sonido del YDS en un tlf??? Lo he intentado. Usando iPhone con entrada jack y la app nativa de apple Notas de Voz y no hay manera. He usado cables jack con tres líneas que identifican el micro y con conectores que separan el sonido de auricular y de micrófono y no lo he conseguido. Gracias por su tiempo.
I have the yds150. I have constant problems with a lag or witholding error in the g# f and f# and I have no clue how to solve it, I wonder if I should return the instrument, this is not what I expected.
Thanks for the video! Just got my YDS-150… It seems that there's nothing to attenuate the clicking sound when I release the B/B♭ key like felt/cork you would have on a real sax, so there's a super loud clicking sound when going back and forth between C→B or C→B♭. Also the E key is totally squeaky (the kind of thing I'd fix with a little grease on the spring on a real sax). Did I get a dud or that's "normal"? 🤔
What about tongue if articulation? I haven’t come up with some settings to achieve clean attacks and or short decays. Am I dumb or something? ( you don’t have to answer that last one ).
Thank you Elli for the useful video... one question though, how about articulation? Can you play staccato, legato, slurred on the YDS-150? I intent to buy it for practicing things that don't require a real (and loud!) sax, e.g. technical exercises (in all 12 keys), rhythms, songs, licks, scales, different articulations. Would be great if you could give your opinion on this type of use. FYI - The Roland AE-05 supports lip vibrato and articulations (so you can play slurred and staccato) but the sounds are really terrible and so is the android app (where the reasonable sounds are).
The YDS - 150 is very responsive to breath pressure but, does not have any lip articulation input. You can take the mouthpiece off of the instrument and blow into it and it will sound basically the same. I play the flute and by vibrato is controlled by breath pressure. This works fine on the YDS, but, not helpful if you’re practicing to improve real saxophone playing. Bending notes is nicely controlled by moving a small joystick with your right thumb but, again this does not improve your technique when you go back to a real sax.
If you can play a flute, recorder, clarinet, or a saxophone it will be easy to Start playing this instrument. If you do want to switch over to a serious, real saxophone you will need to make a lot of adjustments with your embouchure.
Hi Ellie..are you having any issues with the octave key? Unless my thumb is dead center, it is very unreliable and will cause me to stay in the lower register...have you experienced that as well?
I'm curious about this too. I haven't seen one up close but in photos the octave key is offset to the right. Is this part of the problem, do you tend to press on the edge of the button directly above where your thumb typically rests?
@@Garflips Hi. Yes, that is definitely part of the issue...and unless you get it dead-on, it doesn’t seem to work all the time. Truly my only complaint and something they will surely address in version 2. Other than that, it is magnificent.
@@tctc2470 I often have trouble hitting it accidentally but not much issue with it not triggering - might be worth going into your app and seeing if when you change the key sensitivity it helps with the octave key :)
I started watching the video and have to stop to let you know how impress I am with all this valuable information THANK YOU!
Thanks for answering all these questions. The manual for the YDS and for the app don’t answer a lot of these important questions. I would like to add that the YDS is great for bending notes and vibrato but, these are not articulated by the brochure so, if it is being used as a practice tool you won’t be able to work on these issues. I play flute and vibrato is achieved by modulating the airflow. This works well on the YDS which has adjustable airflow controls. The little joystick by the right thumb also does a fine job of flexibly manipulating the bending of notes. This is clearly something I can’t do on my flute so I’m having great fun with this new instrument. I don’t plan to get or have a real sax because I can’t practice anything that loud. I don’t need to worry about creating any bad practice habits so my focus is on expanding the capabilities of the YDS. Thanks again for your helpful input on this instrument.
Great job and comprehensive. If you don't mind I'll recap the MIDI functionality garnered from your video:
Breath pressure on the mouthpiece outputs CC11 and CC74. CC11 needs to be assigned/routed externally to the CC/function of your choice - such as CC02, the standard CC for breath. CC74 typically controls filter cutoff frequency of a synth, but of course this is at the discretion of the maker. But it does make sense that as you reach higher pressure it would open (raise) the cutoff to produce a brighter sound or even a slight "wah" - which is a great way to add expression. Looking at the data output, CC74 seems to have a different output curve; it follows along with CC11 in the lower values but then tops out in the 60's - or half the CC value range while CC11 continues up to the standard 127. Not sure why it's done this way but as it is non user adjustable, I suppose it avoids sweeping the cutoff too dramatically. Finally there is MIDI CC01 for modwheel type functionality (typically vibrato). With my Yamaha WX5 - particularly when controlling hardware synths - I use the Midi Solutions Event Processor to remap several CC values with different output curves, so you can change CC11 to CC02 (breath) or to aftertouch before you even get to your computer or hardware synth... and in addition, remap CC74 and CC01. To use that with the YDS you would need to convert to MIDI DIN with one of those USB MIDI host boxes. There are solutions now that do both, convert USB to MIDI DIN or through to MIDI USB while also remapping, such as the iConnectivity mioXM (not super cheap, however). As you stated, this remapping can generally be done within your DAW or using an inexpensive or freeware app. The VST host Cantabile has excellent CC mapping built in... and Ableton Live, my DAW of choice.
Good morning. Thanks for the description of YDS 150. A curiosity! Is it possible to emulate the sound of a violin with this instrument?
Ellie, thanks for all the input on the yds!!! Having played for close to 50 years and losing my 2 favorite saxes to Hurricane Harvey and trying to re establish my skills and abilities with tenor soprano and occasionally a bari sax, Is the YDS 150 versatile and strong enough to be used in performances in Vegas w my bride to be's band??? Her shows are beginning again in DEC @ ZAPPOS!!!!!
Can you load custom sounds into the instrument, like world instruments such as the Duduk and Zurna?
I'm following your channel subscribed with notification bell ringing as Harry shared this with me when I met him somewhere while helping guys ( musicians ) with his car to shoot their Music video tonight. Details will come up in my Vlog and I'm gonna tag this channel when I have the vlog comes up.
Appreciating your Sax reviews and performances on this channel @elle sax 🎷 🎶
Good guys ..welldone 😻
Hi Ellie,
I love your videos! I'm a saxophonist here in Brazil and I'm buying the YSD 150 and I would like to know if for me to use the instrument to teach online it is necessary to connect it to an audio interface or it would work with the Bluetooth connection or the USB output of the instrument. How do I make this connection? Thanks you in advance!
Useful info🎉
Thank you.
Your talent is amazing It's incredible!
There is no such thing as talent. Only hard work and dedication
Would it be worth investing in this instrument as a EWI alternative for gigs?
How to get more breathe effect compared to T04 set on Tenor touching some parameters?
Hi Ellie sax
Thank you for addressing my question on the video. Very much appreciated.
I enjoy the details you address in your videos and they are very helpful.
I do however have a few followup questions.
When I tried the YDS at the store, I had my Mac with me, and I tried to use it as a MIDI Controler on mainstage and garage band. I tried to get it setup via bluetooth or wired, and neither worked.
I now understand from your video that I should have unlinked the YDS from the YDS app first, for attempting a bluetooth MIDI connection. Is this why I couldn’t find the Bluetooth MIDI on the Mac’s Bluetooth settings?
However you said that for a wired connection you just have to connect a micro USB cable. I tried that at the store but the Mac did not recognize any input on either apps or the default “audio MIDI setup” app(have not tried logic yet). Does it only recognize the MIDI input if you turn the volume all the way down + disconnected from the YDS app(bluetooth)?
I would appreciate it if you could help me with this question.
Thank you!
No problem at all :)
For a real tenor or alto sound I’d still use the real thing, but think there might be a place as a Bari alternative or if I want something more synth like. Do you think the YDS-150 would make a serious performance instrument?
Hi Ellie. Good video. I'm still awaiting my YDS150. The first shipment here in Aus is till not here. The 4th revised arrival date is mid April. Anyway, my question is do you know whether Yamaha will make available more inbuilt sounds as a download in to the instrument. My Roland AE10 has every instrument you could imagine. In particular, Trumpet and Mute Trumpet, Harmonica, Flute, Flugelhorn, Trombone, Violin, Clarinet from the 127 on board sounds are all really good and makes for great fun when playing with back up tracks. The lack of traditional type onboard sounds is disappointing. Some of the 50 or so Sax sounds could have been pared back if space was an issue. Given that I can't wait to get my hands on it.....Peter
If you want many more non-sax sounds, then maybe the Akai EWI is the instrument you should buy....?
Hi Peter, did you get your yds150? How do you like it compared to the Roland? I am weighing up ewi solo, Roland and this Yamaha. Ellie do you have all 3? Thoughts?
Follow up question...?
How robust is the YDS? From the initial press photos I was assuming it was metal but I now know it's plastic. Does it look like it will hold up and do you think the keys are replaceable...? I read on one forum that it is difficult to clean - but then... so is a sax. I've taken saxes totally apart down to the prickly cactus they are.
I just wish I knew Yamaha's plans like... do they have a serious controller in the works that has the sax action with the built in sound module for practice but with more expression output for MIDI particularly involving the mouthpiece? The YDS is very, very tempting. Cheers.
Hi Gary - I find it really robust - the top is plastic and the bell is metal. The keys feel really sturdy and I think it'll stand up to pretty repetitive playing - it feels more robust than other wind synthesisers I've used. I'm not sure that the keys are replaceable - I have a vibrato sax (the plastic sax) and have had to order quite a few replacement keys for it but the YDS feels a quite a bit more solid. I've just given it a wipe down between playing sessions at the moment, haven't tried to give it a deep clean so will definitely let you know when I do! I know - I wish I knew Yamahas plans too! I really love the YDS but I am using it mainly as a practice tool and rarely as a MIDI controller :) Hope that helps!
how is the built in reverb on the YDS-150? (Fn + G#)
How to remap the CCs in the Yds？ i.e. remap CC01 to 11or 74? Thanks.
So would you suggest using a yds for sounds you can't produce with an acoustic sax and primarily use the real thing for gigs and shows??? Am asking because lost my tenor and soprano to Harvey 4 yrs ago and am wanting to expand my library of sounds beyond just running a wireless mic for sax through guitar effects pedals!! And don't want to sink almost 9 grand into a professional Bari!! But I will spend $3500 on a professional Sopranino!!! With my wife being the superstar she is, you may soon see and hear me on a national morning news program with my wife!!!
Hola. Gracias por el vídeo!!
Tengo una duda sobre el YDS. sabe cómo se puede grabar el sonido del YDS en un tlf???
Lo he intentado. Usando iPhone con entrada jack y la app nativa de apple Notas de Voz y no hay manera. He usado cables jack con tres líneas que identifican el micro y con conectores que separan el sonido de auricular y de micrófono y no lo he conseguido.
Gracias por su tiempo.
Have you had any trouble with keys sticking? My F key going to F# is starting to stick after playing for 10 to 15mins…
I have the yds150.
I have constant problems with a lag or witholding error in the g# f and f# and I have no clue how to solve it, I wonder if I should return the instrument, this is not what I expected.
Thanks for the video!
Just got my YDS-150… It seems that there's nothing to attenuate the clicking sound when I release the B/B♭ key like felt/cork you would have on a real sax, so there's a super loud clicking sound when going back and forth between C→B or C→B♭.
Also the E key is totally squeaky (the kind of thing I'd fix with a little grease on the spring on a real sax).
Did I get a dud or that's "normal"? 🤔
I can record the audio to an iPhone with a headphone jack and AUM. Otherwise you need an adapter.
What about tongue if articulation? I haven’t come up with some settings to achieve clean attacks and or short decays. Am I dumb or something? ( you don’t have to answer that last one ).
Thank you Elli for the useful video... one question though, how about articulation? Can you play staccato, legato, slurred on the YDS-150? I intent to buy it for practicing things that don't require a real (and loud!) sax, e.g. technical exercises (in all 12 keys), rhythms, songs, licks, scales, different articulations. Would be great if you could give your opinion on this type of use.
FYI - The Roland AE-05 supports lip vibrato and articulations (so you can play slurred and staccato) but the sounds are really terrible and so is the android app (where the reasonable sounds are).
I have the same question.
The YDS - 150 is very responsive to breath pressure but, does not have any lip articulation input. You can take the mouthpiece off of the instrument and blow into it and it will sound basically the same. I play the flute and by vibrato is controlled by breath pressure. This works fine on the YDS, but, not helpful if you’re practicing to improve real saxophone playing. Bending notes is nicely controlled by moving a small joystick with your right thumb but, again this does not improve your technique when you go back to a real sax.
My yds bell seems loose . Is that normal ?
Can you transpose all the voices (sounds) to the key of C?
Yes. You can transpose it to the Kia see and at least an octave above or below middle C.
salve come si resetta (reset)
Can a beginner play this instrument?
If you can play a saxophone you can play this
If you can play a flute, recorder, clarinet, or a saxophone it will be easy to Start playing this instrument. If you do want to switch over to a serious, real saxophone you will need to make a lot of adjustments with your embouchure.
Hi Ellie..are you having any issues with the octave key? Unless my thumb is dead center, it is very unreliable and will cause me to stay in the lower register...have you experienced that as well?
I'm curious about this too. I haven't seen one up close but in photos the octave key is offset to the right. Is this part of the problem, do you tend to press on the edge of the button directly above where your thumb typically rests?
@@Garflips Hi. Yes, that is definitely part of the issue...and unless you get it dead-on, it doesn’t seem to work all the time. Truly my only complaint and something they will surely address in version 2. Other than that, it is magnificent.
@@tctc2470 I often have trouble hitting it accidentally but not much issue with it not triggering - might be worth going into your app and seeing if when you change the key sensitivity it helps with the octave key :)
FUCKING BACKGROUND NOISE