The "beginner professional horn" would be 480. Way too many sax players go around with horns way above their skill range. 62 is more than great for anyone that's not going for some serious stuff or needs that little bit of extra sound, projection.
@@joelsena I think a better comparison would have been a YAS 62 II Purple Logo perhaps? I really liked both and couldn't hear the level of difference you mentioned regarding the Selmer being on a whole different level. I would sacrifice the difference (which I couldn't hear) for consistency in tone top to bottom being more in tune and price. Thanks for the video. I think I am going to get a second Alto and it will be a YAS-62 ii Purple Logo.
El Yamaha 62 proyecta mucho más el sonido , por ser nuevo suena extremadamente claro y brillante. El Selmer ya por tener una cantidad de años sonando ....da la sensación de que más no puede brindar en sonido , en cambio ,habría que ver a el Yamaha 62 dentro de 50 años de uso. Saludos cordiales desde Argentina.
Great video! i've owned, played , changed less or more twenty mark VI altos of different serial numbers. If you try altos from 130 to 200xxx you can find the quality tone of your five digit but with more easy, loud and free blow sensation like yamaha..It's the definitive alto and for this reason i believe selmer has made the real "total" alto starting from the mid of the sixties..Try it if you have occasion, you can have yamaha and selmer mix together in one and only alto.
Man that's awesome. I've probably tried 3 Mark VIs in my time. I once played a silver plated one that was absolutely amazing... Not sure of the serial though. Mines in the 60000s. Very happy with it but totally get what you're saying! Here's to hoping 🙂
Congrats on doing a meaningful tone comparison, too many are more concerned with showing off how many notes they can squeeze into the shortest time! I listened through my hifi speakers then through headphones. Any difference in tone quality seemed minimal, but then my sax is a 62!
I own a 62 for about a year and a half now.. it’s a great step up from my conn and I really love the sound.. 62 is very loud and bright I just got a metal mouthpiece (Otto link) and to me it is a great combination on other hand I don’t know much about the selmer but it has a nice in the middle tone 😄not too warm not too bright uk… both amazing horns 💯🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲
I liked the MarkVI sound slightly better in the blind test, but it's likely just the age of the metals. If they were the same age, I think the YAS62 would sound better - not to mention, the modern saxes have long since solved some of the tuning issues which plague older horns, making them a better investment (especially considering how expensive the MarkVI's and other vintage horns are)
I heard some flat notes in the blind test and that made me think #1 was the Selmer. I think they both sound great, not a better or worse situation at all. I’d be hard pressed to pick one over the other. If I was a bandleader I’d just tell the alto player to bring both:) Both are great if the player plays well.
The Yamaha sounds much more controlled and I bet it’s easier to play where as the selmer sounds natural and has more personality I feel. So lucky to have both in your arsenal!
It's much harder to play music on a gold yamaha. The golden yamaha is very bright, for example, the silver one will be easier because of the softer sound. There is a huge difference in sound. Yamaha screams, selmer sounds.
Something else people need to consider is that different players may sound better on different horns. Some people have conditions that better suite them for the 62 or for the mark IV.
Hi, I have both YTS-62 tenor and MK VI from 1956. I have a rather soft sound, and the Yamaha gives needed brilliance. Selmer has a fuller sound though.
To me, the Selmer has a nice rich range of sound and gives me the feeling of an old soul. The Yamaha although very impressive seems like it is boasting its ability. I'm guessing it all depends on the type of music that is being played.
Yeah that's a great way to describe it. It really does depend on the genre. I love the selmer because I have been playing more jazz over the past few years. But the Yamaha has a really cool edgy tone to it. Great for modern stuff and jazz fusion
Both sound very similar to me, but i did feel the sound of the Yamaha "easier to produce" that's how i realize which one is which, not because of a sound difference, but because i feel you more "relaxed" while playing the Yamaha and later in the video u mentioned that...
i played Yamaha 62 but the old one....great Horn realy greate....but after i got a MKVI and is it special.....it response with Vibrations,, singing Tone and high notes so easy to get,,,,,
Hi , to be honest i liked yamaha very much ,and just from hearing both in this video i don't think selmer is in another level (maybe playing them can change my mind) , but this is just me...anyway you sound great on both man...
That's fair enough! It is hard for me to be objective when I've played the mark vi for 5+ years and grown so comfortable to how it sounds and responds. It feels quite different to play. Whether it's "better" or not... who knows. After another week using both horns I think either could be a horn for life. :)
My respects to both horns playing for over 25 years grew up to the like of the mark vi everyone that I know love I respect the horn. But for me Yamaha has alway been my voice and response sound wise and intonation. I don’t think paying so much for a horn that has so many years is worth it 62 for me cut it more durable but in any aspects it’s what the player feels comfortable. In many jazz session the selmer is used more I guess I am the underdog when I show up with my Yamaha but again get compliments.
Honestly on blind test I didn't realize diference between the sound. On the second test I realized that Selmer Mark VI sounds better, but Yamaha 62 has beautiful sound as well. Fantastics Saxophones! Thanks for sharing your opinion and experience about it!
When I initially purchased a 1988 YAS-62 in 2015, it was for studying towards a performance degree. Around the same semester, I managed to play test a near mint Mark VI, and honestly I could see playing either for a lifetime because they’re both special in their own way. One is overpriced, another underrated, yet what do you see more on eBay? That’s because modern horns are reasonably superior in many ways, yet I imagine that near mint Mark VI would be fantastic considering it was like new with plenty of life!
It's a shame that everything with the name Selmer Paris is overpriced. I was able to get my Mark VI for a great price and it's in great condition. All comes down to a bit of luck!
I just love your music brother♡...you have the most amazing sound too. I thank God for the internet. I've been playing your song "Call to Arms" almost everyday, and you're also my lockscreen wallpaper😄 Keep those tunes coming! You're on repeat in South Africa🇿🇦
I think the VI was better but not by much. I have owned a 1965 VI and switched to a 62 MK1 because tone was close and the 62 had way better intonation. I have also had my 62 setup really well and for modern music it’s a great match.
When the Mark VI was made, horns were not as consistent as they seem to be now. I owned a Mark VI for 12 years, and it proved to be a bad one. I've been on a Yamaha 62 since the late 70s. It's freer blowing than the Mark VI, which is fine with me, and works well with what I do. The Mark VI seems to have more resistance, which works well with classical playing! If you're considering a Mark VI, be sure to play it for awhile. There are some bad ones out there! I have heard some very nice classical sounds from a Yamaha 62, but the mouthpiece was a Vandoren that was being used!
Agreed. Not something I would purchase without research and a thorough play test. Although if I was starting from scratch I may well opt for a modern horn to save the trouble!
In the blind test, I thought #2 actually sounded better and thought it was the Selmer..... In my opinion the highs and lows sounded better. The mids sounded better on #1. Maybe I'm biased with an 82Z and used to that sound?
That's interesting! I used to play an 82z. But having played the selmer for so long I prefer that sound... I don't think one is necessarily better. Just different. I agree the selmer has better mid range core sound.
@@joelsena That's must be the sound I'm used to after 5 years with it. Not to mention use Theo Wanne mouthpieces si it must be that brighter edgier sound I've grown accustomed to. For darker sound i use the Gia 2 or NY Bros. But it's still pretty bright... The Selmer does sound fantastic though.
Yeah I loved my Z. I'm always in two minds about which sound I prefer. It will be interesting to play this Yamaha for a while and see if my preference changes. My Morgan mouthpiece is really bright for a jazz style mouthpiece but defs not as much as the Theo wannes
In the blind test, the second sax sounded more "modern" therefore I correctly guessed it was the Yamaha. Honestly I don't find that the Mark VI is another level and for me it doesn't justify the price. But maybe "in person" it sounds different...
The Mark VI definitely feels different when you're playing it... Perhaps that's a big part of it. You can feel a bit more of a resonance. But yes, you pay a lot of extra money for a small difference in sound. Although I got mine at a pretty good price!
@@joelsena i found the yamaha has a more neutral open sound while the selmer has a very distinct sound. if you like a selmer sound than this would be a great option, but for me it was too mellow :) btw i tried them with my jodyjazz 6 HR custom dark. Maybe with another mouthpiece my choice would differ!
@@presequel interesting. That matches what I thought from hearing other people play the Selmer. The 62 really lets you take it wherever you want to go. It's growing on me!
The unsung hero is that Morgan Jazz 7M - I play a Morgan Jazz 5NY on a YAS-23 and it just plays and sounds so great! (But I'm thinking of getting a 6M in the future)
Would be interesting to hear it against the Mark I 62 instead of the Mark III. I have a Mark I and think it’s a better horn than the Mark II or III. Every time I think of getting a newer horn, I try the newer 62s and come away unsatisfied. That Mark VI would still probably edge out the Mark I 62, but would be much closer…nice playing.
Yes that's something I would love to check out at some stage! I'm always keeping an eye out for one. I actually owned one years ago and regret selling it. I'm using the 62 for some teaching work and function gigs. It's perfect for those things. Still prefer the Selmer for recording and concerts
As luck would have it, I was able to buy a sweet Silver plated Mark VI recently. My 62 is in the shop getting serviced. Once it’s back, I’ll be able to compare them.
Great comparison! From the blind test I also preferred the Selmer. Being new to playing the saxophone and having just bought my Yamaha a bit more than a month ago, I have 0 plans to upgrade, however it's definitely interesting for further down the line. I'm not to familiar with Selmers, but did you say the one you play is from 1950s? Any ideas on how that compares to the current Selmers? I've heard that Selmers can be quite inconsistent between one another, to better or worse, while Yamahas are much more consistent between the different instruments, so there are no pleasant or unpleasant surprises.
Yeah the Yamahas are great. I actually played on one when I started out as a working musician. My Selmer was made in 1955. The Mark VI saxophones varied quite a bit throughout their production. They changed and tweaked certain things over the years. As for the current Selmers, I really love the sound of their Reference series. Not as big a fan of the Series II and III. I have a Series I Tenor which sounds fantastic. As they are handmade, there is a certain amount of variation, although I believe modern Selmers are pretty consistent. Sometimes a bit of variation is good - you have a one of a kind instrument in a way. The one thing about Selmers - they cost a lot, perhaps too much. The Yamahas are such incredible value.
@@joelsena thanks for such a detailed reply! Makes a lot of sense! I definitely agree that Yamahas are great value. Where I am the Selmers don't even have a price tag on the showroom. Gotta specifically ask, which seems pretty insane. Yamahas are easy and cost effective. Even ones like the Japanese built 62, which is what I got
Both great horns, obviously! To me this boils down to the fact that above a certain level of horn you have to become a VERY good musician to make any differences between instruments really matter on stage or in front of the mic. I will probably never get to a level where 62 vs MK VI becomes a relevant question or the instrument the weakest link. 😂
Blind test, preferred the Yam 62, can only really compare them after playing the yam for a year or 2. I had a 6 that played just ok, played a cheap jupiter jazz that was shockingly nice to play! My best horn is a Yani 901u with a custom sax gourmet neck. TJ Raw also very good for the £, beautifully setup saxes. The 62 could be replaced in a few hours and be near identical, good luck with finding a similar mk6 for reasonable £ in a few months, and will cost the price of x3 62's!
The Yani's are awesome and I would love to try one properly. I've only played them a few times in shops. I'm lucky to have a great Mark VI. But at the end of the day they're all great horns, we're spoilt for choice! Here is Australia the 62 is best bang for the buck. An amazing horn!
@@joelsena if you have small to average hands, Yani are the best ergonomics I've found. Great sounds too. 62 is a great horn. I quite like brighter sound.
I haven't ever tried to 62 tenor. I hear great things about the original "purple logo" tenor 62s... I play a Selmer Series I tenor which I absolutely love.
Hey Petro yeah I've been wanting to try a different neck on the 62! It blows a bit too freely for me being used to the selmer. I have to try one of their necks with a bit more resistance I think.
Intonation may not be a fair test as I was far more used to the Selmer at the time. I also hadn't adjusted the neck cork on the Yamaha to fit the mouthpiece. I should do another one now that I've played both for a couple of years. Although I think my conclusion would be similar...
Excellent review as always and really love your channel. I was wondering what you thought about the pmauriat horns especially the system 76 dark lacquer alto?
Thanks Dave. To be completely honest I have never liked the P Mauriat horns... I had a few friends with them and they sounded pretty bad to my ears. I've also heard of problems with reliability and repairs. I haven't ever owned one myself though.
Whaaat??? R u kidding? I play yas62 and considering buying matk vi. How could possibly be more useful video??? Thank you man! And you know what? Immediately heard my sax played on take#2. There wasn’t a little doubt. And I prefer mark vi sound, to be honest. I wish I will manage to get the same sound from mark vi, when I save a lot💵💵💵
Hey Iain. Here in Australia the Yamaha is much more affordable than the alternatives. I managed to get second hand that had barely been used for about $2800 AUD. The Selmer Axos meanwhile is $4500. The equivalent Yanagisawa is much more pricey as well. So I decided it was best bang for the buck. I also needed a horn that I could trust to hold up over the long term and had played Yamahas in the past.
62 sounds great. And I am happy to play one myself. If you want to get even more from 62 consider to upgreat your neck. I have yamaha custom silver av1ag neck and it make my 62 a totally different beast
I'm very keen to try the different necks! I have to go to my music shop and try them soon :). I would like just a bit more resistance than I'm getting at the moment.
I haven't played the 880, but I've tried various Yanis. I honestly prefer my Mark VI. I would love to spend some more time with a Yani and give it a good proper test. I owned a Tenor 901 for a few years. Great horn, but it was replaced by a Selmer SA80 which again, I much prefer. But that might all come down to personal preference/how I'm built.
I played an 82Z for a few years and loved it. Could just be that I wasn't used to the 62 - only had it for about a week. However, I must agree that it feels a bit thinner compared with the selmer.
Nice video.. i also have YAS -62. And i love it... Tried with Selmer super series 3 and found that selmer has dark tone vs yamaha has bright tone... So just a question to get dark tone on yas62 what we can do???
Thanks. The mouthpiece/reed choice and playing technique can help. First I would try different reeds. Maybe try some vandoren v16s. What mouthpiece do you use? You can also work on long tones to develop a darker sound. It takes a lot of experimenting! Hope that helps.
That's a good setup. You might want to consider upgrading your mouthpiece to a hard rubber one - this will give you a warmer tone (generally speaking). If you want to play jazz, a meyer would be a good option. If you want to play classical, a selmer soloist is a popular choice. Apart from that, practicing long tones and listening to other saxophonists is super important
@@joelsena hi joel i have purchased selmer soloist d and it changed my sound a lot.. thanks.. now will check with mayer also.. yeah i have started to listen to great saxophone players. Thanks for all the help
@@rohannvidia8683 Glad to hear it! Selmer soloists are awesome mouthpieces so well done. It might take a bit of practice to get the most out of it. Make sure you don't bite down too hard! All the best with your playing 😀
Forget the tone - I can tell by the tuning. You've worked hard to get round the Selmer tuning issues, and as such you are out of tune on the Yamaha. Hard to switch between vintage and modern (ish) horns.
My Mark VI plays fairly sharp in the low register - common issue with early horns. I found this really strange at first playing the Yamaha and accidentally playing flat as I was overcompensating. After a couple of years since this video it's not too hard to go between them and play in tune. Just takes practice.
I listened very intently and with an open mind to the blind test. #2, the Yamaha 62 wins by far, no question. The Mark VI is an awesome horn and I would definitely never ever sell it. You do sound great on both saxes, but Yamaha wins. Here’s a bit of my playing on a 62. m.th-cam.com/video/iAMxtkXYCJM/w-d-xo.html
Hey Rhett. Thanks for the comment. You sound really awesome on that 62! 2 years since making this video and I'm still leaning towards the Mark VI as my main recording horn. I have a grown to love the 62 though and I play it for most gigs.
I think the Selmer Mark VI should be compared to a Yamaha Purple Logo 62 not a newer one like this one. That would give a better vintage to vintage comparison. Just my opinion.
I see so many people call it a “beginner professional horn” but I feel like thats something I would use for the rest of my life.
The "beginner professional horn" would be 480. Way too many sax players go around with horns way above their skill range. 62 is more than great for anyone that's not going for some serious stuff or needs that little bit of extra sound, projection.
The 62 is absolutely a professional instrument. No question. It could be your main horn for life.
I'm impressed how much I like the Yamaha!! in the blind test I seemed to prefer it
It's such a great horn. Especially when you factor in the price.
@@joelsena I think a better comparison would have been a YAS 62 II Purple Logo perhaps? I really liked both and couldn't hear the level of difference you mentioned regarding the Selmer being on a whole different level. I would sacrifice the difference (which I couldn't hear) for consistency in tone top to bottom being more in tune and price. Thanks for the video. I think I am going to get a second Alto and it will be a YAS-62 ii Purple Logo.
This video makes me so glad I bought a Yamaha YAS-62 back when I went off to college. Love that horn.
El Yamaha 62 proyecta mucho más el sonido , por ser nuevo suena extremadamente claro y brillante. El Selmer ya por tener una cantidad de años sonando ....da la sensación de que más no puede brindar en sonido , en cambio ,habría que ver a el Yamaha 62 dentro de 50 años de uso. Saludos cordiales desde Argentina.
Great video! i've owned, played , changed less or more twenty mark VI altos of different serial numbers. If you try altos from 130 to 200xxx you can find the quality tone of your five digit but with more easy, loud and free blow sensation like yamaha..It's the definitive alto and for this reason i believe selmer has made the real "total" alto starting from the mid of the sixties..Try it if you have occasion, you can have yamaha and selmer mix together in one and only alto.
Man that's awesome. I've probably tried 3 Mark VIs in my time. I once played a silver plated one that was absolutely amazing... Not sure of the serial though. Mines in the 60000s. Very happy with it but totally get what you're saying! Here's to hoping 🙂
Congrats on doing a meaningful tone comparison, too many are more concerned with showing off how many notes they can squeeze into the shortest time! I listened through my hifi speakers then through headphones. Any difference in tone quality seemed minimal, but then my sax is a 62!
I own a 62 for about a year and a half now.. it’s a great step up from my conn and I really love the sound.. 62 is very loud and bright I just got a metal mouthpiece (Otto link) and to me it is a great combination on other hand I don’t know much about the selmer but it has a nice in the middle tone 😄not too warm not too bright uk… both amazing horns 💯🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲
I liked the MarkVI sound slightly better in the blind test, but it's likely just the age of the metals. If they were the same age, I think the YAS62 would sound better - not to mention, the modern saxes have long since solved some of the tuning issues which plague older horns, making them a better investment (especially considering how expensive the MarkVI's and other vintage horns are)
It will be interesting to see how the Yamaha ages. After 18 months it definitely feels better. Still very different though.
He has been playing the Mark 6 for more than seven years
Ofcause that influence his way of playing. My own opinion is that if you are not extremly lucky to get a good Selmer, the Yamaha is better in tune.
I heard some flat notes in the blind test and that made me think #1 was the Selmer. I think they both sound great, not a better or worse situation at all. I’d be hard pressed to pick one over the other. If I was a bandleader I’d just tell the alto player to bring both:)
Both are great if the player plays well.
The Yamaha sounds much more controlled and I bet it’s easier to play where as the selmer sounds natural and has more personality I feel.
So lucky to have both in your arsenal!
My thoughts exactly!
It's much harder to play music on a gold yamaha. The golden yamaha is very bright, for example, the silver one will be easier because of the softer sound. There is a huge difference in sound. Yamaha screams, selmer sounds.
@@AlexVolkhin13 thank you! Awesome comment
Something else people need to consider is that different players may sound better on different horns. Some people have conditions that better suite them for the 62 or for the mark IV.
Hi, I have both YTS-62 tenor and MK VI from 1956. I have a rather soft sound, and the Yamaha gives needed brilliance. Selmer has a fuller sound though.
To me, the Selmer has a nice rich range of sound and gives me the feeling of an old soul. The Yamaha although very impressive seems like it is boasting its ability. I'm guessing it all depends on the type of music that is being played.
Yeah that's a great way to describe it. It really does depend on the genre. I love the selmer because I have been playing more jazz over the past few years. But the Yamaha has a really cool edgy tone to it. Great for modern stuff and jazz fusion
Both sound very similar to me, but i did feel the sound of the Yamaha "easier to produce" that's how i realize which one is which, not because of a sound difference, but because i feel you more "relaxed" while playing the Yamaha and later in the video u mentioned that...
The selmer has so much character but the Yamaha is amazingly easy to control.. good tools for different applications
i played Yamaha 62 but the old one....great Horn realy greate....but after i got a MKVI and is it special.....it response with Vibrations,, singing Tone and high notes so easy to get,,,,,
Hi , to be honest i liked yamaha very much ,and just from hearing both in this video i don't think selmer is in another level (maybe playing them can change my mind) , but this is just me...anyway you sound great on both man...
That's fair enough! It is hard for me to be objective when I've played the mark vi for 5+ years and grown so comfortable to how it sounds and responds. It feels quite different to play. Whether it's "better" or not... who knows. After another week using both horns I think either could be a horn for life. :)
My respects to both horns playing for over 25 years grew up to the like of the mark vi everyone that I know love I respect the horn. But for me Yamaha has alway been my voice and response sound wise and intonation. I don’t think paying so much for a horn that has so many years is worth it 62 for me cut it more durable but in any aspects it’s what the player feels comfortable. In many jazz session the selmer is used more I guess I am the underdog when I show up with my Yamaha but again get compliments.
Honestly on blind test I didn't realize diference between the sound. On the second test I realized that Selmer Mark VI sounds better, but Yamaha 62 has beautiful sound as well. Fantastics Saxophones! Thanks for sharing your opinion and experience about it!
Thanks for your thoughts! Interesting for sure. Both beautiful horns but I also prefer the Selmer
I play a YAS-62 (I purchased new in 1988) and I still love it. Slight difference on your two horns but both sound good thru youtube.
When I initially purchased a 1988 YAS-62 in 2015, it was for studying towards a performance degree. Around the same semester, I managed to play test a near mint Mark VI, and honestly I could see playing either for a lifetime because they’re both special in their own way. One is overpriced, another underrated, yet what do you see more on eBay? That’s because modern horns are reasonably superior in many ways, yet I imagine that near mint Mark VI would be fantastic considering it was like new with plenty of life!
It's a shame that everything with the name Selmer Paris is overpriced. I was able to get my Mark VI for a great price and it's in great condition. All comes down to a bit of luck!
I just love your music brother♡...you have the most amazing sound too. I thank God for the internet.
I've been playing your song "Call to Arms" almost everyday, and you're also my lockscreen wallpaper😄
Keep those tunes coming! You're on repeat in South Africa🇿🇦
Thanks :)
I think the VI was better but not by much. I have owned a 1965 VI and switched to a 62 MK1 because tone was close and the 62 had way better intonation. I have also had my 62 setup really well and for modern music it’s a great match.
Yeah after playing the 62 for a couple of years now I've come to really like it. I still prefer the VI but there are things I love about both of them.
Nice Test. 95 % is up to you & MP/ Reed and your lines. Selling my MK VI (6000 Euro) i can do everything with the Yamaha (2500 Euro)
Blind test I chose the yamaha, but for me playing my selmer is a lot easier than my first cheap sax and tat's what's important.
Both horns are fantastic... It's really hard to find any faults! Comes down to taste and preference I think
When the Mark VI was made, horns were not as consistent as they seem to be now. I owned a Mark VI for 12 years, and it proved to be a bad one. I've been on a Yamaha 62 since the late 70s. It's freer blowing than the Mark VI, which is fine with me, and works well with what I do. The Mark VI seems to have more resistance, which works well with classical playing! If you're considering a Mark VI, be sure to play it for awhile. There are some bad ones out there! I have heard some very nice classical sounds from a Yamaha 62, but the mouthpiece was a Vandoren that was being used!
Agreed. Not something I would purchase without research and a thorough play test. Although if I was starting from scratch I may well opt for a modern horn to save the trouble!
In the blind test, I thought #2 actually sounded better and thought it was the Selmer..... In my opinion the highs and lows sounded better. The mids sounded better on #1. Maybe I'm biased with an 82Z and used to that sound?
That's interesting! I used to play an 82z. But having played the selmer for so long I prefer that sound... I don't think one is necessarily better. Just different. I agree the selmer has better mid range core sound.
@@joelsena That's must be the sound I'm used to after 5 years with it. Not to mention use Theo Wanne mouthpieces si it must be that brighter edgier sound I've grown accustomed to. For darker sound i use the Gia 2 or NY Bros. But it's still pretty bright... The Selmer does sound fantastic though.
Yeah I loved my Z. I'm always in two minds about which sound I prefer. It will be interesting to play this Yamaha for a while and see if my preference changes. My Morgan mouthpiece is really bright for a jazz style mouthpiece but defs not as much as the Theo wannes
Strange. I been playing YAS-62 since 1988 and I did recognise the sound of #2.
In the blind test, the second sax sounded more "modern" therefore I correctly guessed it was the Yamaha. Honestly I don't find that the Mark VI is another level and for me it doesn't justify the price. But maybe "in person" it sounds different...
The Mark VI definitely feels different when you're playing it... Perhaps that's a big part of it. You can feel a bit more of a resonance. But yes, you pay a lot of extra money for a small difference in sound. Although I got mine at a pretty good price!
hey Joel, nice video, great work! I just bought a YAS-62 after compared it with a Selmer Seles Axos which are both in the same range.
What did you think of the Axos? I was really curious about it, but here in Australia it costs $1000 more!
@@joelsena i found the yamaha has a more neutral open sound while the selmer has a very distinct sound. if you like a selmer sound than this would be a great option, but for me it was too mellow :) btw i tried them with my jodyjazz 6 HR custom dark. Maybe with another mouthpiece my choice would differ!
@@presequel interesting. That matches what I thought from hearing other people play the Selmer. The 62 really lets you take it wherever you want to go. It's growing on me!
You made the right choice. Yamaha is hard to beat. This from a Mark VI owner
Yeah can't go wrong with them! The Yamaha offers a great modern sax sound. Love playing both horns
Don;t know if I'm hearing things, but the VI has a halo of top (treble) end around it making it sound more exciting and dimensional.
It feels more open and resonant when I play it. Perhaps some of the higher harmonics are coming through a bit more freely!
@@joelsena Yes. Almost like drawbars on an organ. The six has those high ones pulled out a bit farther! Very nice tone and playing, btw.
The unsung hero is that Morgan Jazz 7M - I play a Morgan Jazz 5NY on a YAS-23 and it just plays and sounds so great! (But I'm thinking of getting a 6M in the future)
Agreed. The morgan medium chamber is the most versatile mouthpiece I've ever owned!
@@joelsena Curious as to your opinion of the Yamaha’s G1 neck. I ordered one for my YAS-23 the other day but it has mixed reviews online.
Great Content Joel, great quality - just subscribed and took you to 1k!
Yay! Thank you :)
@@joelsena 😃 no worries👍🏻
Would be interesting to hear it against the Mark I 62 instead of the Mark III. I have a Mark I and think it’s a better horn than the Mark II or III. Every time I think of getting a newer horn, I try the newer 62s and come away unsatisfied. That Mark VI would still probably edge out the Mark I 62, but would be much closer…nice playing.
Yes that's something I would love to check out at some stage! I'm always keeping an eye out for one. I actually owned one years ago and regret selling it. I'm using the 62 for some teaching work and function gigs. It's perfect for those things. Still prefer the Selmer for recording and concerts
As luck would have it, I was able to buy a sweet Silver plated Mark VI recently. My 62 is in the shop getting serviced. Once it’s back, I’ll be able to compare them.
@@petegalindez9961 how what different 62 mark1 and Selmer markvi?
@@syafiqsaxophone8328 it’s not even close. I don’t play my 62 anymore. Like driving a Toyota or a Porsche.
@@petegalindez9961 what saxophone u play now?
Great comparison! From the blind test I also preferred the Selmer. Being new to playing the saxophone and having just bought my Yamaha a bit more than a month ago, I have 0 plans to upgrade, however it's definitely interesting for further down the line.
I'm not to familiar with Selmers, but did you say the one you play is from 1950s? Any ideas on how that compares to the current Selmers? I've heard that Selmers can be quite inconsistent between one another, to better or worse, while Yamahas are much more consistent between the different instruments, so there are no pleasant or unpleasant surprises.
Yeah the Yamahas are great. I actually played on one when I started out as a working musician. My Selmer was made in 1955. The Mark VI saxophones varied quite a bit throughout their production. They changed and tweaked certain things over the years. As for the current Selmers, I really love the sound of their Reference series. Not as big a fan of the Series II and III. I have a Series I Tenor which sounds fantastic. As they are handmade, there is a certain amount of variation, although I believe modern Selmers are pretty consistent. Sometimes a bit of variation is good - you have a one of a kind instrument in a way. The one thing about Selmers - they cost a lot, perhaps too much. The Yamahas are such incredible value.
@@joelsena thanks for such a detailed reply! Makes a lot of sense!
I definitely agree that Yamahas are great value. Where I am the Selmers don't even have a price tag on the showroom. Gotta specifically ask, which seems pretty insane. Yamahas are easy and cost effective. Even ones like the Japanese built 62, which is what I got
Love the 62. It's funny how much the legend of the Mark VI has led to crazy prices.
Both great horns, obviously! To me this boils down to the fact that above a certain level of horn you have to become a VERY good musician to make any differences between instruments really matter on stage or in front of the mic. I will probably never get to a level where 62 vs MK VI becomes a relevant question or the instrument the weakest link. 😂
Blind test, preferred the Yam 62, can only really compare them after playing the yam for a year or 2. I had a 6 that played just ok, played a cheap jupiter jazz that was shockingly nice to play! My best horn is a Yani 901u with a custom sax gourmet neck. TJ Raw also very good for the £, beautifully setup saxes. The 62 could be replaced in a few hours and be near identical, good luck with finding a similar mk6 for reasonable £ in a few months, and will cost the price of x3 62's!
The Yani's are awesome and I would love to try one properly. I've only played them a few times in shops. I'm lucky to have a great Mark VI. But at the end of the day they're all great horns, we're spoilt for choice! Here is Australia the 62 is best bang for the buck. An amazing horn!
@@joelsena if you have small to average hands, Yani are the best ergonomics I've found. Great sounds too. 62 is a great horn. I quite like brighter sound.
Yamaha and Yanagisawa I’m more of a modern sound sax player they’ve been my voice for over 25 years.
seu parecer técnico esta realmente corretíssimo... parabéns
Shocked when I realised I prefer sax 2! Good thing to, I could never afford a Selmer.
Si Charlie Parker o John Coltrane estarían tocando hoy .... Seguramente eligen para su performance Yamaha o Yanagisawa. Estoy seguro de ello !!
I play a 62iii Tenor, but I have to say I preferred the Mk Vi!
I haven't ever tried to 62 tenor. I hear great things about the original "purple logo" tenor 62s... I play a Selmer Series I tenor which I absolutely love.
I play saxophone and think I have a good ear for saxophone tone, but I heard maybe a 2% difference between these two horns with you playing them.
They're both awesome pro level horns for sure!
Yas 62 it's a great sax. I have on my yas 62 a top of the line custom Yamaha neck and it make that horn a totally different beast.
Hey Petro yeah I've been wanting to try a different neck on the 62! It blows a bit too freely for me being used to the selmer. I have to try one of their necks with a bit more resistance I think.
Intonation reveals the truth in the blindfold test.
Intonation may not be a fair test as I was far more used to the Selmer at the time. I also hadn't adjusted the neck cork on the Yamaha to fit the mouthpiece. I should do another one now that I've played both for a couple of years. Although I think my conclusion would be similar...
Excellent review as always and really love your channel. I was wondering what you thought about the pmauriat horns especially the system 76 dark lacquer alto?
Thanks Dave. To be completely honest I have never liked the P Mauriat horns... I had a few friends with them and they sounded pretty bad to my ears. I've also heard of problems with reliability and repairs. I haven't ever owned one myself though.
@@joelsena thanks soo much for your response 👊🏽💪🏾
Whaaat??? R u kidding? I play yas62 and considering buying matk vi. How could possibly be more useful video??? Thank you man!
And you know what? Immediately heard my sax played on take#2. There wasn’t a little doubt. And I prefer mark vi sound, to be honest. I wish I will manage to get the same sound from mark vi, when I save a lot💵💵💵
That's crazy! I still think the Yamaha is a great sax, but yes I prefer the Mark VI also ;)
Yamaha is a great horn... that is why almost every greats are playing on it...
I like selmer sound but I love play ability and easy to play yamaha.
The both sound excelent. I can’t hear any difference
It's only a small difference on a recording. I think when you play them you can feel the difference a bit more. But they're both awesome :)
Agrred
1: Yamaha YAS-62
2: Selmer Mark VI
I prefer number 1. I prefer the more 'clear' tone, without the 'zing' the second one has.
Damn, I had it wrong XD
But I still prefer number 1
I do too! Haha. Although perhaps if I was more used to the Yamaha I would tame that zing a bit
Selmer is the best 👌
I prefer Yamaha yas62
It's a great sax. What do you prefer about it?
@@joelsena for the brightness, and for mechanics very smoot, for these reason i decided buy it
Yes that's a great choice! Nice 👏
Nothing like a mark vi
Time to make the Mk VI the backup! Besides the great sound of the 62, Im sure you aren’t working nearly as hard to play in tune as you do with the VI.
I've been seriously considering it lately. After 18 months the Yamaha has settled in nicely
I think you can only hear the difference when you play side by side. Selmer definitely sounds better for me.
Agreed!
Dont know if i missed it, but why did you choose the 62 over the similarly priced alternatives?
Hey Iain. Here in Australia the Yamaha is much more affordable than the alternatives. I managed to get second hand that had barely been used for about $2800 AUD. The Selmer Axos meanwhile is $4500. The equivalent Yanagisawa is much more pricey as well. So I decided it was best bang for the buck. I also needed a horn that I could trust to hold up over the long term and had played Yamahas in the past.
Thank you👍🏻
62 sounds great. And I am happy to play one myself. If you want to get even more from 62 consider to upgreat your neck. I have yamaha custom silver av1ag neck and it make my 62 a totally different beast
I'm very keen to try the different necks! I have to go to my music shop and try them soon :). I would like just a bit more resistance than I'm getting at the moment.
Yamaha 🤴
have you played an yani 880? my mk6 hasnt been to a gig since
I haven't played the 880, but I've tried various Yanis. I honestly prefer my Mark VI. I would love to spend some more time with a Yani and give it a good proper test. I owned a Tenor 901 for a few years. Great horn, but it was replaced by a Selmer SA80 which again, I much prefer. But that might all come down to personal preference/how I'm built.
The Selmer has "Soul."
Prefer the Selmer for once. The 62 sounded "thinner"....odd. I didn't notice this hearing the 82Z or 875...
I played an 82Z for a few years and loved it. Could just be that I wasn't used to the 62 - only had it for about a week. However, I must agree that it feels a bit thinner compared with the selmer.
like more the yamaha62
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I think that the 62 mpc needs to be pushed a little bit more on the cork.
I would have liked it better a little bit more brighter.
True that. I pushed it on as far as it would go - I have since adjusted the cork to fit the mouthpiece a bit better!
Valla que si me agrado el Yamaha Yas 62 Tiene un sonido más estable
I liked them both 😂
Me too. Still preferring the Selmer. But I play the Yamaha for a lot of gigs and it never disapoints!
Personally enjoyed the tone of the Yamaha much more. Selmer just wasn’t as clear to me
Fair enough! Both great horns
Yamaha!!
I prefer the Yamaha
That Mark VI sounds amazing!...nice fat sound on it!...The Yamahaha I didn't care for at all, sounds thin and weak in comparison.
There's definitely something special about Selmers and their "core" tone
Nice video.. i also have YAS -62. And i love it... Tried with Selmer super series 3 and found that selmer has dark tone vs yamaha has bright tone... So just a question to get dark tone on yas62 what we can do???
Thanks. The mouthpiece/reed choice and playing technique can help. First I would try different reeds. Maybe try some vandoren v16s. What mouthpiece do you use? You can also work on long tones to develop a darker sound. It takes a lot of experimenting! Hope that helps.
@@joelsena i use yamaha 5c mouthpiece and vandoren blue box 3 reed
That's a good setup. You might want to consider upgrading your mouthpiece to a hard rubber one - this will give you a warmer tone (generally speaking). If you want to play jazz, a meyer would be a good option. If you want to play classical, a selmer soloist is a popular choice. Apart from that, practicing long tones and listening to other saxophonists is super important
@@joelsena hi joel i have purchased selmer soloist d and it changed my sound a lot.. thanks.. now will check with mayer also.. yeah i have started to listen to great saxophone players. Thanks for all the help
@@rohannvidia8683 Glad to hear it! Selmer soloists are awesome mouthpieces so well done. It might take a bit of practice to get the most out of it. Make sure you don't bite down too hard! All the best with your playing 😀
Forget the tone - I can tell by the tuning. You've worked hard to get round the Selmer tuning issues, and as such you are out of tune on the Yamaha. Hard to switch between vintage and modern (ish) horns.
My Mark VI plays fairly sharp in the low register - common issue with early horns. I found this really strange at first playing the Yamaha and accidentally playing flat as I was overcompensating. After a couple of years since this video it's not too hard to go between them and play in tune. Just takes practice.
.... Yamaha🎷🎷🎷
Đam mê và yêu lắm nhưng ko có tiền để mua
I listened very intently and with an open mind to the blind test. #2, the Yamaha 62 wins by far, no question. The Mark VI is an awesome horn and I would definitely never ever sell it. You do sound great on both saxes, but Yamaha wins. Here’s a bit of my playing on a 62. m.th-cam.com/video/iAMxtkXYCJM/w-d-xo.html
Hey Rhett. Thanks for the comment. You sound really awesome on that 62! 2 years since making this video and I'm still leaning towards the Mark VI as my main recording horn. I have a grown to love the 62 though and I play it for most gigs.
У 62-й Ямахи интересный звук только у 1-й серии обезлаченной.
i prefer Yamaha...🎷🎷🎷
I liked the Yamaha better actually….
Yamaha has BITE... More"texture.. That I prefer or think should be in a"sack sounds'. Subjective
Lo Yamaha sembra che non riesca a tradurre tutta l aria che entra il selmer non perde niente
De acuerdo. It feels like the selmer 'resonates' so much!
YAMAHA sounds better
I think the Selmer Mark VI should be compared to a Yamaha Purple Logo 62 not a newer one like this one. That would give a better vintage to vintage comparison. Just my opinion.
I would love to do that comparison! Just need to get my hands on a purple logo.