Yanagisawa for beginners?

[aneider]

For the right choice of the horn: is it right, that the Yanagisawa horns are easier to play for a beginner than Selmer and Keilwerth saxes? Which Yanagisawa? 901, 902, 991 or 992?

Thanks for help
Andreas

[Dave Dolson]

aneider: I don't think it matters much what a beginner uses to learn saxophone as long as the chosen horn is tight and has a good scale. I recently passed down my Yanagisawa 880 alto (in pristine condition) to my 12-year old grandson to begin playing saxophone in his school band. His horn is the pride of the band - and he plays it well, too.

A well set-up Selmer, JK, Yamaha, Yanagisawa, or even a good vintage saxophone will work. Any of the top brands and models within the brands should suffice. DAVE

[Leotomcov]

All Yanagisawa's would be wonderful for a beginner...since they all play so well and are technically so sound. Perhaps the better question is which horn is priced better for a beginner. I mean, honestly, most beginners aren't going to play a A-993X...nor would I be comfortable letting a beginner risk denting it (too much good silver there).

The 901 is the way to go as a beginner. It is an amazing horn, priced slightly better than the Yamaha 62II or 62 and is a great bang for your buck. I think it can be had for about $1500 USD. This horn could easily be played for beginner/intermediate years and a pro could make it sing too...it is far better than a Yamaha 275/475 horn.

[DaveKessler]

All Yanagisawa's would be wonderful for a beginner...since they all play so well and are technically so sound. Perhaps the better question is which horn is priced better for a beginner. I mean, honestly, most beginners aren't going to play a A-993X...nor would I be comfortable letting a beginner risk denting it (too much good silver there).

The 901 is the way to go as a beginner. It is an amazing horn, priced slightly better than the Yamaha 62II or 62 and is a great bang for your buck. I think it can be had for about $1500 USD. This horn could easily be played for beginner/intermediate years and a pro could make it sing too...it is far better than a Yamaha 275/475 horn.

I agree. The Yani 901 is probably the best bang for your buck on the sax market. It is a wonderful playing, pro quality horn. Intonation is flawless and it isnt a total arm & a leg. I sell them new at $1595.00

Now personally, I do think it may be a little crazy to hand a beginner a $1600 horn. It depends on the student and you know your student, we dont.

I personally more of the nature of getting a Good well built horn and give the student a Great mouthpiece. What I recommend for beginners is the following:

Antigua 505 Alto - $695 - mark VI based design, full ribbed body construction, great intonation.
Kessler 50C* Mouthpiece - $39 - Based on our design made by JJ Babbitt using the tip opening and facing of an older Selmer C* mouthpiece on a 50% hard rubber/50% plastic mouthpiece.

Again, depends on how careful the student will be. If they are the type of kid who is prone to losing interest in things quickly, then they probably wont be as careful after a few months of playing.

If they usually are dedicated to things they do, then it is worth the extra money to get the Yani.

just my opinion from a retailer/repairman point of view.

[Tears June]

What about a beginner using a A-901 for one or two years, what alto you will suggest to upgrade?

A-991 seem to be not much different with 901, I have test it and compare side by side, almost same sound, just a bit thicker.

:cry:

[DaveKessler]

Actually, you would not NEED to upgrade from the 901. It is a Professional horn.

Now at some point if they become a very advanced player, they may want a different pro horn but the A901 will not hold them back from achieving anything.