Yani 901 vs 991

[daleb55]

A few years ago I bought an Antigua Winds soprano, and have struggled with it ever since. I played a student model Alto in high school and thought it would be fun to try a soprano. But I can't ever seem to play in tune throughout the range of the horn without making lots of embochure adjustments.

As a result, I have been considering a return to the Alto of my youth and have read good things about the Yani horns. My question is this: Is there a significant difference between the 901 and 991 series that justifies the additional cost? Also, does the bronze horn differ much from the standard laquered horn? I just want to get a horn that I can enjoy and play on occasion with others or in church or whereever without worrying about intonation problems or unintentionally jumping an octave.

[singlereed]

The A901 plays absolutley fine, its a bit livelier and brighter than the 991 as it has less strapping and hardware on it. Some of the fittings that keep the rods in place are plastic rather than metal, but they haven't skimped on anything vital. I would take the 991 if I had the choice, it just feels and sounds a bit more solid, but the 901 is the value for money buy and you have no reason to feel you have an inferior horn.

[daleb55]

Singlereed,

Thank you for your insight. Buying a saxophone can be a daunting experience, especially for us older amateurs who haven't played for a while. I just bought the Yani 901 Alto (easier on the budget than the 991), and expect to receive it from Holland in a week or so. :D

[Fred]

In case you missed this review in an earlier A901 thread, here it is for your reading pleasure. Anyone buying an A901 should enjoy the comments.
8)
http://www.saxophones.co.uk/alto_sax_tests.htm

[Tears June]

Yana made excellent alto & soprano (I'm their alto user as well). However, need to be-careful their lacquer is weak. A large potion on my friend's A-901 lacquer was worn out just for 7, 8 months (left side under the bell).

:cry: