90% if the time I agree but I witnessed a great tenor player sound terrible. He'd had just bought the black laquer Yani and it sounded tinny compared to his Mark VI. It was a long night when he brought the Yani instead of the six to the gig.
While the tone on a well-made student instrument can be surprisingly good, it's often forgotten that where pro instruments really make their value felt is in things like ergonomics, key fit, build quality, quality of materials, etc. Those things are usually appreciated over long periods of time.
Yeah, my local service center told me that they don't service the cheap, no-brand Chinese saxophones, since the material quality is poor and there's a high chance something will break.
Not skipping ahead but imo #1 is a bit richer and has a little more character, but honestly the difference is so minute. I think the real takeaway is you're a damn good tenor player
While the sound of the two is pretty close, there are other things to consider between a student model and a pro model. The 'feel' of the Mark VI in your hands is undeniable. That is, the key work has a very solid feel an that translates into an ergonomic interface with your hands. Secondly, there's something about the way a pro horn (not all but many) 'speak'. That is the horn's ability to immediately and with little effort, produce sound. You some cheaper horns take considerable effort to 'initiate' the sound (of course the mouthpiece/reed setup effects this but when comparing apples to apples), the play-ability can be significant. A better player like Pollack can overcome the limitations much easier, but most quality instruments of any type (trumpet, piano, sax etc.), the 'feel' is where the pro instrument starts to show its stuff. Cheers to all who make music!
Bottom line is ur a great player overall. You don't need a professional horn to sound good. I thought that number 2 was the professional until I was proven wrong. Great job man! I love where you traded 8's it sounded good!
I thought they both sounded pretty much the same in the higher register but #2 more defined in lower register. This makes my wallet very happy. listened to heaps of different comparisons and always liked the student one more :)
Yamaha horns are made extraordinarily well. Honestly, if you're a quality player and have a good mouthpiece and reed, then the average listener would not know the difference and in the end thats all that matters.
I got it right, and one of the main reasons is because on both the higher and lower registers, it was louder on #2 which could mean it's harder to get high notes out and needed more air to get out well, which I definitely find to be the case on student instruments so I guessed #2 was the YTS-23
I was definitely fooled. I thought #1 had more sizzle, #2 darker. Both great, obviously. The Yamaha 23 series is so solid, everyone should have a few around just in case!
I liked #1, and as soon as #2 sounded, it sounded tinty, there was more body, richness, and soul in #1. To me the difference was immediate. Is it worth the price difference, I ain't gonna speak on that.
This is the same as what I heard. More bite to the lower register and really didn’t focus on the higher notes for the pro model but you could still hear it.
Hey Dave! I thought number one sounded the best but it was very close. My belief is that you can have the greatest Sax equipment in the world but if you don’t sound good as a player, none of that matters. 😄🎷👍
I am just learning and I read sheet music and until I can get to the point of reading sheet music and be able to play any song after a few practices I feel a student model is just fine for me. I have so many song books my place looks like a song book store everywhere I turn in my chair there is a song book on my keyboard on the keys laid out on the board on the book rack of the keyboard on my computer desk on printer two music stands not one but clip on lights holding book open on the other. I did not hear the difference between the two horns but then again look at who is playing them a pro sax player who can most likely tie a string as a ligature and make the sax sound great. One of my song books is "techniques of the saxophone" volume 1. It has all the chords of all the notes up and down and I can play any page fluently and now I know three easy by memory. Thanks Dave. Pete
I couldn't care less about the "tone" - your body, the reed, mouthpiece, ligature and neck are responsible for >95% of it. Which one was easier to keep in tune? How did each of them feel under your hands? Are the ergonomics on the 62 better? Will any of them get me closer to the raw speed and virtuosity of our lord and saviour Kenny G?
I noticed on Straignt No Chaser #1 sounded notably fuller, especially at the extremes of the range. #2 just sounded downright thin relative to #1 in the extremes and #2 simply sounded a little sloppier. Maybe a response thing was in play there. Both sounded great overall though, and my playing can't come close, so know that this isn't meant as judgement, just observation
I prefered the YTS-23 ... I'm baffled, I thought it was the other way around, the sound trough my studio monitors is very close ... I'm sure the feel will be different though
I have strong opinion about this kinda of stuff. I don't wanna trigger the sax community- but honestly the best horn is the one that you own. I've heard great players play on sewage plumbing and they all say the same thing to me when I ask, "I just like how it feels". I think that's all that really matters in the end.
I knew #1 was the pro model particularly on the low notes. There’s more juice to those notes and they’re a bit more crisp. I’ve played and experienced this when I played 2 different baritone saxes. My main Baritone was a higher end model and the substitute not even close. My volume suffered a lot which is a big deal on a baritone sax. Same mouthpiece. There were other differences but that lower end model sounded more muffled.
i own the YTS 23 and paid only $ 450 for it . As a former professional saxophonist i say there is no difference in the sound . However. its the Player not the horn that sounds difference . I use a Runyon Mouthpiece and a # 2 Fiber Cell Reed and its a very bright sound . bobby G..
Ok i was really worried that in the end i would had not reconize the Student one from the professional one cause they were very similar, but i did. The interesting point is that the difference beetween each one is very thin and that's because most of the work is done by the player. You can probably hear the differences better only if you hear someone playing live, professional Horns are more powerful and keep the harmonics better, but with a mic on this difference is flattened; still, in the end i think the player is the most important thing; i've played live with people who had a YAS-62 and my YAS-25 still sounded much better and much more powerful, so just stop buying and start practice more often.
Got #1 right in the first take. Sound wise rather minimal difference. But the main differences between pro and student horns is how long they stay adjusted. All the student horns I played the last 40 years had rather weak material for the mechanics and went out of adjustment rather quick. I’m talking of months compared to years.
I could tell the difference, especially in the low register, but really, in every register, the student horn is just thinner sounding. Great Vid! Thanks!
I liked the pro horn (just going from the "blind" test). That horn had a little more bite to the sound. I wouldn't necessarily say it was "Better" but it was more of a sound I gravitate towards.
Funny, I've done blind ABing between YAS 61 and a YAS 23 and it was much easier to tell the difference there than with the tenors. I was having a hard time telling when you switched without looking
Interesting video and great playing! As you know, there are all sorts of reasons we pick the horn(s) we play, so this is a useful argument, but so much of it comes down to personal preference and perception. Many years ago, Yamaha sent me an unstamped prototype for evaluation. I gigged it and really liked it. I was aware it wasn't a top of the range 'custom' horn, but was so surprised when they told me it was their prospective student model (it became the YAS 275). Sadly they wanted it back. Now I play a gold plated YAS 875 EX. It's a great horn, but is it worth the nearly 10 times the price of the student model? Actually, for me, yes it is. Even though I'm happy to gig a cheaper horn, tiny differences make a difference to the way we play. We spend silly money on mouthpieces and reeds etc, but I believe it's worth it if we perceive it makes us better... I hope that makes sense! Keep up the good work.
I'm a tenor sax jazz player and I preferred horn #2. There's no way for me to know if it was more difficult for you to finger, but there were nuances that my ear preferred. I play a horn from China and it sounds great. My gripe is with reed inconsistency. By the way, your playing is great!
It sound better for me too. However I was not playing it. What the player feel could be completly different. Recently I played on my former sax (low cost brand) and it plays well. But once I re-played the same stuff on my Selmer Mark VII it was like night and day for ME as a player. What was the feeling of the player for that trial ?
After reviewing the comments below, I am not embarrassed to say that I honestly couldn't tell much of a difference! I'm assuming you are using the same mouthpiece and reed to play both to get the similar sound.
They both sounded good on the low end but when you started getting mid range and higher the 62 sounded more full to me, but I am just getting started back taking lessons. My sax falls right in between I have a YTS 52.
I thought #1 sounded more open in your upper register and richer in the lower register. Nice work on both horns and agree with prior comments re: build quality and personal preference. Always great to know you can buy a Yammy at whatever level and it will sound great.
At first #1 sounded a little stuffy and preferred the sound of #2, but as the video went on I couldn’t hear any noticeable difference between the two on my tablet speakers. It’s more player than horn when it comes to sound, I guess, but it sure is nice to have a couple of high-end axes in the arsenal, if it’s in the budget. 🎷😎👍
Personally, from the first comparisons I recognized the 62 from the 23, I really like the 62, balanced on all registers and it sounds less "fluty" and three-dimensional on the higher octaves. Having said that, they are both splendid instruments, I am a happy owner of the intermediate version (yts 475) and appreciate the whole series which has a super quality/price ratio.
I have play for 50years and I can tell you with certainty,. The horn is only 10% of the sound. 90% of it is the player. I liked #2 better. Had a richer sound in those in between spots, the little subtly notes. Greater sound over full range of the "AX". You play very, well. With a solid tone. I'll subscribe.
That surprised me when you revealed them as I actually preferred the tone of the YTS-23 a little more but I didn't hear much of a difference and I wouldn't say the 62 was better. I do wonder if going a little higher end and comparing the 23 against maybe a Custom Z or 875ex would show a bit more of a difference. What this does show is that a lot has to do with the player, not necessarily what they are playing as long as the saxophone is built and maintained well and sounds good to start with.
There is a very nice video of a guy comparing a 23 with a mark VI I really can't tell much difference in sound if any. th-cam.com/video/6ooPTXG1q10/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=StantawnKendrick
interestingly i thought the 23 handled the low notes in straight no chaser better but the high notes on the 23 didn’t sound as full and clean as the 62. could’ve just been the take though
Fantastic playing as usual. I listened to this in my car as I left my saxophone class. Honestly there wasn’t that much of a difference and I also ended up liking the 23’s sound. I play a Yanagisawa but I also have a YAS62 iii. I suspect the difference is more noticeable to the skilled player in terms of key feel and certain tonal nuances but certainly if you played live using the 23 no one would notice. In the end it still sounds like Pollack.
I have played hundreds of saxes because I worked as a woodwind repair tech at a large music store and concluded that all Yamaha tenors (except the yts21) are pro quality. You sounded great on both horns. Next tine swap necks and see what happens!
Thanks so much for this video. For me it was number one, but not because of tone, they are similar. But in terms of breathing and technique it sounds easier on number one, whilst Dave seems to be working harder with number two. I've got a YTS-21 and tone is pretty good but you can't play "lazy" with it. So my guess is the YTS-23 would be the same.....now it makes me want to hunt down a YTS-62, I'm at the age I want to be a little bit lazy some days :-)
I did pick right, but definitely started wondering as it went on. Very little, if any difference in sound at all. I will say, as someone who did jump from a YAS280 to a YTS82Z, that it does feel different (not just alto to tenor) to play, particularly the ergonomics. Was it worth the $5k difference? Don't know about that. But in the end, I guess it comes down to what it's worth to you
Wow...I was convinced number 2 was the 62 from the start. Both sound great but I slightly preferred number 2, the 23. The pro horn had a little more edge but overall the 23 had a bit more of a thicker rounded tone. Surprised.
One technical aspect of the thing is: what mouthpiece and reed are you using (it clearly seems you used the same one on both). But the question nobody ever asks is: since how many years do you play and how many hours a day...? Great demo, anyway!
The main difference is the skill of the player, a good intermediate or professional player can make any horn sound good, however pro horns typically have better keywork and are easier to play
I believe.... if I buy any product costing 3.000, 4.000 euros or more, instead of a 1.000 one, the manufacturer makes very clear where the gap cost goes. I believe manufacturers have a good marketing study that allows them to sell saxophones costing 3 or 4 times more than the "student" ones, where the difference is so little we should be paying probably 200, 300 euros plus for the more expensive one.... They just call the less expensive "student", then put on top a few extra bling bling, and make us to believe it's worth the money.
What about construction of each instrument? Ribbed vs post? Intonation, is it easier or harder to get on the extreme range of each instrument? A professional needs a rock solid instrument that can deal with the abuse it will get, on bandstands, in its case while travelling, when girls fondle it, and daily practice and gigs. This is what I want to know. Tone comes from the player (80%), the mouthpiece (15%), and the neck (5%) all of which can be upgraded and kept for a player's lifetime.
I couldn't tell the difference in sound personally. I would have liked to have heard your reasons for what you like. And, it is the Player making the best sounds from both instruments. 😊
Probably worth noting-- you're comparing the best student horn money can buy with one of the best pro horns money can buy. I liked the YTS-23 sound better, but that's a great horn and both sounded very similar.
I think, even though the sound is mostly about the player, having a pro horn makes playing a lot easier. The keys on a pro horn might be adjusted to require less action, and make playing very faster easier, or the low notes and high notes just come out easier.
Totally agree. I went from pro horn YTS-62II to pro horn YTS-82zII last year. While I there is a slightly richer sound to the 82, it is in the playing that I found the biggest difference. Even at the pro level, the 82z is easier to play over the 62 in terms of having a faster ;"tighter" action , a free blowing smoother/more consistent sound in all registers, and a fuller tone in the palm keys/altissimo. I don't regret making this somewhat lateral move at all. The differences in the higher model are tangible with more consistent stress-freel playing being the main result
goes to show that when some store sells a young student a Yamaha student horn alto or tenor and say "This will get you by for 2 years" its a lie. I'm not saying the pro horn isn't great but you can certainly play professionally with a YTS23 without a problem.
My conclusion is - the player makes ALL the difference. I thought #2 was the pro horn because u it seemed easier to blow, and had a bigger tone at least to my ears. It seemed to have more harmonics as well. But then a gd player can make any horn sound good 👍🏼
Hahahaaaa.....listened intently on $4,000 worth of high end gear (I know; TH-cam, but...) I preferred #2. This once again solidifies that it is the player and not the horn...Dave, you sound like...Dave. You sound GREAT! We all know there are so many more differences in how a horn might feel, ergonomics, setup, etc. but judging ONLY on sound - I liked the student horn. The Pro horn was a bit more laid back and the student horn sounded a bit brighter and revealing in the treble nuances to me, which I preferred. A person who likes a more laid-back sound would obviously prefer #1. They were super-close, but I could hear a difference.
much like most instruments, its not hard or costly to make it sound good, i think that high-end instruments elevate the instrument in other areas besides the sound. How long it'll last the quality of its parts, how good it look, how well made it was how comfortable it is, etc. With electric instruments like guitars you can also add more to the instrument such as extra pick-ups, pick up configurations, floating bridges or even killswitches that can add on to the value. All you REALLY need is a mid-grade instrument, nothing fancy nothing special but if you can you might as well get something a bit more expensive if you really like it, but if you only have access to a cheaper option you can always sound as good as everyone else.
Well, as someone with a yts-23 and have played an 82z, the difference isn’t in tone, it’s in ease of play and consistency, I can’t physically hit alitissimo g or f# but I can hit every other alitissimo note up to triple g, whereas on the 82 I can hit altissimo g effortlessly, not only that the low notes are easier to push out as well.
The question then becomes "is the setup on both horns equally good." Normally, expensive "pro" horns are cared for well and kept in great playing condition. Student instruments...less so, but if the same care is taken they can often be real giant killers.
I figured out #1 was the YTS-62 but the difference was so minute that it does not justify the price difference. I felt the lower octave had a richer sound than the YTS-23. In a band environment, you really wouldn't be able to hear the difference. "Too bad he's playing that YTS-23 again; he's so much better on the '62"..... Never happen.
wow, this video shows us very clear... that the student model holds its own. Not a question of which one sounds better... but that the student can sound pretty good. The more important question for me is the "playability"...the keywork layout... which one is more comfortable, easier to blow with less resistance... because soundwise it doesn't matter much here, although the 62 is a a bit better sounding
i was listening on a full range stereo with yamaha speakers and pyramid horns. the number 2 sounded better with less wind noise from the mouth piece (the Pffff sound), the notes were less sloppy, the notes didn't stall with slower breaths, the lows had better resonance, and the highs were less squeaky. i'd take the student version every time. i'll check out the mark vi version next.
One also needs to consider the construction and durability. I bought my 220,XXX Mark VI brand new in ‘74 and in 20 years only had it in the shop 3 times. Now approaching 45+ years old she’s showing some of her age but will last another 20 easy. I have students who rent Bundy II saxes from the same era and they need to be scrapped, not rented. I also have a retired 1933 Selmer Supersax alto that I happily played for 25 years. Pro horns are built to last. Student horns, not so much.
I could just be a mistaken clarinetist, but personally I think the 62 wasn’t the best example of the model, or needs some work done to it. Even before the first 23 clip I noticed something seemed a bit off, sort of like there was something missing in the sound with the 62. In comparing these two instruments, I notice note changes and intervals seem clearer and more defined on the 23, and the tone of the 23 in general was much more satisfying.
I think alot of the difference comes from the player, a good player can make any horn sing!
Agreed I saw another video similar to this
You don't need a professional horn to sound good
All sound great.
Both sounded great overall
Great playing man!
90% if the time I agree but I witnessed a great tenor player sound terrible. He'd had just bought the black laquer Yani and it sounded tinny compared to his Mark VI. It was a long night when he brought the Yani instead of the six to the gig.
Well duh
I was using my phone to listen and there was almost No difference.
It's the player. A great player (like you) can make them All sound great.
Thanks!
While the tone on a well-made student instrument can be surprisingly good, it's often forgotten that where pro instruments really make their value felt is in things like ergonomics, key fit, build quality, quality of materials, etc. Those things are usually appreciated over long periods of time.
Yup, I talk about that in my original video.
Yeah, my local service center told me that they don't service the cheap, no-brand Chinese saxophones, since the material quality is poor and there's a high chance something will break.
But you can buy like 10 of the students for the same length of time lol.
Not skipping ahead but imo #1 is a bit richer and has a little more character, but honestly the difference is so minute. I think the real takeaway is you're a damn good tenor player
Yep. He is good.
Same. The low razzle and high dazzle on #1 seemed better. Nice playing!
While the sound of the two is pretty close, there are other things to consider between a student model and a pro model. The 'feel' of the Mark VI in your hands is undeniable. That is, the key work has a very solid feel an that translates into an ergonomic interface with your hands. Secondly, there's something about the way a pro horn (not all but many) 'speak'. That is the horn's ability to immediately and with little effort, produce sound. You some cheaper horns take considerable effort to 'initiate' the sound (of course the mouthpiece/reed setup effects this but when comparing apples to apples), the play-ability can be significant. A better player like Pollack can overcome the limitations much easier, but most quality instruments of any type (trumpet, piano, sax etc.), the 'feel' is where the pro instrument starts to show its stuff. Cheers to all who make music!
Bottom line is ur a great player overall. You don't need a professional horn to sound good. I thought that number 2 was the professional until I was proven wrong. Great job man! I love where you traded 8's it sounded good!
I thought they both sounded pretty much the same in the higher register but #2 more defined in lower register.
This makes my wallet very happy. listened to heaps of different comparisons and always liked the student one more :)
Yamaha horns are made extraordinarily well. Honestly, if you're a quality player and have a good mouthpiece and reed, then the average listener would not know the difference and in the end thats all that matters.
I got it right, and one of the main reasons is because on both the higher and lower registers, it was louder on #2 which could mean it's harder to get high notes out and needed more air to get out well, which I definitely find to be the case on student instruments so I guessed #2 was the YTS-23
Number 2 sounds smoother with a slightly richer tone.
I was definitely fooled. I thought #1 had more sizzle, #2 darker. Both great, obviously. The Yamaha 23 series is so solid, everyone should have a few around just in case!
I would swear the 2 was the pro.
I agree, same for me
Same
YTS-23!!! YES 👍🏼🙌🏼
Personally the audience doesn't care if your a semi professional player cheaper is always best if your not touring ...
I liked #1, and as soon as #2 sounded, it sounded tinty, there was more body, richness, and soul in #1. To me the difference was immediate. Is it worth the price difference, I ain't gonna speak on that.
This is the same as what I heard. More bite to the lower register and really didn’t focus on the higher notes for the pro model but you could still hear it.
Hey Dave! I thought number one sounded the best but it was very close. My belief is that you can have the greatest Sax equipment in the world but if you don’t sound good as a player, none of that matters. 😄🎷👍
Your skills and talent essentially obscure the differences between the two, amazing demo! Thanks! Rocket 🚀
Thanks so much!
This X1000
I am just learning and I read sheet music and until I can get to the point of reading sheet music and be able to play any song after a few practices I feel a student model is just fine for me. I have so many song books my place looks like a song book store everywhere I turn in my chair there is a song book on my keyboard on the keys laid out on the board on the book rack of the keyboard on my computer desk on printer two music stands not one but clip on lights holding book open on the other. I did not hear the difference between the two horns but then again look at who is playing them a pro sax player who can most likely tie a string as a ligature and make the sax sound great. One of my song books is "techniques of the saxophone" volume 1. It has all the chords of all the notes up and down and I can play any page fluently and now I know three easy by memory. Thanks Dave. Pete
I couldn't care less about the "tone" - your body, the reed, mouthpiece, ligature and neck are responsible for >95% of it. Which one was easier to keep in tune? How did each of them feel under your hands? Are the ergonomics on the 62 better? Will any of them get me closer to the raw speed and virtuosity of our lord and saviour Kenny G?
Kenny G man he's not in the top 10 of the all-time greats sax players
@@dukecurry5523 heresy
I noticed on Straignt No Chaser #1 sounded notably fuller, especially at the extremes of the range. #2 just sounded downright thin relative to #1 in the extremes and #2 simply sounded a little sloppier. Maybe a response thing was in play there. Both sounded great overall though, and my playing can't come close, so know that this isn't meant as judgement, just observation
I prefered the YTS-23 ... I'm baffled, I thought it was the other way around, the sound trough my studio monitors is very close ... I'm sure the feel will be different though
Agreed
I too - listening on Alesis M1.
Me too. A bit richer, warmer sound, the 62 sounded a little thinner and lighter.
I prefer the 62 by a country mile, the 23 sounds thin and green in comparison
I have strong opinion about this kinda of stuff. I don't wanna trigger the sax community- but honestly the best horn is the one that you own. I've heard great players play on sewage plumbing and they all say the same thing to me when I ask, "I just like how it feels".
I think that's all that really matters in the end.
100%!
Truth. I’ve had the same horns forever and never really felt the need to switch.
I knew #1 was the pro model particularly on the low notes. There’s more juice to those notes and they’re a bit more crisp.
I’ve played and experienced this when I played 2 different baritone saxes. My main Baritone was a higher end model and the substitute not even close. My volume suffered a lot which is a big deal on a baritone sax. Same mouthpiece.
There were other differences but that lower end model sounded more muffled.
i own the YTS 23 and paid only $ 450 for it . As a former professional saxophonist i say there is no difference in the sound . However. its the Player not the horn that sounds difference .
I use a Runyon Mouthpiece and a # 2 Fiber Cell Reed and its a very bright sound .
bobby G..
Ok i was really worried that in the end i would had not reconize the Student one from the professional one cause they were very similar, but i did. The interesting point is that the difference beetween each one is very thin and that's because most of the work is done by the player. You can probably hear the differences better only if you hear someone playing live, professional Horns are more powerful and keep the harmonics better, but with a mic on this difference is flattened; still, in the end i think the player is the most important thing; i've played live with people who had a YAS-62 and my YAS-25 still sounded much better and much more powerful, so just stop buying and start practice more often.
I absolutely adore the YAS-25.
Got #1 right in the first take. Sound wise rather minimal difference. But the main differences between pro and student horns is how long they stay adjusted. All the student horns I played the last 40 years had rather weak material for the mechanics and went out of adjustment rather quick. I’m talking of months compared to years.
I could tell the difference, especially in the low register, but really, in every register, the student horn is just thinner sounding. Great Vid! Thanks!
thanks so much!
I actually prefer the sound of the student horn..lol! The "pro" horn sounded edgy and the student horn was nice and warm.
Better sax just amplifies the players natural abilities, compliments them
One of the best tests/comparisons ever shown on TH-cam.
The musician makes the music, not the instrument.
Thank you so much!
Number 1 just sounded richer to me, #2 a little thinner.
I liked the pro horn (just going from the "blind" test). That horn had a little more bite to the sound. I wouldn't necessarily say it was "Better" but it was more of a sound I gravitate towards.
I appreciate the feedback!
I heared that the #1 is the Profesional one and the #2 is the student sax (without to see all video) , its very clear to my hears
Forget about the saxes, the one in the middle sounded the best! Great playing man!
Thanks!
Funny, I've done blind ABing between YAS 61 and a YAS 23 and it was much easier to tell the difference there than with the tenors. I was having a hard time telling when you switched without looking
I liked the tone on the YTS - 23 slightly better.
I liked the tone better on the YAS-23 SAX too.
Interesting video and great playing! As you know, there are all sorts of reasons we pick the horn(s) we play, so this is a useful argument, but so much of it comes down to personal preference and perception. Many years ago, Yamaha sent me an unstamped prototype for evaluation. I gigged it and really liked it. I was aware it wasn't a top of the range 'custom' horn, but was so surprised when they told me it was their prospective student model (it became the YAS 275). Sadly they wanted it back. Now I play a gold plated YAS 875 EX. It's a great horn, but is it worth the nearly 10 times the price of the student model? Actually, for me, yes it is. Even though I'm happy to gig a cheaper horn, tiny differences make a difference to the way we play. We spend silly money on mouthpieces and reeds etc, but I believe it's worth it if we perceive it makes us better... I hope that makes sense! Keep up the good work.
I'm a tenor sax jazz player and I preferred horn #2. There's no way for me to know if it was more difficult for you to finger, but there were nuances that my ear preferred. I play a horn from China and it sounds great. My gripe is with reed inconsistency. By the way, your playing is great!
I don’t appreciate much difference between them, but being a little picky #2 (the cheaper one) sounded slightly better to me.
The #2 horn student horn sound better for me.
Crazy right??
It sound better for me too. However I was not playing it. What the player feel could be completly different. Recently I played on my former sax (low cost brand) and it plays well. But once I re-played the same stuff on my Selmer Mark VII it was like night and day for ME as a player. What was the feeling of the player for that trial ?
I’m always enjoying this TH-cam channel! Thank you!
Thanks so much! Glad you enjoy it.
After reviewing the comments below, I am not embarrassed to say that I honestly couldn't tell much of a difference! I'm assuming you are using the same mouthpiece and reed to play both to get the similar sound.
Who does number two work for? They both sound good because you sound good.
They both sounded good on the low end but when you started getting mid range and higher the 62 sounded more full to me, but I am just getting started back taking lessons. My sax falls right in between I have a YTS 52.
I thought #1 sounded more open in your upper register and richer in the lower register. Nice work on both horns and agree with prior comments re: build quality and personal preference. Always great to know you can buy a Yammy at whatever level and it will sound great.
At first #1 sounded a little stuffy and preferred the sound of #2, but as the video went on I couldn’t hear any noticeable difference between the two on my tablet speakers. It’s more player than horn when it comes to sound, I guess, but it sure is nice to have a couple of high-end axes in the arsenal, if it’s in the budget. 🎷😎👍
Personally, from the first comparisons I recognized the 62 from the 23, I really like the 62, balanced on all registers and it sounds less "fluty" and three-dimensional on the higher octaves. Having said that, they are both splendid instruments, I am a happy owner of the intermediate version (yts 475) and appreciate the whole series which has a super quality/price ratio.
I have play for 50years and I can tell you with certainty,. The horn is only 10% of the sound. 90% of it is the player. I liked #2 better. Had a richer sound in those in between spots, the little subtly notes. Greater sound over full range of the "AX". You play very, well. With a solid tone. I'll subscribe.
Thank you! I appreciate that
Yamaha makes student horns at such a high level that they might as well be pro compared to a lot of other student models out there.
That surprised me when you revealed them as I actually preferred the tone of the YTS-23 a little more but I didn't hear much of a difference and I wouldn't say the 62 was better. I do wonder if going a little higher end and comparing the 23 against maybe a Custom Z or 875ex would show a bit more of a difference. What this does show is that a lot has to do with the player, not necessarily what they are playing as long as the saxophone is built and maintained well and sounds good to start with.
I compared what I could get my hands on - if someone wants to lend me some other horns I'd be glad to do another video!
There is a very nice video of a guy comparing a 23 with a mark VI I really can't tell much difference in sound if any. th-cam.com/video/6ooPTXG1q10/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=StantawnKendrick
I used to play a purple logo 62 series, funny I did like #1 a bit better. Seemed to have a little more core. Interesting how close they were
The difference is so clear
#1 is the best
YTS 62 is so warmer sound
interestingly i thought the 23 handled the low notes in straight no chaser better but the high notes on the 23 didn’t sound as full and clean as the 62. could’ve just been the take though
Man... The 23 sounds better... lol ( for jazz definitvely better )
2 had the most clarity ,and it was just lovely. hey are you kidding us?
Nope
Fantastic playing as usual. I listened to this in my car as I left my saxophone class. Honestly there wasn’t that much of a difference and I also ended up liking the 23’s sound. I play a Yanagisawa but I also have a YAS62 iii. I suspect the difference is more noticeable to the skilled player in terms of key feel and certain tonal nuances but certainly if you played live using the 23 no one would notice. In the end it still sounds like Pollack.
I liked the YTS-23 better. You played them both very well.
I have played hundreds of saxes because I worked as a woodwind repair tech at a large music store and concluded that all Yamaha tenors (except the yts21) are pro quality. You sounded great on both horns. Next tine swap necks and see what happens!
They both sound great to me nice sound by the way man! 🎷
Thanks so much for this video. For me it was number one, but not because of tone, they are similar. But in terms of breathing and technique it sounds easier on number one, whilst Dave seems to be working harder with number two. I've got a YTS-21 and tone is pretty good but you can't play "lazy" with it. So my guess is the YTS-23 would be the same.....now it makes me want to hunt down a YTS-62, I'm at the age I want to be a little bit lazy some days :-)
I did pick right, but definitely started wondering as it went on. Very little, if any difference in sound at all.
I will say, as someone who did jump from a YAS280 to a YTS82Z, that it does feel different (not just alto to tenor) to play, particularly the ergonomics. Was it worth the $5k difference? Don't know about that.
But in the end, I guess it comes down to what it's worth to you
Wow...I was convinced number 2 was the 62 from the start. Both sound great but I slightly preferred number 2, the 23. The pro horn had a little more edge but overall the 23 had a bit more of a thicker rounded tone. Surprised.
One technical aspect of the thing is: what mouthpiece and reed are you using (it clearly seems you used the same one on both).
But the question nobody ever asks is: since how many years do you play and how many hours a day...?
Great demo, anyway!
The YTS 62 sounds more warmly. I got it right because I also have two models of tenor saxophone.
The main difference is the skill of the player, a good intermediate or professional player can make any horn sound good, however pro horns typically have better keywork and are easier to play
I believe.... if I buy any product costing 3.000, 4.000 euros or more, instead of a 1.000 one, the manufacturer makes very clear where the gap cost goes. I believe manufacturers have a good marketing study that allows them to sell saxophones costing 3 or 4 times more than the "student" ones, where the difference is so little we should be paying probably 200, 300 euros plus for the more expensive one.... They just call the less expensive "student", then put on top a few extra bling bling, and make us to believe it's worth the money.
Sounds great in both only difference I noticed is #1 has a few air leaks when getting into the quiter phrases
What about construction of each instrument? Ribbed vs post? Intonation, is it easier or harder to get on the extreme range of each instrument? A professional needs a rock solid instrument that can deal with the abuse it will get, on bandstands, in its case while travelling, when girls fondle it, and daily practice and gigs. This is what I want to know. Tone comes from the player (80%), the mouthpiece (15%), and the neck (5%) all of which can be upgraded and kept for a player's lifetime.
They sounded the same until you played "Straight No Chaser" - then #1 sounded better. But I must add, then difference was minimal.
I couldn't tell the difference in sound personally.
I would have liked to have heard your reasons for what you like.
And, it is the Player making the best sounds from both instruments. 😊
Probably worth noting-- you're comparing the best student horn money can buy with one of the best pro horns money can buy. I liked the YTS-23 sound better, but that's a great horn and both sounded very similar.
True a good player can make any horn sound great, but considering the huge price difference, it's hard to see $2600 more for the pro.
I think, even though the sound is mostly about the player, having a pro horn makes playing a lot easier. The keys on a pro horn might be adjusted to require less action, and make playing very faster easier, or the low notes and high notes just come out easier.
100% agree!!
Totally agree. I went from pro horn YTS-62II to pro horn YTS-82zII last year. While I there is a slightly richer sound to the 82, it is in the playing that I found the biggest difference. Even at the pro level, the 82z is easier to play over the 62 in terms of having a faster ;"tighter" action , a free blowing smoother/more consistent sound in all registers, and a fuller tone in the palm keys/altissimo. I don't regret making this somewhat lateral move at all. The differences in the higher model are tangible with more consistent stress-freel playing being the main result
Wow! I think even if you play on a wood saxophone, you would sound fantastic!
I appreciate that!
Very nice comparison. Saved my wallet as I have YTS 23
You can get yourself a quality used YAS-62 for about $1000; best of both worlds in terms of value and playability!
www.rosettisax.com they are italian work i cina and select sax and brend it , they play incredible , can cost 900 usd
I think the older student models are the best horns or YTS 23’s. I have one as a back up and it blows great, no problem taking it to a gig.
I honestly thought the 23 sounded better but the 62 had a better sound up high
goes to show that when some store sells a young student a Yamaha student horn alto or tenor and say "This will get you by for 2 years" its a lie. I'm not saying the pro horn isn't great but you can certainly play professionally with a YTS23 without a problem.
100%
Vladimir Lopez has saved my money thx
I like the sound of number 2 more.
Sounds like my B&H 400 (student model made in the 80’s, I think) :-)
Couldn’t tell the difference to be honest. Sounds great.
My conclusion is - the player makes ALL the difference. I thought #2 was the pro horn because u it seemed easier to blow, and had a bigger tone at least to my ears. It seemed to have more harmonics as well. But then a gd player can make any horn sound good 👍🏼
Hahahaaaa.....listened intently on $4,000 worth of high end gear (I know; TH-cam, but...) I preferred #2. This once again solidifies that it is the player and not the horn...Dave, you sound like...Dave. You sound GREAT! We all know there are so many more differences in how a horn might feel, ergonomics, setup, etc. but judging ONLY on sound - I liked the student horn. The Pro horn was a bit more laid back and the student horn sounded a bit brighter and revealing in the treble nuances to me, which I preferred. A person who likes a more laid-back sound would obviously prefer #1. They were super-close, but I could hear a difference.
Thank you so much for that! Feel definitely plays a BIG part in it, but for overall sound, it's not as big of a difference as some would think!
much like most instruments, its not hard or costly to make it sound good, i think that high-end instruments elevate the instrument in other areas besides the sound. How long it'll last the quality of its parts, how good it look, how well made it was how comfortable it is, etc. With electric instruments like guitars you can also add more to the instrument such as extra pick-ups, pick up configurations, floating bridges or even killswitches that can add on to the value. All you REALLY need is a mid-grade instrument, nothing fancy nothing special but if you can you might as well get something a bit more expensive if you really like it, but if you only have access to a cheaper option you can always sound as good as everyone else.
Well, as someone with a yts-23 and have played an 82z, the difference isn’t in tone, it’s in ease of play and consistency, I can’t physically hit alitissimo g or f# but I can hit every other alitissimo note up to triple g, whereas on the 82 I can hit altissimo g effortlessly, not only that the low notes are easier to push out as well.
The question then becomes "is the setup on both horns equally good." Normally, expensive "pro" horns are cared for well and kept in great playing condition. Student instruments...less so, but if the same care is taken they can often be real giant killers.
I figured out #1 was the YTS-62 but the difference was so minute that it does not justify the price difference. I felt the lower octave had a richer sound than the YTS-23. In a band environment, you really wouldn't be able to hear the difference.
"Too bad he's playing that YTS-23 again; he's so much better on the '62".....
Never happen.
# 2 Sax sounded better than the # 1 pro Sax,. It had a richer sound, the # 1 pro Sax had a brighter, more treble like sound, and I was actually fooled
i was surprised I like the buzzier sound of the YTS 23
I was trying to be super critical, I honestly thought the student model was the pro! 😅
wow, this video shows us very clear... that the student model holds its own. Not a question of which one sounds better... but that the student can sound pretty good. The more important question for me is the "playability"...the keywork layout... which one is more comfortable, easier to blow with less resistance... because soundwise it doesn't matter much here, although the 62 is a a bit better sounding
i was listening on a full range stereo with yamaha speakers and pyramid horns. the number 2 sounded better with less wind noise from the mouth piece (the Pffff sound), the notes were less sloppy, the notes didn't stall with slower breaths, the lows had better resonance, and the highs were less squeaky. i'd take the student version every time. i'll check out the mark vi version next.
As a jazz trumpeter I find the 23 to have a better tone... I'm a little surprised but then again tone is subjective. The 62 is probably a joy to blow.
better sound for me is YTS23!
I should buy one!
peakun that's only if you sound good and you like the 23
I was right in my guess its not really that noticeable to the average listener..owner of a YAS 23.
i think it depends on your mouthpiece, ligature, reeds configuration too.
If the quality on the Yamaha Altos is relative, then i could have saved myself quite a bit of money, as i bought a Yamaha YAS62 from a beginner.
I actually enjoyed the tone of the student model as it was warmer and tone was rich
But each sax has it's own unique "personality"
One also needs to consider the construction and durability. I bought my 220,XXX Mark VI brand new in ‘74 and in 20 years only had it in the shop 3 times. Now approaching 45+ years old she’s showing some of her age but will last another 20 easy. I have students who rent Bundy II saxes from the same era and they need to be scrapped, not rented. I also have a retired 1933 Selmer Supersax alto that I happily played for 25 years. Pro horns are built to last. Student horns, not so much.
dear Dave your videos are so cool and you are no only an Amazing musician, you are so funny as well!!! greetings from Germany.
Thanks so much for the kind words! So glad you like the videos 🙏
I could just be a mistaken clarinetist, but personally I think the 62 wasn’t the best example of the model, or needs some work done to it. Even before the first 23 clip I noticed something seemed a bit off, sort of like there was something missing in the sound with the 62. In comparing these two instruments, I notice note changes and intervals seem clearer and more defined on the 23, and the tone of the 23 in general was much more satisfying.