Alto Sax Showdown
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 พ.ค. 2022
- This is the alto sax showdown of the 4 most renown sax manufacturers in the world. I'm using my Vandoren A6 S+ mouthpiece with Vandoren Green Box #2 reeds. Let's see how the Selmer Reference 54, Yamaha 82zii, Keilwerth SX 90R, and the Yanagisawa AWO30 stack up against each other.
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Saxophone Sound Development Book
Alto and Tenor Altissimo Book
Diminished Scales Book
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Disclaimer: I am not paid or endorsed by any of the companies whose products were used in this video.
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I have an affiliate account with Woodwind Brasswind which allows me to make a commission from sales that are related to Woodwind/Brasswind links.
Selmer, Yanagisawa, Yamaha, Keilwerth, and Allora saxophones along with Vandoren reeds and accessories can be found here at
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Your ranking was mine. When you started playing the Yani, I already knew you were going to love it. It sounded the best! I was extremely surprised by the Keilwerth but I shouldn't be. They're great horns. Gotta watch your tenor video to see those comparisons. Yanagisawa is my favorite company, personally.
They are truly winning me over
Great job. That Keilworth is a beautiful monster!
LOL!!
Nice review. I’ve owned the Yanagisawa AW020 bronze edition for nearly a year and really love it.
Fantastic, thorough and no BS review. Thanks!
Thanks
Outstanding review, Sir Val. Many thanks.
Thanks
I’ve owned the Yanagisawa AW020 Elite Bronze for about a year and love it. I think all of the horns sound great, it really comes down to the players preference of feel and sound.
Totally agree!
Thanks for the video
I like your alto sound on the yamaha.
Thanks for watching!
Excellent review! My ranking was similar. 1) The Yany was just perfect. It sounded even up and down the range with no weak/dead spots. The midrange was warm, the low range was resonant and fat, and the altissimos rang out with a singing quality that the others did not have. Yany won this handily. 2) The Keilwerth was stout. It had punch and presence. It seemed alive in the low range, and although it didn’t have the singing clarity of the Yany on altissimo, it resisted the tendency to get thin in the upper range. 3) Yamaha. This surprised me too. It was bright, like I would expect from a Yamaha and really thinned out in the altissimo range. I expect any Yamaha to be on the bright side, but usually the 82Z comes with some pleasing harmonics in the mid and lower range. It seemed like you would need a darker, more open chamber mouthpiece, to tame the edge. 4) The Selmer sounded dead. For a horn that was supposed to be the modern version of the Mark VI, it didn’t have that magical Selmer “sparkle” (that extra something you usually hear from a Vintage Selmer). Instead, it sounded like it was somehow dampened. It also had an airy sound to it (and not in a sexy Ben Webster way) like it had a bad case of asthma. The altissimo spoke easily (because you are an altissimo God), but the tonal quality wasn’t nearly as rich as the JK, much less the Yany. Dude … that Yany is so you!!!
Nice response on that. I'd like to try the regular plating on the Reference next time to see how different they are.
Great reviews…I agree with you with the Yamaha 82Z…I have a Mark I 62 and was thinking of “upgrading” to an 82Z and I wasn’t seeing the difference…I do own the 82Z tenor in black and it is a BEAST! Best tenor ever…I had the Cannonball before this one and got this one for a steal and I just love it…watching this because I want a Yani AWO33…I have the 62 and a silver Mark VI, but that Yani is just beautiful, the ergonomics feel like they molded it to your hand, and the sound is exactly what I’m looking for…
👍Thanks for the review
Sir A .. 🎷🥳 👨🏻
No problem 👍
Love this comparisons! Keilwerth surprised. My own Selmer SA80 II is very flexible for any kind of music
I feel like the SA80 II is the modern benchmark for new horns
Your video intrigued me to explore. You are correct on vibration transference (transference of unbalanced forces through equipment into neighbouring structures causing them to shake). It's due to construction choices and the material gauge, and it is a good indicator on how often you would need to service and balance your instrument. Yamaha 82z has the thinnest brass gauge of the saxophones tested and the lightest construction. Then comes Selmer. Keilwerth SX90 you tested is not the Shadow version, but a regular brass version with thicker gauge brass. Keilwerth Shadow (if you find one) uses German silver instead of brass, and is even heavier than the SX90 you tested. The Shadow would further dampen vibration transference. Yanagisawa uses sterling silver neck and body for their AW030 alto (not for the bell though; bell is made from brass). Sterling silver is heavy and very expensive alloy which contributes to that alto's heftier price.
It's interesting because a lot of what you're describing was my experience 20 years ago when my dad bought me a pro sax when I was in high school. This was back in the day when Woodwind & Brasswind had a physical location in Indiana. At the time, everyone around me would upgrade to a Selmer. It was just the thing you did. It is what I planned on getting when I finally convinced my dad to upgrade my alto.
I didn't bother with a Yamaha because that's what I started with: the good old YAS-23. In retrospect, it's a really good horn that plays best with a medium chamber mouthpiece.
I tried a Selmer SA80 Series II. Felt dead in my hands. Very stuffy and resistant. Maybe it was full of leaks, but they had techs there to make sure things were in working order.
Then it was the SA80 Series III. It had much less resistance, but felt fragile -- as if there wasn't any oomph.
There was a Yanagisawa, but I can't remember the model. It was excellent. All the notes were incredibly responsive -- especially the bell keys. Intonation was great. But for some reason I got the impression that the tone was "brittle". It was certainly a better horn than the Selmer models, but didn't do it for me.
I kept going back to the Keilwerth SX90R, which is the one I took home; their 75th anniversary edition to be precise. It isn't perfect, but it has more character. It fills the room. And with my large chamber mouthpiece, it has that sound I want -- and currently I'm just a dude playing in his house by himself, but any imperfections I can work my way around. I didn't know it at the time, but I believe it has to do with the larger bore on the Keilwerth vs the more "focused" and narrower bore sound concept of the Selmer horns. 20 years on, I've been very happy with my choice, and the only other horns I would get would also be larger bores horns. That is why I'm thinking about getting a Conn 10M tenor.
Of course, these are what I perceive or feel. You sound awesome on all of them. But you definitely seemed happiest with the Keilwerth and Yani.
I’ve always loved Keilwerth altos. The mid range is buttery in my opinion. Very solid and smooth sound. My favorite for classical.
Nice
I enjoyed listening to the Keilwerth most. It was distinctly better sounding than the others. The Yanigisawa was okay in comparison but lacked character and presence. Other than that, I agree with the rankings soundwise. Obviously, I cannot determine enjoyability of use from listening alone, but your comments on the transfer of vibrations are important, especially when performing quiet passages in studio recordings or church. Thanks so very much for this comparison. It does make me wonder how much the rankings were influenced by instrument setup however. This is because a well setup instrument, regardless of brand or model will performance flawlessly, up to the physical design of the instrument. Perhaps the Yanigisawa was setup better than the others. Just a thought 💭
The solid silver makes a huge difference and Yanni I very smart to experiment with it.
Great comparisons, SVS. I love my VI and will never let it go, but I experience a new or positive or exciting sonic thing every time I pick up my Yanagisawa and play it (it was supposed to only be a backup to my VI). I think Yanagisawa have set the high water mark or a Gold Standard for everybody else.
Well said!
Which Yani are you playing? I have the TWO20 plus the silver neck and am looking for an Alto now ... not sure where I will land.
Keilwerth definitely.
It was a really nice experience playing that thing
Good review.
Thanks
Great video, thanks for sharing! I agree with the comments on Yamaha altos....I upgraded from a 62iii to a 82zii and wish the differences between the two were greater to help justify the cost. (Not at the expense of the 62iii though! Just increase the features on the 82zii more.)
True
Nice! We have the same order. 😊
Thank you very much for doing this video! It's not usual to see this kind of comparisons, I mean such a great bunch of saxophones with such a great player. Great explanation about each saxophone characteristics. I agree with your ranking but I guess the camera/phone microphone eliminated a lot of information. I know to record a video in a music store limits the recording gear you can use but a field recorder like a Zoom or Tascam would capture more detail and allows us to enjoy your videos even more. Thank you very much again!
Noted. I'll look into those devices
I have that Yanigisawa but 20 years older and buddy that horn is on the money! And i am a pro player. The Yani and the Keilwerth have noticeably better scales than the other two horns. I dug the fatness on the Keilwerth. But that Yani will fit every bag, I promise you. Great demo as always!
Sweet horn!!! I just want to try the Shadow, AWO33 and the Supreme before I make up my mind.
@@Sirvalorsax That will be very interesting. I look forward to your take on the Supreme.
Agreed ❤
The Tenor Saxophone is somehow the more POPULAR Saxophone today. Alto seems not to get the attention it once did. The Yani was it for me, in fact, I pretty much saw it the way you did. Great Review of these Instruments. I would definitely get the Yani, don't know when...LOL!!!
I really enjoyed this! Great to see your perspective, very much agree with the Yani fit and finish. Of course, you sound like you on all of them: fabulous. Did you buy one yet?
Nice overview on all the horns man. Have you thought of trying the new Otto Link and Meyer NY connoisseur mouthpieces?
I enjoy your videos so much I almost feel better about dropping my new mouthpiece yesterday! Things totalled :(
Ohhh Nooo. What mouthpiece is/was it?
@@Sirvalorsax It was a JJ Giant. Playing my dependable STM7* now.
@@firstname8873 I thought the aluminum would hold up to drops
@@Sirvalorsax I dropped it in the sink whilst practicing my embouchure in the mirror so not a typical drop. Aluminium is usually softer than brass but it depends on the purity of the metal.
Very interesting review. I once had a Yamaha 82Z but sold it. I have a ref54 that I have had for maybe 10 years. It has the original dark finish. Finally, I have 3 Yanagisawa altos, an older 880, which is still in great shape and plays great. I also have a 992, and a 9937. The 992 if often called the bronze version which plays great too. The 9937 has traditional lacquered brass keys, but the neck, body, and bell are sterling silver and it has some beautiful engraving. The 9937 is my favorite alto. I have never had an opportunity to play a Keilworth,, so I don’t know about that one. I agree that the Yamaha does not stand up to the others, and I agree that the Ref54 is not as good as my Yanagisawa, but the 9937 definitely takes first prize.
WOW, that's a nice collection!!
Dear Sir you sound great on the alto, I have a super action 80 series 2 and I’m thinking of upgrading maybe to the yanni thanks
Been binging alto content while I worked on this custom alto piece. Really liked the Keilwerth and the Yani. Have a student Keilwerth alto and really enjoy how it plays (and the bigger key layout). The SX90R has that thing where the G# can't stick too, right? Would be great for humid environments.
Nice video they all sounded in tune across the range the Yany costs a fair bit more i presume the Yamaha i was surprised you said its lightweight as my YAS 62 111 certainly isnt light . Keep up the good work .
They all felt light weight to me relative to my Allora. This might be a result of the way these saxes are weight balanced when hanging on my neck.
@@Sirvalorsax yes i understand Sir. I have a SA80 11 and a YAS 62 111 and the Yamy is only slightly lighter by a hold comparison .
I'd like to see you do the same comparisons (alto and tenor) with the top Taiwanese horns available in the US. IHMO, that would be (in no particular order):
1) Cannonball
2) P. Mauriat
3) Eastman Winds
4) Chateau
5) Phil Barone
I've tried/owned all but the Chateau. The Barone is my favorite of them, both price and quality.
Ishimori also I presume and Trevor James. They are available through some US dealers.
I have a Yanagisawa AWO2 and the ergonomics and build quality are amazing and its easy to play from high to low and I have had it well over a year and it still plays well. I did notice the lacquer has slightly started pitting/wearing on the left thumb rest, which I have heard can happen with Yani lacquer. I haven't had the chance to try the other Yanagisawa models, but while I liked the AWO2, the sound to me is warm and big but a bit dull . With Yamahas, I have find that the 82Z alto a bit too bright for my tastes. I am looking for a new alto sax and if I could afford it, which I can't right now, the Yamaha 875 EX is one I have thought about for a long time.
I haven't had the chance to try the bronze alto or tenor saxes yet
I keep hearing this about Yany saxes (lacquer issues). It’s made me shy away from them, because I have never been a fan of the “patina” of bare brass.
You should also try the Yamaha YAS 875. I own an old 855 from 1990 an it is phantastic.
There are aspects of the 875 that I like more than the 82Z. I noticed this with the tenor review. I'll look into it if one is available.
To me the Keilwerth had the most robust sound, which I value a lot. Judging by the sound on my tv then watching again video on my computer I would put the Keilwerth ahead of the Yani. Being in the room or standing behind the mouthpiece might be different. Listening to the other two didn't do anything for me.
Hello have you ever tested the
Selmer Suprème Dark Laquer ? I would like to know your opinion 😊
Sirvalorsax will you do a review of Soprano Saxophones? I'm in the market for one😎💪🎷
I'm going to try this week to get that done. Thanks for the suggestion
Thanks for the great review! This is my first time viewing you, but I gave you a thumbs up! Q: You rated the Yamaha YAS -875 EX II Custom EX Alto-sax. How would you rate the Yamaha Custom Z in comparison to your top four?
Thanks.
Sam R.
I'd have to play the alto version. I do have a tenor version review of it though
Great review! Is it possible for you to do review more Yanagisawa alto sax? Like Yanagisawa A-W037, A-W020 etc.?
I’m looking for your recommendation also for the alto sax around 1200$? Do you plan to record something like this?
If you are in NYC I can help you with me cameras to record it if you need to :)
Getting access to these saxophones to review is insanely difficult. I've been trying to find better ways of doing it
@@Sirvalorsax Thanks for your answer. What a pity. It would have been a very interesting episode and I think very helpful for many people. I like your channel very much. The way you play, and your warm, wide sound on each mouthpiece and saxophone. It is simply WOW - incredible. I like your reviews. They are factual and honest.
You're not another TH-camr who repeats the same information praising a saxophone that (as you noted in your Jean Paul A400 review) doesn't give the impression that each unit went through an inspection at Miami before being sold. Maybe other TH-camrs received their saxophones actually polished so that they would give positive reviews of the instrument. However, most of us would buy it on Amazon or directly from the manufacturer's website and it would probably be like a lottery - maybe you'll get a good one, maybe not. This is OK when you are an advanced saxophonist and can evaluate the qualities and flaws of a particular instrument. It's worse when you just buy a sax, want to play, and it turns out that you hit upon just such a copy as the ones you tested.
By the way, do you have a favorite, in the price range up to $1800? I mean a new saxophone.
Not that they are on this level but I would like to get your opinion on the Antigua Winds saxophones especially the PowerBell.
I'd like to try some of their saxes.
👍At the other extreme,
it would be interesting to hear your thoughts on the cheap Alllora alto versus the “Better Sax” alto 😉🤔👨🏻
Interesting, I'm surprised that people aren't comparing the Better Sax to other saxophones closer to its price range
@@Sirvalorsax That will work too, if there is such
a thing 🤣. I just thought any playable alto would cost several hundred more than the better sax which seems to be at $899. 🎷👨🏻✌️
@Sirvalorsax I second that! I would love to see an SVS review of the BetterSax. I have been seeing a lot of credible reviews that are saying that it is an intermediate to pro level sax at an entry level price.
which alto were you playing on when you wrote the alto altissimo book?
The alto altissimo book is knowledge collected from many years of playing many alto saxes ranging from pro Selmers (mark 6's through SA80's) Yamaha pro and student saxes, my original Conn student sax and many Cannonball saxophones that I have personally owned. I currently own an Allora 580 Chicago alto sax at the time of writing the alto book
Have you ever tried the Yany AWo33??
Only the AWO30. I'd like to try the bronze AWO20 alto in the future also
and compare Keilworth TENOR with others pls
I'll look into it
Rampone Cazzani next time please ❤️
They are a little hard to come by, but I'll keep my eyes open for one.
My man you need to try the Buffet Senzo if you can find it.
I've been looking for that thing for years. I wonder if they ever made a tenor version 🤔
@@Sirvalorsax was talking to the Saxquest folks about it a week or so ago, no tenor. I played one up at Schmitt Music in Minneapolis in December. It absolutely knocked me out. Still can’t get over it. I have a feeling your altissimo will scream to new heights on that horn!
Matt finish Selmers are definitely darker(duller) sounding than reg lacquer. I much prefer reg lacquer sound. Im a tech as well as player so I’ve played a lot of them.
The matte finish on my soprano gives it a brighter sound. I have never liked Selmer's version of the matte finish though. Maybe it's thicker than other companies.
change the name for the video to more informative !
I will warn you keilwerth have a great vintage American like sound but they do have tone leveling issues. Now while it may not be terribly unlevel this does cause a playable leak that eventually becomes much much worse as that pad wears. So before buying one try it and check out how level those tone holes are and if they’re level then you’ve got a special horn.
I wondered about that with the rolled tone holes.
I came back to this video and rewatched and the best sax in this grouping was by far the reference it has that Selmer thang that the SBA, VI, VII(yes the the VII was really good), and the Supreme has as well. I own a 2017 Ref 54 alto as my main instrument and there is vibrational transfer but to me that is a good thing it helps ground me to the instrument.
Bro change the name of video
11:13 5:28