Yani A902 or Maxtone SX63?

Alexwan84 · 10-26-2009, 12:57 PM

Due to increasing opportunity of playing alto, I've decided to buy my 1st alto. I was given the chance to buy a used A902 and I was torned between them as the Maxtone is really a steal buy (Cheap!! Who doesn't want an inexpensive horn with pro quality)

I've heard that maxtone have great review on their SX63 horn. Is it a great horn? How does it compare to the A902? Is the A902 worth that much for me to pay extra few hundred $$ for it? Is better for me to get a Yani that will last all my life? I'm thinking of getting a horn that will last long as I can't afford to buy another horn at this point of time.

I've never play a Yani alto before so I don't know how it play. Though the yani sop are great and I believe all their horns are great as well. Just need some opinion on them.

Alex

SaxPlayer1004 · 10-26-2009, 07:32 PM

Yani. End, nothing more needed, resale value alone is a reason to buy it, and the 902 is a killer horn that you will never need to replace

NissanMarkVII · 10-26-2009, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SaxPlayer1004

Yani. End, nothing more needed, resale value alone is a reason to buy it, and the 902 is a killer horn that you will never need to replace

Ditto. And I'm NOT anti-"Houli" either (even if my sig may suggest it). Just, the Yani, AT THIS POINT just sounds like a no-brainer. If Maxtones are as good they purport (which, they may very well be), then they will be around for a long time to come. At that time, of you want to change saxes, you could do so, with a more educated, and experienced outlook.

senior · 10-26-2009, 07:44 PM

The Yani. I have had several saxophones over the years, they come, they go but the Yani was here first and it still is here. I have found nothing that can replace it.

Pete Thomas · 10-26-2009, 08:00 PM

Maxtone make some great horns, they aren't all great, but to be honest I've never played a great Yanagisawa. Very good ones, yes, but nothing that makes me get as excited as the Maxtones I've tried.

I think it's important to compare them next to each other, and in that situation, my vote is for Maxtone.

Having said that, those who have responded( and provided they have compared the two horns) also have some very valid input. Mine is just a subjective opinion also, but I can guarantee it's based on comparing horn vs horn..

NissanMarkVII · 10-26-2009, 08:15 PM

Admittedly, my suggestion is not based on actual playing experience with the two saxes in question. I have played, and heard many Yani's, and know they retain re-sale quite well, and sound great (I have heard them played "Classic American Dark" to "Poppish Bright and Edgy". It is a versatile sax.

I have not played, or even held, a Maxtone, but base my comment and recomendation on the fact that sometimes ones taste changes, and the build quality of similar saxes that I have played.

Just advising to tread with caution, and to fully enjoy the purchase once your mind is made is made up. No regrets (regrets cost money, and can be worse than GAS!).

Pete Thomas · 10-26-2009, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NissanMarkVII

Just advising to tread with caution, and to fully enjoy the purchase once your mind is made is made up. No regrets (regrets cost money, and can be worse than GAS!).

Very true.

But still, my main criteria (or is it criterium?), would be for sound and build quality versus resale value (which is very often speculation).

I agree, tread with caution, but if the Yanagisawa costs more than the Maxtone, then resale value becomes a bit moot anyway. Especially if the market starts to realise how good the Maxtone horns are (and some, but not all, are truly great instruments)

wogeax · 10-26-2009, 10:05 PM

If the maxtone is indeed that much cheaper, I'd go with the Maxtone.
I have had several Maxtones and all have been excellent horns. Can't beat them at the price point.

Pete: I ordered a SX58- Anxiously awaiting. :-) (half the cost of the mauriat)

Alexwan84 · 10-27-2009, 01:11 AM

So...you would think that the Maxtone is a good buy? I've email the Maxtone company and they give me the price as following :
SX-63A/AB
Eb Alto Saxophone
Antique Finish & Black Genuine Pearls
W/ABS case
FOB Taiwan USD312.26/pc

SX-63A/ABE
Eb Alto Saxophone, Enlarged Bell
Antique Brass Plated & Multi-color Genuine Pearls
W/ABS case
FOB Taiwan USD529.42/pc

The yani will easily cost more than double their price...Just want to know anyone prefer the Maxtone more than the Yani?

wogeax · 10-27-2009, 02:07 AM

Good prices.
Not a big antique finish fan, but thats a personal choice. But the gold plate will cost quite a bit more. I like the unlacquered and the new dark gold lac.

Be aware, you will have extra costs invloved as I did.
There are bank transfer fees. Shipping costs and import fees. (depending on your country)
Could very well increase your cost an extra 200.00+.

They will make your horn according to your own specifications. So if you want an unlacquered finish with colored abalones, fully engraved neck to bell and large bell, they will do it. (of course costs will increase with each added option).
If you want to save costs, get the gold lacquer (or dark gold lac) and abalones. (no engravings or fancy finishes and it could cut costs 100.00+)

Good Luck

Alexwan84 · 10-27-2009, 12:52 PM

oh..they do sent directly from taiwan? i thought they don't do that...

wogeax · 10-27-2009, 06:03 PM

Yes, they do send direct from Taiwan.
Just send them another email and tell them what you want (options etc..) and how you want it to be shipped. They will send you an invoice for total amount.

**modman** · 10-27-2009, 08:59 PM

I want to say a few words about the SX63 Maxtone with rolled tone holes, c whisper key, gold plated alto.

EXCELLENT!

Horn is built like a tank, sound is dark almost Tenor like and played well.

One thing you MUST also consider besides import duties is the initial set-up
when buying directly from the manufacturer and sometimes even the distributor.

The SX63 I owned was purchased through a distributer (Oldsaxer on sotw), and had not been set-up yet and played well enough but the springs were too tight and the action was slow and laborious.

I took the time to loosen all the appropriate needle springs but never had the action adjusted by my tech before I sold it.

I do regret selling but needed the money for something else.

Randall on sotw now owns it.

Best of luck. B

bluesaxgirl · 10-28-2009, 12:23 AM

+35,469 for the Yani.
In my opinion, there's no comparison to be made here.
While the Maxtone has a decent reputation, the Yani has a better one.

skatkat · 10-28-2009, 03:34 AM

I have owned and played both horns.
If the maxtone is half the price, then no question my vote is maxtone.

Sure the yani is well made , great rep etc.. but many of the Taiwan pro Maxtones are just as good.

Alexwan84 · 10-28-2009, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skatkat

I have owned and played both horns.
If the maxtone is half the price, then no question my vote is maxtone.

Sure the yani is well made , great rep etc.. but many of the Taiwan pro Maxtones are just as good.

You think that the Maxtone will be as good as yani (or even better)? How about the difference in sound and action?

Just email them again and now waiting for the reply with the price. Heard that the SX63 is a hybrid of P Mauriat 67R and 76. Is that true?

If that is the case, then the Maxtone will be a steal buy (before the crazy price hike like the Mauriat and Cannonball).

Alex

Pete Thomas · 10-28-2009, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alexwan84

Just email them again and now waiting for the reply with the price. Heard that the SX63 is a hybrid of P Mauriat 67R and 76. Is that true?

Not IMO

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alexwan84

If that is the case, then the Maxtone will be a steal buy (before the crazy price hike like the Mauriat and Cannonball).

If you buy direct from the manufacturer, you'll probably get a good deal anyway, but you probably won't get such a smooth ride in the event of a warrantee claim.

I've always thought that Mauriat prices were very good for what you get.

Alexwan84 · 10-28-2009, 12:52 PM

If you buy direct from the manufacturer, you'll probably get a good deal anyway, but you probably won't get such a smooth ride in the event of a warrantee claim.

I've always thought that Mauriat prices were very good for what you get.[/quote]

Yup..I know Mauriat is good but comparing to the Maxtone, its still a long way more expensive with equally good(i think!!)

Pete Thomas · 10-28-2009, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alexwan84

Yup..I know Mauriat is good but comparing to the Maxtone, its still a long way more expensive with equally good(i think!!)

Well, they are different. The important thing is to get the horn you like!

itspman · 10-28-2009, 02:07 PM

Another vote for the Yani, I play a 902, and have been really happy with the horn.

Its well built, really great tone and should last years

Havent tried the maxtone but have heard mixed response about them.