Yamaha YAS-26 vs BetterSax EAS112 - Student Alto Saxophone Comparison
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ส.ค. 2024
- #bettersax #saxophone #yamaha
Jay Metcalf compares the one of the top student alto saxophones, the Yamaha YAS-26 student alto, versus the BetterSax EAS112 alto saxophone.
BetterSax EAS112 alto saxophone: geni.us/saxoph...
Yamaha YAS-26 alto saxophone geni.us/ITbM1h
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It always brings a smile to my face when Jay does a side-by-side play test comparing an "elite" horn to a less-expensive alternative. Over years of listening to him play, I've come to believe that I could walk into a junkyard, buy a yard of copper pipe, drill some holes in it, and send it off to Jay with a cheap mouthpiece and he would then make music from it that would be amazing and recordable! "Buy the Better Sax soprano - now in copper!"
It may be heresy, but if you spend some time in a music store listening to the sounds coming out of a room in which a beginner is trying out horns, sound is almost a non-factor in making a purchase. Truly, you'd want to avoid a make/model with known intonation problems and/or structural inadequacies, but the rest of the boxes to be checked are almost entirely practical things - the F# key, can junior's pinky reach the Bb, cost... (Though I wonder if the state of world affairs is going to impact the availability/price of Chinese products in general, I agree with the sentiment that quality assurance and a guarantee are the deciding factors and it sounds like the Better Sax model has those things covered.)
In schools, a beginner sax needs to last maybe six years - until it gets sold to help buy junior's first college textbook (er... or maybe HALF price of the textbook in today's college world!) or traded in for the "next" level. Yeah, the Yamaha has a track record of being essentially eternal and Jay could play the 26 on pro recordings if he wanted to and never have to actually buy a pro saxophone, but many of us mortals will trade up in college foolishly thinking that the pro horn will instantly make us better. Though I have very few opportunities to do so, I would enthusiastically recommend the Better Sax model to student making their first purchase. Good luck!
Thanks! The real reason for upgrading a horn in college or anytime is that with the progress you've made you can rationalize deserving it. There is serious diminishing returns as you go up to intermediate and pro horns. But if you are serious about the instrument you may as well get the best gear and take advantage of those small improvements if you can afford it. If you are majoring in saxophone at college or playing professionally, having a 3-10% better instrument is probably worth it.
Once upon a time, back in the 1980's, Japanese sax's were looked down on, when my mum bought my Yanagisawa T500, as it wasn't a Selmer. Now they are recognized for their build quality.
It appears that the Chinese sax's are getting better.
I definitely think the Better Sax instrument is the best "Bang for bucks".
Well done Jay!
Thanks and yes exactly that about all things made in Japan.
Same with certain Yamaha, Squier acoustic/electric guitars and basses they now quite sought after on the used market!
U.K. Tenor player here. I recently bought a Yamaha alto and it was a toss up between the Yamaha and the Better Sax and the only reason I went for Yamaha (YAS 280) was because of its proven re-sell power. The Better Sax is a nice sax!
The problem with a video like this Jay is that you sound good on any sax!
Kinda true… every instrument reviewer just sounds good no matter what they play on, and doesn’t tell much as to how much success a beginner/intermediate player would have
Yamaha has a proven track record with drums, keyboards, guitars, basses, woodwinds, etc. It is very much company policy (in my opinion) that they do not want to be a price fighter, but provide well-made instruments for a reasonable price.
That said, I would not buy an instrument without playing it in a brick and mortar shop, no matter brand reputation. That's how I settled on my YTS-280. It was by far the best one that fit my budget. It is brilliant.
Those are great horns.
Well you may not be trying out horns for much longer because brick and mortar shops are disappearing and the shops that still exist do carry much.
I've owned and played many high-end saxophones, almost every one from the Yamaha line, along with Selmer Super Action 80s. I stopped playing saxophones because of physical issues 2 years ago, and during that time sold both my Selmers. After using a borrowed horn for a few days, I found that I could play without pain or repetitive stress injuries, so I bought the BetterSax alto. WOW!! It is the most free-blowing, easy-playing horn I've owned. So easy to play top-to-bottom. Tone is great. The lighter weight makes it easier on this old body. I'm so glad I bought it, and I'll keep singing its praises. Thanks Jay!
It’s a bit unfair that you make a comparasion to yas26 and i think this video mislead the viewers outside U.S. I’d wish you made a comparasion with yas280 that is international model and comes with a F#, gold keys, zipped strap case and a price very near Better sax. We all know who would win in this scenario…😉
That would be a much more fair contest. At the same price they are very comparable.
It's obvious he didn't wanted to compare with yas280 😂
Mm me a
What about the yas62?
@@JayCee-hw4zcI would say 62 wins easily. But if you really consider 62, I would suggest wo01 from yani. Yani’s tone is very very good.
Hi Jay. I have the better sax from your first run. Was so happy to get one despite shipping delays...wait was worth it. I rented student Yamaha for a year first. Better sax keys so much more responsive and fit my hands better. Got burnin mouthpiece too. Soooo worth it. And the vintage cognac finish is the perfect touch. Great job Jay.
Thanks so much Barbara I love hearing this from people! I’m glad you are enjoying the mouthpiece too!
I have the previous Yamaha the YAS-23 and the first generation of the Better Sax Alto EAS111, and love both of them for their own reasons. This is coming from a non professional sax player that just likes to play on the side.
I've had my Yamaha for about 24 years now and have had to do very little maintenance to it even after it sat in my case after high school for many years. Took it out of the case one day after all these years and still played great! I think at the time in the late 90's my YAS-23 was only going for about $800 new back then. It's crazy how much it has gone up in price. It's no doubt that the Better Sax is a great value and looks so good esthetically. I got my EAS111 for $650 when Jay was selling them on his website, which is a bargain of a life time. There will not be a "Better" 😂 deal for a new alto.
I'm a Yamaha fan boy all around from Saxophones as I have a Yamaha YTS-62iii Tenor as well, an older Yamaha piano, Yamaha organ, Yamaha keyboard and probably my loudest noise maker my Yamaha motorcycle.
Both are great, and I plan on keeping all of my Yamahas and my Better Sax for a long time!
Thanks Alex! Yes it was a no brainer to buy Yamaha when they were priced affordably. They really held their value well too. The saxophone hasn’t changed much but the price certainly has.
same, yamaha has never failed
I'll be keeping an eye on the reviews while I wait for the tenor model!
I think the Better Sax looks nicer for sure.
Thank you!
Hi Jay, after started your courses on a cheap chinese student sax (nearly 3 years ago) and planned to buy a BetterSax alto, at last I ordered one a week ago from Sweetwater. My daughter will bring it to me from NY to Budapest.... so I have to wait a bit for our first meeting. Anyway I'm looking forward to have it in my hands and want to say thank you for all your efforts both in teaching and developing a new student instrument... So big big THANKS!!!!
Great to hear this. Congrats on the new horn!
I did a lot of research and ended up buying a Better Sax alto in the UK about 2 months ago. I absolutely love it!
Thank you. Love to hear this. I would very much appreciate if you could leave a review with @sax.co.uk
One other key difference (and a disadvantage in Yamaha student saxophones) is that the bow to body joint in the Yamaha saxophone is a glued joint without the brace holding the joint together (unlike the Bettersax, which has a better design). Any knocks to the bell can potentially create leaks in this joint.
I own a YAS-26 that came to me second hand for $450 in mint condition. There are many second hand Yamahas for sale. There are probably very few Better Sax floating around in the pre-owned market because they are so new. Yamahas are so popular that replacement parts can be found on the Internet, something I appreciate because I run a repair business. Jay sounded great on both horns.
I needed to add another comment. On my first listen to Jay’s presentation my ears were telling me I preferred the Yamaha sound, but to be fair that absolutely does not mean what I hear is better. The Yamaha, for me sounded a bit warmer and probably because of the plastic resonators. Well I heard the fellow at Sax uk play the better sax alto and in his presentation the sound of the better sax sounded a bit warmer. I would purchase the Better Sax because it’s a better value and With the right set up and the way I play I sense I would be able to get the sound I desire. Great creation. Bravo!
It's probably the post processing or microphone.
When I started playing saxophone, my first saxophone was a secondhand Yamaha YAS 25 (the one with high F# key), people always told me to start with used but in good condition Yamaha, man that was the best decision and investment I made, I saved a lot of money and got an amazing instrument. But always try before purchase! Other brand that I've heard is Jean Paul but never tried one of those neither Better Sax.
Of the two your horn is better I think. The aesthetics alone make a huge difference and the price comparison makes the choice clear. Would love to see you come out with a Bari in the ballpark of $1k
Thanks! It would be very tough to make a bari at that price worth buying. Lots more costs involved.
@@bettersax wishful thinking 😆but it would be interesting to see what you could do with a bari
I have no doubt you’ve made a nice horn, but the question I’ll always have is longevity/maintenance. A 30 year old YAS-2x can still be easily maintained with plenty of parts available. Will that be the case with your horn (or other recent horns like TM, JP, etc)?
Saxophone parts that need replacing are pretty much universal (pads, springs, corks, pivot screws, hinge rods) so no issue for any of the horns you mentioned. Parts for the BetterSax are available from Conn-Selmer in any case. These horns will last just as long as a Yamaha. Check back with me in 30 years.
@@bettersax you’re on! Seriously, though, thanks for your work here.
Jay, I am seriously considering one of these for my granddaughter who is signing up for band next year. The pushback I received from her music teacher and the shop that rents and repairs instruments was incredible. (neither one had heard of Better Sax!) Rental/ Repair shop who Is a Conn Selmer dealer said they wouldn't work on one and "you get what you pay for" when asked about one. The Sweetwater sales rep was very helpful but in the end said he would hate to see the teacher hold it against her for not going with what the teacher wants. I am inclined to do it anyway but am astounded that instructors would not be looking for better quality affordable options for the kids.
James we hear this same story a lot. Music stores only want you to purchase instruments they sell themselves. Some go so far as to say they won’t do repairs on anything they don’t sell. Sounds like the band teacher is not a saxophonist. It would be difficult to be up to date on all the new instruments especially those that aren’t your specialty. However, a good music teacher would never hold it against a student for purchasing an instrument other than the one recommended by them. You cannot go wrong with this instrument for your granddaughter. 2 year warranty from Sweetwater and my personal guarantee that you’re getting a high quality and very capable instrument which happens to be an excellent value. The local music store is always going to try to sell you what they have in stock and discourage customers from purchasing anything else. Believe me if they had the Better Sax alto for sale they would be very happy for you to purchase one.
A great objective comparison. As you always say, it's you, not the equipment. 😀 They both sound great.
I'd buy the one which had the most "ergonomic" G - B-flat pinky key distance. Of those I've tried so far, Yamaha wins on that (have a limited reach on left hand).
From other Chinese horns I've handled - I can only reach low B-flat by almost slipping the ring finger off the G key.
for me my yamaha 23 is much easier on the table keys distance wise the better sax low bflat has that awkward reach to me as well. nice deep full sound from the better sax I will say that.
I'd love to see a similar video with the new better sax tenor
I am a beginner of around 6 months.
Having recently purchased my Bettersax from the store in London, I have to say I find it to be a beautiful horn that is fairly easy to play using the provided mouthpiece and a Vandoren 2.5 reed. My playing is coming together nicely thanks Jay....
So glad to hear this! Please leave a review on @sax.co.uk would mean a lot to me.
@@bettersax Hi Jay, have improved loads and now looking to move up to the Tenor however, I'm still anxiously awaiting details on you new Bettersax Tenor Horn.. When?
I just bought a YAS 26 here in Canada used at L&M for 550 (tax included) that came with a case, couple reads, strap. Sounds like I got an awesome deal. Its used but looks like it was not played much. Looks new.
Quite awesome deal.
Hm.
Firstly: like every one of Your videos this one was very informative, well explained and nice edited. You're really doing a phantastic job, constantly. Many thanks and big respect for that!
I'm a bit confused about the price of the YAS-26. 2400 bucks for a student's sax is way too much - especially if You have the other Yamaha alto models in mind: the YAS-280 "standard student's sax" is available below 1000 Euros; the intermediate YAS-480 is around 1800 Euros while the (pro-horn?) YAS-62 costs just a bit more than the YAS-26.
(For those who don't know it: the 280 and 480 as well as the 62 have the high F# key.)
I really see no reason why some one should pay that much for a beginner's instrument.
When I bought my first (and only, so far) Saxophone, Your "Better Sax" model wasn't existing. I've chosen the YAS-280 over the other entry instruments (Jupiter, Jean Paul, ...) because of the great reputation of Yamaha and especially the 280 as "the best student's sax". Never regretted that decision, but today I'd maybe choose (certainly I would consider it) the Better Sax Instrument: it seems to be also a very, very good instrument to start, but it's significantly cheaper than the 280.
honestly i would choose a yamaha 23 over either of these (YTS-23 though lol, i dont play alto) because they have an incredible track record and if im going to get a student sax i want something that will last for years. yamaha has stood the test of time and has shown to be able to last, and at this point the bettersax is just too new for it to be certain that it can do the same
For me, as a new sax student-price is the bottom line.
Hi Guys,
How the price looks in your contry right now? In Poland both sax are in similar price, in local currency PLN about 4400 - 4800 full price.
I personally have chosen Yamaha as I have this kind of glitch in my mind - similar price, Yamaha is Yamaha. I bought few days ago YAS-280 for myself. I never played any sax before, I'm 35 and I think Yamaha won't loose on value if I quick.
What do you think?
Undeniably the resale value argument is exclusively for Yamaha.
From what I can see here the saxophones are fairly equal for the instrument itself with small advantages to the bettersax alto. The Biggest advantage is the price point. As for a personal alto and case I agree that the one that comes with the bettersax is a good case.
In a School setting though I HATE zip cases and know that the hard and latched case is better for elementary and middle school students. The zippers and extra straps always get damaged and I will end up having to purchase a new case in short order.
I have played on the Yamaha Alto and it plays great. I would love to get a hold of a Bettersax alto to try out for my elementary schools as we are in the process of purchasing a few instruments every year.
Lots of schools have purchased the BetterSax and we get great feedback from them.
I have students who have 30-40yr old Yamaha 23’s and repairers love them. We’ll see if the new Chinese horns remain repairable for that long
Tilting left-hand pinky cluster makes a big difference. I’ve always wished Yamaha kicked that feature down to the 23.
oh, and how about a Better Sax soprano?? 😁
Just purchased The Better Sax and knowing the reputation of Yamaha I currently play a Vito Japan which is in excellent condition and plays well too I like the cost of the Better sax and very confident it will hold up etc can’t wait to play it ❤️👍
Congratulations!
From a previous Band Student perspective in the late 80's to the mid 90's. I was started on a very cheap, used but still in very good condition, alto sax that my parents bought for $100 from a music shop. I learned everything on that saxophone from 6th grade on. When I moved up to high school years, I started looking to upgrade to a better saxophone. I was looking at either a Yamaha or a Selmer. I chose a very old Selmer Mk 6 that just looked great. The petina on that horn was awesome to look at, and it had a beutiful sound. I used that sax for concert band while using the $100 dollar sax for marching band if I wasn't playing on the school owend tenor saxophones. I can say in my experience brand wasn't looked upon when starting in 6th grade. The only requirements were "Do you have a saxophone, Yes or No? If Yes go to 6th grade band class. If No, go get one" Having a new instrument with a price point of $899 would have been a great selling point for my 6th grade saxophone choice. The Better Sax sounds great in the hands of an expert. Which in turn would mean, at least to me anyway, that it would make a great instrument for kids now to learn on.
Jay if you start releasing Bari's I will literally order asap
very pleased with my YAS 25 , bought it 1.5 year ago in pristine condition, guess i am the lucky one
Buying used is the best value for those. New it’s overpriced.
The quality of Chinese goods has become comparable to the quality of the source. Materials in case the buyer is not greedy - also on the level. The technology is the same, production control is the same, why pay more? Jay, good luck with your sellings)
Hello Jay. Is there a BetterSax tenor in the works? If so, can you say when it might reach market?
Yes, there is. Should be available this fall.
@@bettersax Can't wait to hear it!
I would be interested in knowing what you would change to make this saxophone be considered a professional saxophone instead of a student one.
For me it is already a professional horn since I can use it professionally and so could any other pro sax player. Things you could add to it are mainly cosmetic like fancier engraving, real pearl key touches, a more expensive mouthpiece and accessories, a more expensive case.
@@bettersax and to add to that, my advice to ANY student, buy the best quality mouthpiece AND ligature you can afford! The ease of play, the tonal reproduction of those two elements, combined with an excellent Reed (what qualifies a Reed in that respect is largely subjective) will make playing what appears and sounds to be an excellent alto sax much more rewarding and even perhaps easier.
MP and reed upgrade advice applies 1,257 times more critically in purchases of cheap Amazon saxophones.
I think the one piece keyguard is better because it also protects the C# key. My purple logo yamaha 62 also has that.
post to body horns: King super 20 / zephyr, Keilwerth, Conn 6m 10m, Yanagisawa 901. Rib Construction: Selmer, Yamaha 62 / Custom Z, Paul Mauriat, etc
springs: none seem to be as good as they used to be.
when are you going to make a tenor sax ?
Better Sax Has A warm Full sound, Yamaha 26 has a shallow bright sound I'm NOT A BIG FAN OF! Your doing a great Job Jay keep it up !!
Thanks Allen appreciate that.
You should have compared it to the Yamaha YAS 280 which is all gold, has the high F# key and is only $1,329 on Amazon. I suspect that if you compared them side by side the difference in quality would be remarkable in favor of the Yamaha.
It makes more sense to buy the Better Sax for a student to learn on simply from the cost angle. A student needs to learn the basics of fingering, embouchure and breath control, learning scales, and reading music. Spending almost $3k on the Yamaha is fine if your budget can handle it, but the student will not really learn "better" (no pun intended) on the expensive sax. Jay has shown that his horn is capable of sounding excellent and at a very affordable price. What if the student plays for a year or two, then puts the sax in the closet and forgets it? I have bought many saxophones at garage sales that parents were selling. Some of them looked like they were never played. To me, it's a logical choice.
Thanks, agreed.
The Yamaha YAS-280, which clearly was the go-to student saxophone over here in the Netherlands (or at least it's predecessors), is actually only €2 more expensive than yours over here (which holds for most European countries). And the Yamaha YAS-280 does have a high F# key and comes with a similar suitcase that I would say is looks even a little bit sturdier on the handles and also has an exterior pocket and back straps.
Big fan of your video's, but since you live in France I expected at least a fairer comparison with the YAS-280. A $2500 instrument shouldn't be the student sax you compare yours to (neither a pro or student horn in that price category) imo. However, for the price tag the YAS has outside of Europe I'd say the choice is clear. Get yourself the bettersax, the YAS is good for sure, but not worth the $2500 price range
Thanks Max, the vast majority of my audience is in the US where the YAS280 isn't really available. The YAS-26 is also one of the best selling student alto saxophones so it does make sense to compare them. I agree that the YAS280 is much more competitive with the BetterSax because of the features and price.
@@bettersax Makes more sense then, yes. Any reason why the YAS-280 is not available in the US? Is it due to a (before yours) lack of competition on good and affordable student saxophones?
I assumed the YAS-26 was an older model and the YAS-280 was the current top of the line student model as I have not seen the YAS-26 for sale anywhere new in the UK at least, but have seen the 280 for sale new. I like Yamaha saxes, but the 26 has a straight, bright tone which to me doesn't sound as flexible as the fuller, darker sound of the Better Sax and I prefer it. Great job!
The older "student" model is the YAS-23. The YAS-26 is sold only at the United States. The YAS-280 is for the international market.
Thanks! 26 is US version (basically same horn as 280)
it's unbelievable! i just couldn't notice the difference while i've closed my eyes! not just for the lower cost, but for all the stuff, better sax is undeniable the better choice ever!
For me, at the end of day I would never pay $2400 for a student horn, similar to how I’d never pay $12,000 for a Mark VI. My parents would never have been able to spend $2400 on a beginner horn when I started playing 25 years ago. I know with inflation prices have ballooned but a student horn priced at less than $1000 should be an option and I’m glad the Better Sax provides that option.
Your Alto BetterSax have been reconized around the world! I played main on Tenor, so i wonder when your Tenor version come out?
I was rooting for the Better Sax. But I’ll have to say, for my ears, the Yamaha clearly had a richer, deeper, sweeter sound. So the question you must ask: If your ears prefer the Yamaha sound, is that richer sound worth the extra money? I
If you try two horns and clearly prefer the much more expensive one this is what you have to ask yourself.
@@bettersax I preferred everything about the Better Sax except For my ears I preferred the Yamaha sound, but not everyone hears the same. I’m guessing that the Yamaha leather pads with the plastic overlay may be the difference. I don’t know what the cost factors are but it would be interesting to know what the better Sax would sound like if it had the same or similar pads as the Yamaha. Maybe offer the Better Sax in two versions with two different pads for different sounds ( if that’s the difference.) I’m guessing again, one can purchase a Better Sax and put leather pads in with the plastic overlay and the Better sax would probably still be less expensive and be a Better Horn. Again, that’s just my ears and others may prefer the sound from the Better Sax. Everything else about the Better Sax appeared ‘better.’ I enjoy your channel, you are a great value to musicians and sax players. Thanks.
(I just remembered; the name is not overlay, it’s resonators.)
I think you’re mostly hearing the plastic resonators in the Yamaha vs. the Pisonis with metal resos. I prefer the Bettersax sound. Listen to a Yamaha re-padded with metal resos - and you’ll hear many of the same qualities in the tone.
@@DiMoraDiamond yes, correct, I’m hearing the difference because of the plastic vs the metal resonators. Since I prefer a warmer tone my ears gravitated to the Yamaha. Having said that I do believe the Better Sax is a better value and probably can get the sound I desire out of it.
I've started to feel more confident with a saxophone so someday soon. I'm going to get one soon.
How long approximately before you have a tenor better sax. I’m in the market for a tenor and am anxious.
I'm a sucker for Yamaha, but I prefer the lacquer on the Bettersax alto.
Is there a chance you are coming up with a tenor soon or should I still count on your previous JP suggestion?
Comparing to prices in Europe (Thomann and others) for similar models ( yas-280 in this case), the question easily arises.
How can be that saxophones have these crazy prices in USA? What is your opinion Jay?
TY, your videos are handy, useful and cool 👍
I honestly don't know. Yamaha should be able to set their prices however they want, and they aren't being at all competitive with the student line, so it just seems to be bad business from my perspective. There's no way the YAS-26 costs significantly more to make than the Better Sax. It very likely costs a lot less to produce since they have their own factory producing only Yamaha instruments.
Far out Jay ! Your Better Sax alto is a great student horn , for the $$$ . And a great backup at that price . Thank you for giving students or anyone for that matter a great choice .
Thank you! That’s the mission.
Please make a bari better sax. I need one in my life, but those are so expensive...
Jay I purchased your horn today from Sweetwater. Hoping this fits my desire to play alto.
Congrats on the new horn!
Jay, your better sax is a great value compared with the over priced Yamaha 26. Now, having said that, I bought a VITO made by Yamaha( yas 23 copy)at pawn shop for $100. I can't stand high F# key, I learned the regular way on my 1962 Mark 6, (my 1976
Mark 7, had high F#.)
I like the king super 20 under slung neck that you used for the better sax. All in all great sax, great value!!
Nice playing and interpretation as always. What's the model/type (Rovner?) of ligature are you playing in this video? Thanks, Jay!
That’s the Versa X
That price is weird. In Australia the YAS-26 costs about $1000USD, including tax. And *nothing* comes cheap in Australia, so this comparison looks different depending where you are in the world.
Been playing sax (jazz soprano, alto & tenor). Both my alto and tenor are Yamah Z series and the soprano is a Selmer.
While I still maintain that a lot of the tonal nuances are also influenced by the mouthpiece, reed & ligature choice, two things about the side by side comparison strike me; the Yamaha sounds brighter across the complete range of the instrument as opposed to the better sax alto that appears to have a slightly warmer tone from mid to lower range notes.
I would say that today, a CRITICAL requirement for ANY sax, soprano, alto or tenor is the easily accessible high F# key, especially if you are expecting to play the modern "smooth jazz" type of music. This note is used extensively in any modern jazz composition keyed in a SHARP key.
The deciding factor for me would be the price, and for the quality (post to post, blue steel keys, kid leather pads), the better sax alto is clearly the superior horn!
I agree on the brightness of the Yamaha. Not a bad thing if that’s what you want. He BetterSax is in the middle of the bright dark spectrum but always warm.
@@bettersax Sounds almost like a David Sanborn or Grover Washington Jr combination of warmth and brightness. Not a bad point in the spectrum to aim for in my opinion.
why is the high f# key a critical point? For almost all alitissmo playing the forked f# is far easier, so I'm interested in your reasoning.
@@georgebutler3477 I would dispute that; the D, Eb, E & F are all on the right hand palm stack; it is much easier to hit the F# With the dedicated key on the same stack because of the frequent passages from D - F# through those keys, especially when palying modern jazz, and the incidence of needing to play the altissimo G is not that common in modern Jazz; for example, take a look at most Euge Groove, Richard Elliott etc; the use of altissimo G is far less frequent than F# so it makes more sense to have that dedicated key. Yes, I DO agree that for altissimo G the forked key is almost necesary, but, as I said, that particular note is used FAR less frequently than the F# as most modern jazz doesn't require playing above F#. I would also add that just about EVERY so called "Professional" horn has the dedicated F# for a reason (and many sopranos even have a dedicated G key), so if it is used frequently for professionals, then they obviously feel it to be necessary. Just about all my students on tenor alto and soprano make extensive use of the dedicated F# key and it makes the frequent "Scale" passages from D through F# much easier and comfortable, and as a semi pro myself of over 30 years, I can tell you that I wouldn't even consider ANY horn that didn't have that key because I use it so frequently. That is why the horn featured is excellent and would appear to be superior to the YAS product from Yamaha, but it falls short on that one minor, but IMO necessary element. Why pay for a horn without the key only to find that 3 or so years down the line you have to pay for a horn that DOES have that key?
@@trevorbrit2300 Interesting, for me personally it's quite the opposite. I play altissimo super frequently and thus have learned to play forked E, F, and F# as second nature, to the extent that I didn't notice the absence of it when I swapped to my current horn. Because of that I don't even consider the F# key when looking at a sax as I only would consider using it coming from say middle g or a. And running from d-F#, same incidence for me. I'm not saying you're wrong, I just find it interesting how different the perspectives on that are. Also, when you say modern jazz what are you referring to stylistically? I'll take a look at your examples, but nearly all players I listen to who play now use altissimo in nearly every piece during solos, e.g gerald albright, Kenny Garrett, Patrick Bartley, Carlos Eiene. Just a heads up I'm not trying to argue with you, I've just never met anyone who deems the F# key important so I'm interested in that other perspective.
👍🏽I have a 1980 has 23 (Japan) ……MkVI sleeper👍🏽Paid a $100 in 1981 from a grandmother who got it for her grandson who didn’t want to play say…In the right place at the right time 👍🏽However; I’m playing the heck out of my Bettersax Alto after Scott had it set-up. Plays Awsome✌🏽🎵🎶🎷
💪🏼
Congrats for this high quality video, Jay!!
Bettersax looks better!
Your conclusions are right.
Thank you Christian
A used made in Japan yas can be found for half the price of the Better sax and way less than new.
It might need work but could actually hold value.
Looking for treasure is fun and it supports the sax repair technician.
Absolutely. Problem for many people is that they don’t know what they are getting used. They feel more comfortable buying new with a guarantee etc.
True! My son started 5th grade band a couple of years ago and I found a YAS-23 locally for $250 which has yet to require any significant repair cost or set up. However, I commend you Jay for producing a grest horn for the money. I am quite surprised the current cost for a new student Yamaha is over $2000 retail! Yikes!
Hi i really enjoy your review videos
Recently I've been looking at antigua saxophones and i wonder if you have ever tried one of their horns! Id like to know your thoughts
I like all the features of the better sax one. Where can I road test one before I purchase it, to be sure it suits me?
The Better Sax looks like a good horn. Speaking as a band director, though, I really hate the zipper cases for student saxophones. Every year I have a kid who drags it along the ground on the bottom corner, filing down the zipper to the point where it can't be opened. The zipper pull tags break and come off, so you're left trying to open it with a paper clip until the whole mechanism breaks. Then you're pushing it with your fingernail. Finally, the whole zipper wears out. Finding someone able and willing to replace a zipper on an instrument cases is impossible in my area. If I look in my band lockers right now, I bet I would find at least ten broken zippers. My own student sax was made in the 60s (Beuscher Aristocrat/Bundy I) and that hardshell case with latches is still going.
Always enjoy Jay's fun and informative videos. Thank you, sir!
The one thing this video did not answer is how the two instruments compare on durability. Yamaha has established its reputation for quality and reliability over DECADES. BetterSax hasn't been around long enough to do that (yet).
The true price of a saxophone (or any instrument) is: 1) the ticket price, and 2) the cost of repairs and maintenance over the lifetime of the instrument. I look forward to hearing Jay compare the costs and frequency of repairs for BetterSax instruments to the (other) leading brands in a future video.
I like the Yamaha much more not only because these instruments are so closely connected to my childhood. However, I would purchase an used Yamaha student saxophones from the eighties which were still made in Japan. Isn't that great?
Hello, please I have a question.
I’m 25 years old, I’m from Czech Republic and I would like to start study playing alto sax.
And now biggest question… which sax to buy?
I saw a lot of your’s videos and thank you very much, I really like your good job🫡👍
I was found one older sax called: The Selmer Company U.S.A. Budgy II.
It’s from 70’s and complete after servis.
But I can’t found any informations, viedos, or reviews on this sax. 😔
Please do you know this sax?
What do you think about it?
Thank you so much for your answer.
Have a good day 😉
Jay I just got a text saying I won a baritone sax from your site. They wanted me to pay postage. I am sending this message to you to verify. I wonder if others are getting this contest notification.
That has nothing to do with us. Do not reply.
@@bettersax thanks, luckily I didn't send them "postage" of $170.
Just bought the YAS-280 2 days ago, didn't know that Better Sax was available! Didn't understood the difference between the yamaha 280 and the YAS 26.
You made a good purchase. Those are a better value.
Likewise, I would like you to tell me which model of tenor sax has the complete bumper?????
I am planning to buy the better sax based on you and many other reviewers opinions. It's a big decision as it's for my son and $899.99 is nothing to sneeze at. He is 9 and he takes piano and will continue to do so. If you have any advice, I would appreciate it. We have borrowed a sax to make sure of his interest and to get him familiar before we make the big purchase.
I’m glad to hear it. When he gets it make sure you watch the video I link to on the card in the case which shows in detail how to set it up take it apart and take care of it. If your son does that and you guide him a bit at first he will get many years of great music out of the instrument.
@@bettersax thank you so much.
Hello my friend. I would like to congratulate you for the content that is very important to saxophonists and also for the initiative to seek more accessible options for our category.
I would also like to know if you have plans to export and resell in Brazil.
In advance, I am very grateful
Now we know why you were asking about the high F#! 😀 The Yamaha definitely sounds like a Yamaha - good for fat but not so good for delicate IMO. I love my raucous YAS-62 but lately I also miss my beautifully fragile sounding student Buescher.
Haha yeah I needed to back up my claims with some evidence.
I have a YAS280, bought long before the Better Sax was available. Boooo 😭. Would a YAS280/Better Sax comparison be more aligned? YAS280 also has the high F# key.
That’s a more fair comparison because of the price similarity . The yas 280 is more or less the exact same saxophone as the yas 26. Problem is they don’t sell them In USA normally so since my audience is mostly American not super helpful for most.
How does this stack up to the Jean Paul?
Hi Jay, been playing on a Yamaha YTS-28 for 5 years but sadly had to sell her, recently bought a Jupiter JTS 587 that is pretty neat
Do you recon Jupiter's are quality? Could you do a review on one🔥 thanks
Getting confused about the texture of tone of Better Sax...... Am confused between the Brightness of Yamaha, Darkness of P. mauriat & mellowness of Selmer Ref 54.Can you clarify please. Thanks
I’m going into college and plan on majoring in Music Education. Due to this, I wanted to buy a saxophone for myself. Do you think I should get the “Better Sax Alto Saxophone” for students or consider getting a different one? Any suggestions would help!
Are students in the US able to afford $2K+ for a student/first sax? Can't imagine parents paying that much to see if Jane likes to play sax or not.....Here in the UK the YAS-280 is around $1100 which is half the price....why so much in the USA?
Is that a normal price for the Yamaha in the US? For that price you can buy a YAS-62 here in Europe.
Yes that is the normal price
The price of the Yamaha in the US blows me away. In Canada the YAS-26 is $1600 CAD which is about $1250 USD.
Wow, did someone forget the Canadian surcharge? Don't tell Target!
Agree
@@unclemick-synths we don’t have target anymore 😭😭
@@craigiefconcert6493 Target certainly thought they could overcharge Canadians. It was a pity to lose Zellers but Giant Tiger are gradually stepping into the gap so Walmart don't have a monopoly on that market.
Love it, Need to look into your horn Sir
Thanks!
Yamaha has been around for a long time, and has made quality instruments for a long time. The pitch is flawless on every Yamaha instrument that I've owned! That being said, I would put a great deal of weight in a company that has been around for decades, when comparing their product to a much younger competitor!
Is there an alternative to the Yamaha Soprano (475 model I think?) I'd ike to learn soprano, but I'd certainly rather spend less than 2k-3k for a soprano. Or is a soprano simply a more expensive instrument? I'm asking because I notice some sopranos cost equal or more than their alto counterparts. Thanks so much.
The Yamaha classic case is rugged, bulletproof, and will outlast any other case. It's construction is the benchmark for sax industry.
I own a Yamaha YAS-25, how does it compare to the YAS-26? I didn't expect its price to be that high, as I got my YAS-25 for $700 (brand new).
How does the JEAN PAUL 400 model compare to the BetterSax Classic?
The Yamaha sounds a bit shrill to me
Nice video jay.
Yes l am late to the party
Your sax is great for the money. I am a Yamaha person though so still prefer the Yamaha .
Keep up the great work.
Do you think at some time in the future you’ll make a tenor sax?
Yes
2400 for a student model!? at that point you might as well spring for a pro horn, at least that way if it doesn't work out for you you're at least left with something with a lot of resale value.
I do agree that it is priced out of the”student” category. That’s too much to spend for the vast majority of people for their kid’s instrument.
@@bettersax what is going on with the Yamaha prices in the US, the price of the 26 is madness. The 280 in the UK is the equivalent of $1200, has a better case and a high F#. You can get a YAS62 in the UK for not that much more than they want for the YAS26.
@@PJBelfield they must be dyslexic and getting the numbers mixed up
Better Sax palm keys are smaller than the Yamaha, or actually, any other sax I've ever played. Probably have to fix this with some cork risers, but otherwise, a great little sax.
Because I play alot of classical music I would buy the the better sax, have to have the high F# key
Do have intermediate or professional saxophones as well?
Just purchased a new yas 26 in canada for 1649 and tax.
Why so expensive on sweet water site?
I have Yamaha for my experience it's perfect for study and more
Yes they are great horns.
ngl, both are overpriced for student saxes (at least in the market I have available), I could just pick up a yamaha yas 275 for 750-900 aud, like the better sax is 1.5 times that price point (after conversion from usd to aud), and the 275 is more than a good enough student horn, and then the yas-26/yas-280, well my 1930 conn transitional is cheaper after you've done the currency conversion. Ofc if you can't source a good second hand horn then the bettersax seems like a pretty good option, although I'd want to playtest it and compare against the eastar student sax as that's also supposed to be quite a good beginner horn.