Help! Have to choose between YAS61 vs YAS62

[Mark H]

I am about to upgrade my son from a YAS23. Looking at a used YAS61 and a used YAS62, but I do not know the differences. Both are good conditon and at approx the same price.

What are the thoughts on one vs the other - pros & cons?
Trying to decide tonight or tomorrow!

[M Exner]

You really can't go wrong on either choice. Of course the 62 is newer and in my opinion the better. I also think the key gaurd on the 61 looks a little strange, as someone said earlier "like a railguard on the highway."

[danm]

Well I have had both and I liked the 61 a little better. I bought the 62 brand new and it was a real fine horn. The 61 had the edge in sound however. I think it's a win win situation all around. Both have great keywork and great intonation. Plus they are not mouthpiece fussy at all.

[TerryD]

My son plays a YTS 61. We also weighed the same decision you're making........... 61 or 62. After play testing both, we went with the 61. There was no comparison in sound between the two. The 61 had a fuller, more powerful sound than the 61 which was much brighter and I felt, a less rich, less commanding sound. Of course all this is subjective and both are fine horns. We've had the 61 since last summer however, and it sounds better every day. Good luck!

[TerryD]

PS............. I think the key guard looks great!!! It gives the horn a funky vintage look.

[Morry]

I, too, love the retro keyguard on my 61 alto. I've owned it since new (1976), and wouldn't part with it. Charles Fail has a cool looking restored silver plate 61 alto that I'd love to have.