Merits of a Yamaha 52

[Jazzophone]

Well, it seems to have come time for me (a ninth grade student, playing tenor for three years -- all of junior high) to get a horn of my own. The prospect is exciting, and we're exploring both new and used saxophones as possibilities. Today at Saint John's Music (Calgary) I got a recommendation for the YTS-52 -- they're having that Pro Days sale (apparently Yamaha is changing the model numbers now) and the savings amount to 1000$ on that particular model - hard to pass up for a sax geek!

Anyway, I was curious about the merits of a 52. I've been playing on this ANCIENT 23 model -- old enough not to have a front F key (ouch, I know). So, is the 52 a good idea? The guy there told us that I'd never actually need another horn if I got a 52, but if I wanted to get a pro horn (like a Mark VI or a Yamaha 61 or 62) that'd be the only reason to get rid of this one or upgrade.

So, what's the 52 like? What's good about it? What isn't? Information would be great :D thanks a bunch! Cross your fingers for me too ...

[super20dan]

the yamaha 52 is a fantastic sax for the money . in realiaty there are very few pro horns that can do more than this horn can do . i played one professionally for many years and it never let me down. only the cannonball horns can give this horn a run for its money. but there are really great closeout deals on the 52 ,and 62,s now.

[Gandar]

I would prefer YTS-62 , first edition. It isnt expensive either and it rocks. Dont know about YTS-62II.

[Morry]

I played the old 62 during the 80's decade and loved it. I recently tried a 62II, and didn't care for it at all. Man, I wish I had kept that old horn.

[Steve J.]

My opinion - The YTS 52 is my #1 recommended value. In general I have noticed no sound difference between it and a YTS62. A 52 purchase is a great idea - a fantastic one on a closout discount. I would agree you may never feel the need for another horn. I would not let your opportunity pass.

[Jazzophone]

Awesome, sounds like a good deal! I don't yet know a lot about saxes, I'm working on it ... thanks.

Is the 52 now called the YTS-475? I was trying to check out some stuff with Yamaha and got a bit confused.

[RobG]

I played a YTS-52 for about a year. Great horn at a good price. Would still have it except a MK VII came along and stole my heart away!

[Jazzophone]

sounds great :D also, what would be a good solid mouthpiece for this horn? I've been told a few things -- Meyer 5 or 6, or an Otto Link. Any experience with them? I played with a Yamaha stock mouthpiece for about two years (4C or 5C, I don't remember which) and I'm now on a plastic Selmer because it was an extra at school :P so, it would be great to have a "real" mouthpiece, just wondering about that. I play a Link on bari (Vito Low A) and it's pretty good.

[Steve J.]

The Morgan L chambers seem to match quite well with a YTS52. I would advise trying these.

[RadioImp]

One of my friends plays a 52, and she lets me have a play about when we get bored in band.
Personally, I don't like Yamaha saxes, having played a 23 (poss 25, can't remember) as my first alto, i find the movement on them to be very heavy.
That said, having had a go on her 52, I can see why some poepel would like them, nice tone, even intonation and assuming you can get on with they keywork (I have probelms with left hand pinky table), a very nice instrument all round.
Another thing I found is they have a slightly different colour (or at least the coupel i've seen do), they appear to be laquered in a slightly darker gold, closer to my Cigar Cutter Selmer.
Just my two bits, try one, if you like, have it :)

[Jazzophone]

Well, we bought me a YTS-52 today and I'm definitely happy with it on the first run: sure, I'll have to play it for a while and see how it goes but I've been on this "junk bucket" 23 for almost three years so this thing is like a dream. Exciting to finally have an axe of my own ... and the sound is fantastic! Ah, happiness is a well playing tenor.

Thanks for all the help, guys! 8)

[Josh]

As for mouthpieces, I use a rubber link 6 for classical and an NY link 7* for jazz on mine. I like them both.