Yana Purchase

[SaxManiac]

I am a serious student who plays tenor and alto and would like to begin soprano. I've found a used Yana s991 Elimona from '92 on the internet for $1500. The instrument is "like new" and apparently little played. Is this a good price? How much work is this horn likely to require to be playable considering it is eleven years old and not played much? What is the significance of Elimona? Would I be better off buying a new s991 which can be had for about 2k? From what I've read here, the s991 seems to be a good choice for a professional instrument - good intonation and keywork at a reasonable price. Any advice or information would be appreciated. Thanks.

[dpwadw]

the price may be a little high: USAHorn brand new right now about $2300

work required: sometimes if dry-docked for a while the pads dry out and harden. They may look good but are hard as a rock and will not seal. A complete pad job can reach a few hundred bucks.

"Elimona": the traditional name for the top-line Yana. They don't call it that anymore, but everyone else still does

991's are mechanically excellent with very good intonation.

Hope this helps,

[singlereed]

For $1500 if it's sound, you have a good buy. Sops are often little-used and make a good secondhand buy, Yani are great players too. I would take it to a technician for a checkover anyway.

[DaveKessler]

I've found a used Yana s991 Elimona from '92

Actually, I believe that would have to be an S990, not an S991. If I remember correctly, the 901 & 991 designs were not introduced until 1996. I could be wrong.

[SaxManiac]

You could be right. I was wondering that myself. The serial number is from '92. Looking on the web, I couldn't find an explicit list of when each model was introduced. The history of the Yanagisawa models seems vague. Anyone know for sure? And if it is a S990, how does it compare with the S991? Thanks.

[DaveKessler]

I dont know the exact differences between the 990 and 991. But if it is a 990, I would try and talk em down on price. $1350 maybe. It should be stamped on the horn right above the serial number.

Also, If it were between the used 990/991 for $1500 and a new 901 for $1800-$1900, I say go the 901. We have found the every person locally who has tried the S901 vs the S991 (including my techs) prefer the S901. The only real difference between the 2 is the High G and the dual neck.

Just my two cents.


(I am not trying to sell you a S901, because I do not have any in stock at this time. Just giving my honest opinion. I can order in an S901 for you though should you like me to.)

[saxy_rich]

Go with the new s991. I personally think theyre the best sopranos you can possibley buy, its considerably cheaper than a selmer series III. The keywork is absolutely amazing, and just fits like a glove under the fingers. The tone is brilliant, and just the way a sop should be. The intonation is perfect. There are a lot of baris that are harder to get in tune than this little beast.

Try both of those horns, the used and new. I got my new s991 from USAHorn for $1999. but if that used compares to it, go ahead and buy it. The best 1500 youll spend on a saxophone

[BobD]

saxy_rich,

You got an s991 for 1999 from USAHorn? I just checked the USAHORN site and the s991 is going for $2330 while the s901 is $1995. Did you get a huge deal or was your s991 a misprint?