in around 2009 when I had a cruddy cheap saxophone I used it as an excuse for my sound. We had a professional visit the high school for an event and he heard my complaints in the hallway, took my saxophone and played the most beautiful and wonderful solo for about 5 mins. I was never allowed to complain again. Its not the sax, its the saxophonist.
My go to alto was an Italian made alto called a "Concert".It was my go to horn from 1982 until 2003.It looks like a caricature of an alto but it played beautifully.I just recently got it out of storage where it had been since 2004 when I was living in Lometa,Texas.You can't judge a sax by its' looks.The horn is very solid.I have no idea who actually made it.
I had something similar in band. I was on trumpet and my instructor, instead of actually helping me learn, just took the trumpet and played a solo then gave it back to me and was like “Now play” 😐
"I was just expecting a saxophone, I wasn't expecting a whole...new life" - me joining band in 5th grade, then choosing a college based on their band program
Never judge a sax right out of the packaging, judge it one year down the line with wear and tear, when the key guards have fallen off, pads have come unglued, and key post braising has separated and broken off.
@@grantkoeller8911 oh yeah fair point, I personally would just buy a better one as you said, but if someone had already got a cheaper one, it could be useful
Bought my first sax, YAS-23 at a pawn shop for $100. Still a good horn, just needs some work. Also it’s one of the decently older 23s and is pretty beat. It’s good tho.
Same. I haven’t played in four years as it has been in storage. The neck on mine went wonky and the octave key doesn’t work properly. I’ve thought about buying a new alto, but also just move to soprano as I’m just playing for me and been something I’ve always wanted to do.
Absolutely anyone: "Hey, this driftwood came in on the shore of Lake Pontchartrain and it's kind of shaped like a saxophone, so we sent it to you." Saxologic: "It definitely plays better with a Jazz embouchure..."
I got this saxophone based on a few reviews I watched and I played it through college! it's needed minimal maintenance over the last 3 years and I've loved playing it. I got the antique red/pink finish and play with a Rascher mouthpiece. My professor is going to be purchasing one as his backup horn!
Bro, you're truly talented, what a pleasant surprise. East Star sounds like a great sax! It's very ironic to come across this video, when I've been thinking about starting to learn my sax again, hmmm! Bless you brother!
Impressed. It sounded good in the whole range, and even in the low register. Most times those cheap saxes aren't properly adjusted and you have to some minor adjustments to get them playing. Maybe they went that extra mile and made sure you would get an over the average.
"Most times those cheap saxes aren't properly adjusted" That's not necessarily true, what is true is that they do have some soft keys that are easily bent amongst other quality issues, but they usually play out of the box, hence the corks he had to remove at the beginning of the video
I got this saxophone and had to take it to the shop immediately, it wasn't even playable. I don't remember what they had to fix and I think they had to adjust a lot of stuff but I was pretty dissatisfied with it. Right now, however, I *think* it plays fine.
I see a LOT of those cheaper horns come through my repair bench.....and 'yes', they can sound great when they don't leak. Understand, that EASTER is a copy of your Yamaha which is a copy of a Selmer.....they are all copies of the Selmer..lol. Now, that being said, what happens with the cheapSTER (see what I did there?), is that the pearl that you like, those fall out and have to be sourced to be replaced. Many of the keys may be weak when soldered together and the break and flop around and need to be resoldered back together. Notice the removable bell flange down at the bottom?? Horns like the cheapSTER seem to have some sort of 'paste' sealing that juncture, once that paste dries up, it cracks (this is the most common problem) and the horn has a leak that most technicians cannot find. You have take the bell off the body, put some joint puddy in there (never dries out) and put it all back together. That seals that leak for good. Often times the springs snap in half or fall out........what I am saying in a nutshell is, if you have a patient Sax technician that is competent enough to tackle the flaws in quality, you can make one of the cheapSTERS (or others) last for a while and you'll be happy with it. Just understand ahead of time going into it, you gonna need a handyman to keep on top of it. I usually pick those up at auction and go through them, repairing all the things I mentioned, then I flip them for only $150-$175 locally to some beginner. What I am proud of when "I" sell one is, I've already gone through and addressed all the assembly shortcomings from the factory....the kid is getting a good horn and I offer them free repairs for three years, they just bring it back if something goes awry while they are in school. I've never had one come back......
This dude would make a trashed Pawn shop sax sound good. In any case, he kicks my @ss in his Alto playing! I was VERY surprised at the intonation and accuracy of the notes on the Chinese sax. Thanks for the great comparison Saxologic!!! Great video!!!
My band director yelled at one of our trombones for using his $3000 trombone instead of the $300 one... He set the $3000 trombone on the black top and it was painful to watch...
That’s what I was gonna do with my jupiter student but were selling it to help pay off my Yamaha intermediate. I’m not looking forward to marching in the rain with it:(
drinking game: take a shot everytime he says "aAaHhAh" oh ok and sense Saxologic from the description told me to put this here: i subscribed because of your collab with InsaneInTheRain, and i keep watching because you make genuinely interesting and good videos.
Thank you my lord Charlie Parker. Your solo on it was incredible. Did you know me and you were the same age when you recorded that? You’re unbelievable, man.
You can definitely tell the difference in tone when you're up in the palm keys, but overall it's a pretty great horn for $250! I'd be interested to see a comparison between the EStar and either the Yamaha-YAS23 or the Jean Paul
Had a chance to see both the Eastar and Jean Paul side by side and played, only difference was the name. Think both may have come from same factory. 🎷🤠👍
I have been wanting to play for a while but after this video I might just practice with this one till i learn then upgrade later. The reason why I'm subscribing is because your very knowledgeable in your craft and would be learning more through you.
What a pleasure to read such a description ! I'm a sax beginner and also have a lot and more to learn. Haven't practiced for 1 or 2 weeks and I'm starting to feel a bit guilty. Hearing you makes me remember why I started this instrument ! As soon as I go back to my parents, I practice again. Chears.
That $250 horn actually sounds like a great beginner horn. Makes me wonder how things could be the other way around, it might be interesting to have a beginner play a beginner horn and then a pro horn to hear the difference? 🤔
Great video. After seeing reviews on Eastar and yours I am convinced that for a beginner horn it's great. I did my first 6-12 months on a sub $350 sax and when I knew this was going to be me for ever. I made the investment to an, ironically, a $3k horn. So I am very happy to have began with that horn. Interesting thing is, I am not getting rid of my lower priced horn since it will forever be a great backup for when my main horn is in for maintenance etc. Great review. Thanks.
Yamaha sounds like BUTTER 😍🤤 I started on an alto that was made in the 60’s and then upgraded to a Yamaha Tenor. Best decision of my life. I am currently shopping for a new one 🙏🏻🖤 Keep playing! You sound AMAZING!
Good job on playing the Sax. Ive always been an acoustic/electric guitar fan but I never neglect the Saxophone. Such an awesome instrument. So classy :)
I think this is the best unboxing and side by side comparison I've seen. My students always think it's an expensive horn that'll make their sound better. I'm going to watch this video with some of them. I always say it's embourchure, breath support, and a good mouthpiece/reed/setup that do most of the work. I can definitely can still tell a difference between the $250 and the Yamaha. But I hope this video will get some kids to practice because it's not money that makes a good sound, but hard work. Thanks! P.S. Super impressed by how good both your jazz and legit tones are. Kudos!
I played tenor from 5th to 6th grade, played an alto while I was 17-18 in a band while I played bass and synthethesizer and sang, and then a friend left a clarinet in our practice space when I was about 20-22 and I haven’t played a woodwind since that alto. I picked up the clarinet with no problem, not knowing any notes or how to read music anymore and I still play it super easy and record it over Setar tracks I record. I got the setar for 200 bucks off Amazon. It’s a great starting piece, I don’t think you can find a better setar unless you start dropping 1-3 thousand.
At first I thought the weather sounds were edited in because it sounded so realistic with headphones on. That must have been one heck of a storm. And your audio set up is super realistic to pick it up that accurately.
My brother. I subscribe to this channel because you’re a nut job and an awesome Sax player!! I Wouldn’t get an editor and keep your videos raw and funny the way that they are. And yes I read your comments all the way down to the end when you asked are you still reading this? So yes I was and I am. Keep up the great work!
Hi I’m a pianist not a saxophonist and Your video is actually my third saxophone review watching this morning, and I think your review was excellent! I have wanted to play saxophone for a very long time watching and listening to your video has inspired me Thank you for your experienced and honest review! You are a very talented and gifted musician 👍🏽 I am now seriously considering getting this saxophone to start off with thanks 🙏🏽 again!
Honestly, I subscribed to you because your content is generally just amusing to watch. I really like your energy and I love the sound of your playing. I love the implementation of your humor and just, yeah. You’ve got great content, man. (Also, I can’t wait to try out your signature SYOS mouthpiece :) )
You play beautifully.My late friend,Skeets Herfurt,would have loved to have heard you.Skeets was a very dear friend of mine;he played the Hollywood studios for decades.He and I started out on tenor then concentrated on alto.I knew him from 1982 until his death ten years later from what sounded like a massive stroke at the age of 80.I taught myself the sax when I was 18.I bounced between alto,tenor and baritone from 1971 until 2003.Getting back to Skeets Herfurt,he was a very strict section leader.He started his career in 1934 as a tenor player for The Dorsey Brothers Orchestra.When I called him in 1982,he had just retired from Lawrence Welk's band.I've got records of him back to 1934 up to 1970 when he was heavily involved in a series of big band recreation recordings.
I subscribed because of the Mario kart lick video and I loved it. I also play sax, not on your level by all means, but I have learned a lot from you. I graduated high school this past May. I was in concert band and jazz band for all 4 years, but I'm not going to school for music, and I definitely don't want to stop progressing on the sax. Your channel has been a huge help moving forward. Plus you're hilarious. Keep it up man.
Okay so I reached the end of the description and here’s why I subscribed|I’m really inspired by you and your play and I also wanna start playing the saxophone||I believe your videos will give all the inspiration and motivation I need to go down the path cause I know there are gonna be a lot of challenges so yes....I need you😄
I piano by ear and I've always wanted a sax since. I'm not sure how easy it is to learn to play on my own. So I don't wanna spend alot on a sax that I may toss to the side. Thankyou so much for this review.
I subscribed because I though you were a genuinely cool dude who has a great passion for the saxophone and I thought that it would be a good investment of my time to watch you, and it was! Also nice description the people who gave this video a thumbs down didn't read the description, also I hope your noodles were good and I hope those hiccups dont cause any trouble, anyway hope you slept well and have a good rest of your day!
My parents for an early 8th grade Christmas present got me an alto saxophone. Online ordered from early early Amazon. Maybe 200$. Had the white gloves and everything spent another 20 bucks on reeds and was set. My school lent me a selmer c* to use. I won competitions and sat first and 2nd chairs before other students that played longer than me or had way nicer instrument. I remember one had a custom Yamaha. Dang California. It comes down to the player not the instrument. And now in 2023 Chinese mass production is solid and factor in another 50 bucks for adjustments at a local shop and it's a solid deal. I want a curved sop and I'm going to Amazon for it.
Interesting! I'm a saxophone beginner and picked up a Mendini by Cecilio for around $250 (US) from Amazon. Had a lot of trouble with it - was pretty okay with it just being me struggling with embouchure, etc. Went down to a local store and played a few Yamahas. The difference was immense! Yamahas were so much easier to play and were much more free blowing. They sounded heaps better, even with my beginner technique and I was able to go up and down the first to octaves without much trouble. Going back to the cheap sax was dreadful. I now own a Yamaha. Extremely happy with the purchase!
MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA! MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA! MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA! MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA! MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA, MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA! MUDAAAAAAA! Just copied and pasted all 179 mudas in the 7 page muda
I played sax, Bari, Tenor and Alto in high school. I haven't played in 40 years. My wife bought me a similar one. I was amazed at the sound and I love it. Not this particular model, but yeah, a 300 Alto I am I am having a blast. This year for Christmas she is getting me a tenor. Love the video!
In music, if an instrument is at all playable, it's mostly down to "the archer, not the arrows". That being said, it's awesome that there are low-priced yet very playable instruments around. :)
I'm so freakin laughing right now :D, when I hear this sound for the first time I just needed to find comments about that. Bruh thanks for that comment
That case was better than the one my beginner saxophone came with. The Yamaha was better but the EASTAR was very good. I highly recommend it for beginners/intermediates as well based on the sound (I'm played sax for over 30 years) and his recommendation.
I loved this video! I'm a sophomore in high school and have been playing saxophone since 4th grade. I am quickly learning more things everyday to better my skills AND my sections! I will be the section leader in a couple of months, and I appreciate you sharing your knowledge with us.
I'm going to start playing the sax and I wasn't to sure what sax to start with..but now I that's a good sax to start with...much appreciated for the review
It's crazy how cheap they can make a saxophone these days. For all the features (and even the gloves lol) you get a lot for your money. Definitely don't understand the "Intermediate" sax market, especially when most of those horns don't even have a high F#.
Let's face it. The YAS-23 was considered a beginner sax, but compared to the Chinese, you can consider it as an intermediate. It doesn't have the F# key but you have a consistent product. The Chinese saxes are like a lottery. If you are lucky, you can get a decent one. If not, you get a lemon, and when you buy over the internet and doesn't experience to know what you got, it can be a bad experience. With that said, I would never, ever, buy a Yamaha 23 (or whatever name they call it nowadays) new. It's a ripoff.
@@claudemiropacheco yeah I was a yts-26 kid until a year ago, haven't tried many Taiwanese or Chinese saxes other than Yamaha student horns. But the quality is always good because Yamaha sets high standards for production.
i bought an "intermediate" saxophone back in high school, it was a Trevor James sax and they called it their "intermediate" sax because it used to be their "professional" saxophone before they made a newer professional model. instead of throwing away their old pro design, they lowered the price of it and sold it as an intermediate sax.
@@defi71zh really? That sucks, I heard of the Trevor James Raw or something but I always thought Trevor James was a name stuck on a Taiwanese horn. I don't think they have a sax factory, a lot of these companies don't have factories. Maybe they lowered the quality with the price, they probably don't make it the same.
9:48 that was one of the All region audition songs for this years alto saxes 😌you played it so much better than I did si thank you, now I know what it is supposed to sound like exactly and I can practice more
Heyy! So you helped me deside the instrument for with grade! I didn't know to do clarinet or saxophone and I decided to do the sax, so happy to start! TYSM!
I'm subscribed i think not only because you're a great player which I learn a lot from and love to listen to, but you're also presenting music content in a very humble and direct way, not from above but as a student who speaks to us in real life. and ur funny. and u play the licc. keep it up dewd
I thought the YAS-62III sounded wayyy brighter and a little "sharper" than the Eastar model, probably why Yamahas are great for cutting through other frequencies in performances. It's the same with their pianos as well. Great comparison!
Friend of mine has a Chinese £300 Rosedale. Sounds amazing, is really responsive and for a Chinese model, they've had it for 4 years and have been told it's going to last a lot longer than that. Full range as well. I've found genuinely it's usually the mouthpiece rather than the bell that determines the kind of sound you make, because mind you I use a Selmer S80 on my own alto and S90 on my tenor with Rovner and Vandoren ligatures, and it made all the difference, including in responsiveness. My experience is that most of the time, especially for classical, it relies a lot more on the mouthpiece. Chinese makes don't last as long but they can make a decent sound if you have a good setup.
@@Saxologic My thoughts too! I'm getting an advanced soprano sax within a couple of days, but getting a Selmer S90 and Vandoren MO with it. They transformed the sound of my tenor, which previously used a Yamaha 4C mouthpiece. So I cannot wait to see the outcome on the soprano!
I DON'T EVEN PLAY SAX...BUT, THE SOUND AND HOW YOU PLAYED IT(estar) SOUNDED FANTASTIC..nice that a beginner or intermediate player can get a very good instruments at a low price-which adds encouragement...great video!!
The Easter is an excellent value beginner horn. From a listener’s perspective, the only thing I notice between the two horns (especially noticeable in Donna Lee) is how much more core and body your Yamaha has. The one thing I’m a bit skeptical of is whether the horn they sent you was specially tinkered with and setup especially well. I have a friend who allowed me to try their Easter once and I really disliked the key action and ergonomics. This could potentially be a result of them having cared for the horn poorly, or maybe maybe we just disagree on the feeling of the Easter horn. However, at the $250 price tag, decent ergonomics should not be expected in the first place.
The Algorithm showed me one of your vids and I liked your style. My late wife (not a musician) enjoyed them as well, so we watched a number of them together. They're light-hearted and you have talent, man. Yes, you're just a student…and in some ways, you'll always be a student. Always be learning. This plague sucks for everyone and restrictions make some things all the worse. ((Low) Clarinets doubling to saxes here.)
ANTER lol you’re nuts. The tone can be played consistently with enough practice. Fuller sound though can’t be changed. If you’re playing semi pro concerts yea it’s worth the investment. But if you’re just in high school band then definately not worth the investment.
@@Daedalus33 True, however, you'll always have to change the way you play whenever trying a new saxophone. But yes, not worth the investment in highschool. Although I wish I had a Selmer Tenor in jazz band. lol
@@inigo137 Honestly, it all depends on the sound. I think it's best to go to a music store (if you already know how to play) and try out different saxophones. However, I don't know how well that works during the pandemic lol. The best option, in my opinion, would be if you listen to some samples of different saxophones (soprano; alto; tenor; baritone; bass, etc.) on TH-cam.
That actually seems pretty good for that price and has a nice dark sound, except I don't like the sound of that synthetic reed. From my experience though, Chinese made saxophones, while there are decent ones out there, tend to need repairs more often. I had a Chinese Gear4Music alto saxophone, the first saxophone I owned over 2 years ago. The first I had was a copy of a Yanagisawa elite model with underslung neck. It played very well, except for air leaks it had within 3 months of playing it. It also felt chunky and only noticed that when I upgraded to a Yamaha YAS-280 and it had a kind of smell the Yamaha didn't have. This year since it had a 3 year warranty, I decided to see if I could return the Gear4Music sax for a replacement to fix the leaking issues. In January I returned it and I got a replacement. I assumed it would be the same alto sax with the underslung neck. What I got was a competently different alto sax with the Gear4Music logo stamped on it. I don't know who they got to make it but man this new version was terrible. It wasn't the same as my old one. It had burn marks inside the neck, the palm keys opened way too far and no sound came out of those and some parts felt rough to touch. The case was decent though. It had a funny smell which I didn't like and felt like I was going to catch something if I played it.
Haha that last sentence! Very interesting man thanks for letting me know. It’s always tough for me to answer anything of value when someone asks me what beginner horn they should buy so this is a nice starting point.
Great video, I started playing tenor when I was in the 8th grade, and I stopped when I got to college because I didn’t want to be in the marching band. Young brother stay with it, again great video…
So my opinion, any instrument can sound great in the hands of a well practiced individual. Price doesn't come down to the sound of the instrument per-se but the actual feel WHEN playing the instrument. Also the quality of the bars and such as well can be a factor, it's possible that out of box the instrument will sound great, but after a month it will likely need some major adjustments.
Valor, who is two and in love with the saxophone watched your entire video and really enjoyed it. He wanted to say, "hi to the guy on the internets"❤❤❤
in around 2009 when I had a cruddy cheap saxophone I used it as an excuse for my sound. We had a professional visit the high school for an event and he heard my complaints in the hallway, took my saxophone and played the most beautiful and wonderful solo for about 5 mins. I was never allowed to complain again. Its not the sax, its the saxophonist.
oh wow exposed. jeez i mean do you play anymore at least?
dayyyum
My go to alto was an Italian made alto called a "Concert".It was my go to horn from 1982 until 2003.It looks like a caricature of an alto but it played beautifully.I just recently got it out of storage where it had been since 2004 when I was living in Lometa,Texas.You can't judge a sax by its' looks.The horn is very solid.I have no idea who actually made it.
I had something similar in band. I was on trumpet and my instructor, instead of actually helping me learn, just took the trumpet and played a solo then gave it back to me and was like “Now play” 😐
A vocalist complained once! Ive got cheap voice
"I was just expecting a saxophone, I wasn't expecting a whole...new life" - me joining band in 5th grade, then choosing a college based on their band program
This is so true!
Lol
LOL XD
th-cam.com/video/AXfgtQ3cyA0/w-d-xo.html
LITERALLY ME RIGHT NOW EXCEPT OLDER LMAOO
Never judge a sax right out of the packaging, judge it one year down the line with wear and tear, when the key guards have fallen off, pads have come unglued, and key post braising has separated and broken off.
That sounds tough... glad I choose guitar, sax isn't for me. Still like the sound though, can always appreciate good music
Or...just maybe....get your sax serviced...
@@thebeast7010 It's not always worth it if the sax is a pile of garbage. Instead spend money on a better quality sax.
@@grantkoeller8911 oh yeah fair point, I personally would just buy a better one as you said, but if someone had already got a cheaper one, it could be useful
@@nixthefox2008 omg that’s funny cuz i always though guitar was too hard so i took up sax!
and here's me, a bass player, knowing nothing about saxophones watching this..
Twins
Twins
@@coledalton4584 Sax will probably be my fifth instrument (Guitar, bass, piano and drums)
I feel you bro. Imma drummer 😂
Um brasileiro trompetista,aqui estou eu não muito diferente que você. Açucar indentificam essa palavra? Americanoss
Me, a pianist, I got nothing but mad respect for sax players. Beautiful instrument and sound, hard as hell to master
K assume it gets easier with time but it truly is the difference between the piano and how it is played
Not as hard as trumpet
Sorry my whole school band be fight saying who best instrument tbh all of them are
As a sax player it’s looks hard but if you practise a lot, you know where to place your hands and know where all the keys are on the saxophone
as a clarinet player, when you start, it can be difficult, but once muscle memory kicks in, you learn very quickly
@@scrxtchyt yup can agree
As a trumpet player
I bought my first saxophone for $99
It is still to this day my favorite saxophone, even compared to a $2000 one I played
Whats it called?
BRO WHAT i got mine for 2,000 and thought it was pretty cheap
where did you buy it from ???
@@sulamit9386 pawn shops in major cities are your best chance for cheap-but-quality instruments. Especially any place with gambling nearby.
Bought my first sax, YAS-23 at a pawn shop for $100. Still a good horn, just needs some work. Also it’s one of the decently older 23s and is pretty beat. It’s good tho.
This guy just made me want to play my old saxophone again. I love you
I love YOU!!!
Same. I haven’t played in four years as it has been in storage. The neck on mine went wonky and the octave key doesn’t work properly. I’ve thought about buying a new alto, but also just move to soprano as I’m just playing for me and been something I’ve always wanted to do.
Same here I have it in good condition but I wish I would have stayed on it so now I have to relearn some of the old songs I used to play
Same bro !!! I loved his vibe 👌👌
Why do you quit it?
Absolutely anyone: "Hey, this driftwood came in on the shore of Lake Pontchartrain and it's kind of shaped like a saxophone, so we sent it to you."
Saxologic: "It definitely plays better with a Jazz embouchure..."
😂😂😂
Pontchartrain, yes, heard ya
Lmao!! I couldn’t not laugh at this
This is great
@MR.random57 Nice to meet you Mr. Random. Way to live up to the name!
I got this saxophone based on a few reviews I watched and I played it through college! it's needed minimal maintenance over the last 3 years and I've loved playing it. I got the antique red/pink finish and play with a Rascher mouthpiece. My professor is going to be purchasing one as his backup horn!
Bro, you're truly talented, what a pleasant surprise. East Star sounds like a great sax! It's very ironic to come across this video, when I've been thinking about starting to learn my sax again, hmmm! Bless you brother!
Hey Nathan..... don’t run over this one :)
Lmao
@Energizerbee • 5 years ago Yeah, subreddits outside of the context of reddit is a bit odd.
Maybe I should run over it and record it this time in slow-mo!
(Jk)
Saxologic would you do it if you got 1mil views on this video?
lmao
shade but no shade moment 🤣🤣😅
Impressed. It sounded good in the whole range, and even in the low register. Most times those cheap saxes aren't properly adjusted and you have to some minor adjustments to get them playing. Maybe they went that extra mile and made sure you would get an over the average.
It's the player... He could play anything... And it would sound fantastic.
"Most times those cheap saxes aren't properly adjusted" That's not necessarily true, what is true is that they do have some soft keys that are easily bent amongst other quality issues, but they usually play out of the box, hence the corks he had to remove at the beginning of the video
I got this saxophone and had to take it to the shop immediately, it wasn't even playable. I don't remember what they had to fix and I think they had to adjust a lot of stuff but I was pretty dissatisfied with it. Right now, however, I *think* it plays fine.
I see a LOT of those cheaper horns come through my repair bench.....and 'yes', they can sound great when they don't leak. Understand, that EASTER is a copy of your Yamaha which is a copy of a Selmer.....they are all copies of the Selmer..lol. Now, that being said, what happens with the cheapSTER (see what I did there?), is that the pearl that you like, those fall out and have to be sourced to be replaced. Many of the keys may be weak when soldered together and the break and flop around and need to be resoldered back together. Notice the removable bell flange down at the bottom?? Horns like the cheapSTER seem to have some sort of 'paste' sealing that juncture, once that paste dries up, it cracks (this is the most common problem) and the horn has a leak that most technicians cannot find. You have take the bell off the body, put some joint puddy in there (never dries out) and put it all back together. That seals that leak for good. Often times the springs snap in half or fall out........what I am saying in a nutshell is, if you have a patient Sax technician that is competent enough to tackle the flaws in quality, you can make one of the cheapSTERS (or others) last for a while and you'll be happy with it. Just understand ahead of time going into it, you gonna need a handyman to keep on top of it. I usually pick those up at auction and go through them, repairing all the things I mentioned, then I flip them for only $150-$175 locally to some beginner. What I am proud of when "I" sell one is, I've already gone through and addressed all the assembly shortcomings from the factory....the kid is getting a good horn and I offer them free repairs for three years, they just bring it back if something goes awry while they are in school. I've never had one come back......
This dude would make a trashed Pawn shop sax sound good. In any case, he kicks my @ss in his Alto playing! I was VERY surprised at the intonation and accuracy of the notes on the Chinese sax. Thanks for the great comparison Saxologic!!! Great video!!!
No matter what the saxophone, thanks for the information to us beginners and you’re a great musician.
I feel like I would get this just to use it as a marching horn so I dont have to risk my good horn
Totally logical thing to do. It’s always a sad time to have your pro horn in the rain during practice
@@Saxologic yeah
My band director yelled at one of our trombones for using his $3000 trombone instead of the $300 one... He set the $3000 trombone on the black top and it was painful to watch...
That’s what I was gonna do with my jupiter student but were selling it to help pay off my Yamaha intermediate. I’m not looking forward to marching in the rain with it:(
I have a student horn I use as a beater for marching band too
I dont even play sax and im not sure why this was recommended but honestly, i LOVE your personality and humor. Very fascinating stuff. Subscribed!
Thank you :’)
@@Saxologicim here bc of your brother (not bc hes cooler but hes a percussionist like me)
drinking game: take a shot everytime he says "aAaHhAh"
oh ok and sense Saxologic from the description told me to put this here: i subscribed because of your collab with InsaneInTheRain, and i keep watching because you make genuinely interesting and good videos.
Interesting game concept 😂
Ahh ok appreciate that!!
Impressed by the review plus the lovely, lively instrument🎉
You really loved the YAS-62III after you got it in 10th grade. I think everyone loves the 62III's Im looking forward to buying a YTS-62III soon
I know nothing about the world of Saxophone’s but this video made me smile. love your passion!
I can hear that typical Florida weather in the background, also nice Cherokee solo ;)
Thank you my lord Charlie Parker. Your solo on it was incredible. Did you know me and you were the same age when you recorded that? You’re unbelievable, man.
@@Saxologic 😂
You can definitely tell the difference in tone when you're up in the palm keys, but overall it's a pretty great horn for $250! I'd be interested to see a comparison between the EStar and either the Yamaha-YAS23 or the Jean Paul
Had a chance to see both the Eastar and Jean Paul side by side and played, only difference was the name. Think both may have come from same factory. 🎷🤠👍
It's not like beginners play too much with the altissimo range anyway. So overall great beginner saxophone
@@doormatcatit’s not great. It’ll break in under a year and technicians will refuse to help
I have been wanting to play for a while but after this video I might just practice with this one till i learn then upgrade later. The reason why I'm subscribing is because your very knowledgeable in your craft and would be learning more through you.
Love the description write up 😃. Subbed Because your personality, content and information you bring.
Thank you sir Thomas!
It’s not the sax, it’s the saxophonist.
WHO is the most important. I might get that idea very well.
It's the same in every walk of life you practice enough you can be awesome on anything you use.
Ackchuallyyyyyyyy
It's not the sax, it's the saxophonist.
And mouthpiece! :)
What a pleasure to read such a description ! I'm a sax beginner and also have a lot and more to learn. Haven't practiced for 1 or 2 weeks and I'm starting to feel a bit guilty. Hearing you makes me remember why I started this instrument ! As soon as I go back to my parents, I practice again. Chears.
That $250 horn actually sounds like a great beginner horn. Makes me wonder how things could be the other way around, it might be interesting to have a beginner play a beginner horn and then a pro horn to hear the difference? 🤔
🎷
th-cam.com/video/AXfgtQ3cyA0/w-d-xo.html
Ha!! Or better yet, have the beginner play a pro horn and give a review about how shitty the Selmer Mk VI they just played really is....
Dogboy530 there wouldn’t be a difference because that beginner will still be a beginner
You are a brilliant sax player and even sax of $250 sounded great, it had a mellow tone
I may be a tuba player exclusively but ya never know when I'll need this
Great video. After seeing reviews on Eastar and yours I am convinced that for a beginner horn it's great. I did my first 6-12 months on a sub $350 sax and when I knew this was going to be me for ever. I made the investment to an, ironically, a $3k horn. So I am very happy to have began with that horn. Interesting thing is, I am not getting rid of my lower priced horn since it will forever be a great backup for when my main horn is in for maintenance etc. Great review. Thanks.
The solo at 8:40 is Bird on Cherokee
Edit: The description is perfect, also the outro song sounds super cool whatever it was.
Matt Stark oh hey
dont you dare post this sir
don't you DARE m
@@otiu66 what the hell
@@tylermustardloooser386 like actually with was wrong with im
Netflix: Are you still watching?
Someone's daughter: 11:42
Lol 😆
😂💀
XDDDDDDDDDD
I laughed at rhis
💦
Yamaha sounds like BUTTER 😍🤤 I started on an alto that was made in the 60’s and then upgraded to a Yamaha Tenor. Best decision of my life. I am currently shopping for a new one 🙏🏻🖤 Keep playing! You sound AMAZING!
Good job on playing the Sax. Ive always been an acoustic/electric guitar fan but I never neglect the Saxophone. Such an awesome instrument. So classy :)
I think this is the best unboxing and side by side comparison I've seen. My students always think it's an expensive horn that'll make their sound better. I'm going to watch this video with some of them. I always say it's embourchure, breath support, and a good mouthpiece/reed/setup that do most of the work. I can definitely can still tell a difference between the $250 and the Yamaha. But I hope this video will get some kids to practice because it's not money that makes a good sound, but hard work. Thanks!
P.S. Super impressed by how good both your jazz and legit tones are. Kudos!
HOLY you make the $250 sax sound absolutely amazing... I kinda want to buy one now and see how far my clarinet experience can take me
I played tenor from 5th to 6th grade, played an alto while I was 17-18 in a band while I played bass and synthethesizer and sang, and then a friend left a clarinet in our practice space when I was about 20-22 and I haven’t played a woodwind since that alto. I picked up the clarinet with no problem, not knowing any notes or how to read music anymore and I still play it super easy and record it over Setar tracks I record. I got the setar for 200 bucks off Amazon. It’s a great starting piece, I don’t think you can find a better setar unless you start dropping 1-3 thousand.
At first I thought the weather sounds were edited in because it sounded so realistic with headphones on. That must have been one heck of a storm. And your audio set up is super realistic to pick it up that accurately.
I have to say, as the most beginning of beginner saxophone player, your tone is emaculate, and your posture is perfect
My brother. I subscribe to this channel because you’re a nut job and an awesome Sax player!! I Wouldn’t get an editor and keep your videos raw and funny the way that they are. And yes I read your comments all the way down to the end when you asked are you still reading this? So yes I was and I am. Keep up the great work!
Hi I’m a pianist not a saxophonist and Your video is actually my third saxophone review watching this morning, and I think your review was excellent! I have wanted to play saxophone for a very long time watching and listening to your video has inspired me Thank you for your experienced and honest review! You are a very talented and gifted musician 👍🏽 I am now seriously considering getting this saxophone to start off with thanks 🙏🏽 again!
Honestly, I subscribed to you because your content is generally just amusing to watch. I really like your energy and I love the sound of your playing. I love the implementation of your humor and just, yeah. You’ve got great content, man. (Also, I can’t wait to try out your signature SYOS mouthpiece :) )
You play beautifully.My late friend,Skeets Herfurt,would have loved to have heard you.Skeets was a very dear friend of mine;he played the Hollywood studios for decades.He and I started out on tenor then concentrated on alto.I knew him from 1982 until his death ten years later from what sounded like a massive stroke at the age of 80.I taught myself the sax when I was 18.I bounced between alto,tenor and baritone from 1971 until 2003.Getting back to Skeets Herfurt,he was a very strict section leader.He started his career in 1934 as a tenor player for The Dorsey Brothers Orchestra.When I called him in 1982,he had just retired from Lawrence Welk's band.I've got records of him back to 1934 up to 1970 when he was heavily involved in a series of big band recreation recordings.
The saddest thing about appreciating talent is when you have none!
Hats off, man! You have talent!!!
I absolutely love the way the synthetic reed sounds. It’s jazz aesthetic i can’t get enough of
Hiring an editor is like paying someone to make you a piece of music. Its still you, just in someone elses filter.
Interesting metaphor!!!
I subscribed because of the Mario kart lick video and I loved it. I also play sax, not on your level by all means, but I have learned a lot from you. I graduated high school this past May. I was in concert band and jazz band for all 4 years, but I'm not going to school for music, and I definitely don't want to stop progressing on the sax. Your channel has been a huge help moving forward. Plus you're hilarious. Keep it up man.
Okay so I reached the end of the description and here’s why I subscribed|I’m really inspired by you and your play and I also wanna start playing the saxophone||I believe your videos will give all the inspiration and motivation I need to go down the path cause I know there are gonna be a lot of challenges so yes....I need you😄
I piano by ear and I've always wanted a sax since. I'm not sure how easy it is to learn to play on my own. So I don't wanna spend alot on a sax that I may toss to the side. Thankyou so much for this review.
The time and effort this guy put into the description 👌👌👌
And the video..
No excuses on starting! $250 and you make it sound so beautiful!!!
I subscribed because I though you were a genuinely cool dude who has a great passion for the saxophone and I thought that it would be a good investment of my time to watch you, and it was! Also nice description the people who gave this video a thumbs down didn't read the description, also I hope your noodles were good and I hope those hiccups dont cause any trouble, anyway hope you slept well and have a good rest of your day!
My parents for an early 8th grade Christmas present got me an alto saxophone. Online ordered from early early Amazon. Maybe 200$. Had the white gloves and everything spent another 20 bucks on reeds and was set. My school lent me a selmer c* to use.
I won competitions and sat first and 2nd chairs before other students that played longer than me or had way nicer instrument. I remember one had a custom Yamaha. Dang California. It comes down to the player not the instrument. And now in 2023 Chinese mass production is solid and factor in another 50 bucks for adjustments at a local shop and it's a solid deal. I want a curved sop and I'm going to Amazon for it.
Man, I wish I could remember my first ever notes on a saxophone... That must've been such a wow moment
It’s so cool to see all these other band members and musicians in the comments, people I can relate to
Interesting! I'm a saxophone beginner and picked up a Mendini by Cecilio for around $250 (US) from Amazon. Had a lot of trouble with it - was pretty okay with it just being me struggling with embouchure, etc. Went down to a local store and played a few Yamahas. The difference was immense! Yamahas were so much easier to play and were much more free blowing. They sounded heaps better, even with my beginner technique and I was able to go up and down the first to octaves without much trouble. Going back to the cheap sax was dreadful.
I now own a Yamaha. Extremely happy with the purchase!
Yeah mendini saxophones are known for being bad
I have a mendini from amazon. It was not easy to play lower notes.After watching this I ordered eastar.
Thanks for a recommendation!
I'm just sad my eastar didn't come with a stand, JoJo reference be damned
Nice one
MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA!
MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA!
MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA!
MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA!
MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA, MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA!
MUDAAAAAAA! Just copied and pasted all 179 mudas in the 7 page muda
@@lota3713 ura ura ura ura ura ura ura ura ura ura ura ura
You just have to take a stand
Even with the cheaper sax, you still sound amazing. That's a sign of true skill right there
This just made me want to play saxophone (i play bass clarinet and bassoon)
I just started junior high and this is what I’m playing because its my favorite instrument therefore I will watch your vids a lot
After listening to Nathan’s voice throughout this video, I can hear Kermit the Frog more and more increasingly throughout.
Hey man not gonna lie my Kermit voice impression is actually pretty fire
@@Saxologic video when
@@Saxologic Video or it didn't happen lol
Mom: why don't you play with the neighbors kid?
The neighbors kid: 1:50 5:56 11:44
0:50
9:40 that was literally some of the best jazz I ever heard!!!!!!!
I played sax, Bari, Tenor and Alto in high school. I haven't played in 40 years. My wife bought me a similar one. I was amazed at the sound and I love it. Not this particular model, but yeah, a 300 Alto I am I am having a blast. This year for Christmas she is getting me a tenor.
Love the video!
what brand you got, what tenor you got, looking for cheap amazon recommendations :P
Everything you play sounds beautiful to me. You're very talented.
In music, if an instrument is at all playable, it's mostly down to "the archer, not the arrows". That being said, it's awesome that there are low-priced yet very playable instruments around. :)
7:47 The keys feels so- *universe collapses*
I'm so freakin laughing right now :D, when I hear this sound for the first time I just needed to find comments about that. Bruh thanks for that comment
The palm keys feel so ****78&[¥\728£7[\\3]88****
That case was better than the one my beginner saxophone came with. The Yamaha was better but the EASTAR was very good. I highly recommend it for beginners/intermediates as well based on the sound (I'm played sax for over 30 years) and his recommendation.
I loved this video! I'm a sophomore in high school and have been playing saxophone since 4th grade. I am quickly learning more things everyday to better my skills AND my sections! I will be the section leader in a couple of months, and I appreciate you sharing your knowledge with us.
I'm going to start playing the sax and I wasn't to sure what sax to start with..but now I that's a good sax to start with...much appreciated for the review
It's crazy how cheap they can make a saxophone these days. For all the features (and even the gloves lol) you get a lot for your money. Definitely don't understand the "Intermediate" sax market, especially when most of those horns don't even have a high F#.
Let's face it. The YAS-23 was considered a beginner sax, but compared to the Chinese, you can consider it as an intermediate. It doesn't have the F# key but you have a consistent product. The Chinese saxes are like a lottery. If you are lucky, you can get a decent one. If not, you get a lemon, and when you buy over the internet and doesn't experience to know what you got, it can be a bad experience. With that said, I would never, ever, buy a Yamaha 23 (or whatever name they call it nowadays) new. It's a ripoff.
claudemiropacheco Very interesting!
@@claudemiropacheco yeah I was a yts-26 kid until a year ago, haven't tried many Taiwanese or Chinese saxes other than Yamaha student horns. But the quality is always good because Yamaha sets high standards for production.
i bought an "intermediate" saxophone back in high school, it was a Trevor James sax and they called it their "intermediate" sax because it used to be their "professional" saxophone before they made a newer professional model. instead of throwing away their old pro design, they lowered the price of it and sold it as an intermediate sax.
@@defi71zh really? That sucks, I heard of the Trevor James Raw or something but I always thought Trevor James was a name stuck on a Taiwanese horn. I don't think they have a sax factory, a lot of these companies don't have factories. Maybe they lowered the quality with the price, they probably don't make it the same.
9:48 that was one of the All region audition songs for this years alto saxes 😌you played it so much better than I did si thank you, now I know what it is supposed to sound like exactly and I can practice more
Hey man, I know its 5 months later but do you know what book this exercise comes from?
Does it have a high f# key
Oh wow 1 second later you answer ur so cool
Lmao answered it just for you man
Heyy! So you helped me deside the instrument for with grade! I didn't know to do clarinet or saxophone and I decided to do the sax, so happy to start! TYSM!
I was about to say that you are more chilled version of zack UNTIL I saw you with that knife
I'm subscribed i think not only because you're a great player which I learn a lot from and love to listen to, but you're also presenting music content in a very humble and direct way, not from above but as a student who speaks to us in real life.
and ur funny.
and u play the licc.
keep it up dewd
I thought the YAS-62III sounded wayyy brighter and a little "sharper" than the Eastar model, probably why Yamahas are great for cutting through other frequencies in performances. It's the same with their pianos as well. Great comparison!
Friend of mine has a Chinese £300 Rosedale.
Sounds amazing, is really responsive and for a Chinese model, they've had it for 4 years and have been told it's going to last a lot longer than that. Full range as well.
I've found genuinely it's usually the mouthpiece rather than the bell that determines the kind of sound you make, because mind you I use a Selmer S80 on my own alto and S90 on my tenor with Rovner and Vandoren ligatures, and it made all the difference, including in responsiveness.
My experience is that most of the time, especially for classical, it relies a lot more on the mouthpiece. Chinese makes don't last as long but they can make a decent sound if you have a good setup.
Totally agree, man. Mouthpiece and reed are the most pivotal pieces of equipment for sound.
@@Saxologic My thoughts too! I'm getting an advanced soprano sax within a couple of days, but getting a Selmer S90 and Vandoren MO with it. They transformed the sound of my tenor, which previously used a Yamaha 4C mouthpiece. So I cannot wait to see the outcome on the soprano!
I DON'T EVEN PLAY SAX...BUT, THE SOUND AND HOW YOU PLAYED IT(estar) SOUNDED FANTASTIC..nice that a beginner or intermediate player can get a very good instruments at a low price-which adds encouragement...great video!!
why is this video so relaxing for no reason 😭
7:46 the thunder didn’t want him to compliment the palm keys!
The thumbnail. Just you staring violently into my eyes. It captures my attention
The Easter is an excellent value beginner horn. From a listener’s perspective, the only thing I notice between the two horns (especially noticeable in Donna Lee) is how much more core and body your Yamaha has. The one thing I’m a bit skeptical of is whether the horn they sent you was specially tinkered with and setup especially well. I have a friend who allowed me to try their Easter once and I really disliked the key action and ergonomics. This could potentially be a result of them having cared for the horn poorly, or maybe maybe we just disagree on the feeling of the Easter horn. However, at the $250 price tag, decent ergonomics should not be expected in the first place.
The Algorithm showed me one of your vids and I liked your style. My late wife (not a musician) enjoyed them as well, so we watched a number of them together. They're light-hearted and you have talent, man. Yes, you're just a student…and in some ways, you'll always be a student. Always be learning. This plague sucks for everyone and restrictions make some things all the worse. ((Low) Clarinets doubling to saxes here.)
Perfect I play the saxophone and this is totally a upgrade for me
PH remix as background music is premium!
The Yamaha has a fuller sound. The tone stays consistent throughout different octaves.
@Warren Roberts Yes, In my opinion.
ANTER lol you’re nuts. The tone can be played consistently with enough practice. Fuller sound though can’t be changed. If you’re playing semi pro concerts yea it’s worth the investment. But if you’re just in high school band then definately not worth the investment.
@@Daedalus33 True, however, you'll always have to change the way you play whenever trying a new saxophone. But yes, not worth the investment in highschool. Although I wish I had a Selmer Tenor in jazz band. lol
@@ANT-ER what kind of sax (or clarinet) would you guys recommend to someone who wants to learn?
@@inigo137 Honestly, it all depends on the sound. I think it's best to go to a music store (if you already know how to play) and try out different saxophones. However, I don't know how well that works during the pandemic lol.
The best option, in my opinion, would be if you listen to some samples of different saxophones (soprano; alto; tenor; baritone; bass, etc.) on TH-cam.
That actually seems pretty good for that price and has a nice dark sound, except I don't like the sound of that synthetic reed. From my experience though, Chinese made saxophones, while there are decent ones out there, tend to need repairs more often. I had a Chinese Gear4Music alto saxophone, the first saxophone I owned over 2 years ago. The first I had was a copy of a Yanagisawa elite model with underslung neck. It played very well, except for air leaks it had within 3 months of playing it. It also felt chunky and only noticed that when I upgraded to a Yamaha YAS-280 and it had a kind of smell the Yamaha didn't have.
This year since it had a 3 year warranty, I decided to see if I could return the Gear4Music sax for a replacement to fix the leaking issues. In January I returned it and I got a replacement. I assumed it would be the same alto sax with the underslung neck. What I got was a competently different alto sax with the Gear4Music logo stamped on it. I don't know who they got to make it but man this new version was terrible. It wasn't the same as my old one. It had burn marks inside the neck, the palm keys opened way too far and no sound came out of those and some parts felt rough to touch. The case was decent though. It had a funny smell which I didn't like and felt like I was going to catch something if I played it.
Haha that last sentence! Very interesting man thanks for letting me know. It’s always tough for me to answer anything of value when someone asks me what beginner horn they should buy so this is a nice starting point.
Great video, I started playing tenor when I was in the 8th grade, and I stopped when I got to college because I didn’t want to be in the marching band. Young brother stay with it, again great video…
This will be my life soon!!!!!! On Thursday after this is posted I will have my saxaphone from the school!!!! I’m so excited!
YYYYEEEEAAAHHH WELCOME TO THE CLUB
:DDDDD
You sound really good, your horn or the Eastar, doesn't really matter.
THE SOLO IS CHARLIE PARKER ON CHEROKEE
“Strike me next time, that means no more bills” 😂
Lmao someone noticed!!!
@@Saxologic noticed what?
There was a scene where lightning showed through my window and I put a split second title saying that
@@Saxologic found it 7:45
Dude your tone is so good bro I wanna be like you you one day sax is my main instrument but I play many other
I just saw this combo deal on amazon and wondered what it would be like. Thanks for sharing; it's not bad at all!
So my opinion, any instrument can sound great in the hands of a well practiced individual. Price doesn't come down to the sound of the instrument per-se but the actual feel WHEN playing the instrument. Also the quality of the bars and such as well can be a factor, it's possible that out of box the instrument will sound great, but after a month it will likely need some major adjustments.
I'm new here and this is what I see in 50 seconds 0:50😂I'll gladly stay
bro im a guitarist, why am i on this lmao. great playing by the way 🙂
SAME HERE BROTHER! All the sudden i want to learn to play the sax
Trumpet player here. I have no idea why I’m here
The solo is Charlie Parker’s Cherokee solo. Killer job Nathan!
Valor, who is two and in love with the saxophone watched your entire video and really enjoyed it. He wanted to say, "hi to the guy on the internets"❤❤❤