[MaxTT]

I have a Keilwerth tenor (Ponzol model), which I love, but would like something else in the stable. I already have 2 beautiful Yanis (alto and soprano), but would like to nab a tenor.
Whilst this question is pure subjectivity, what models do you consider the best players? Any models/years to avoid? I am after pro level horn.
Cheers

 

[datsaxman]

I have a grip of Yanys. Currently down to five tenors. I like them all. But some are nicer than others. One or two are magical.

Depends on what you are looking for of course.

 

[MaxTT]

I played some new models recently and liked the ergonomics better than the Keilwerth (I don't have huge hands!). Looking for a quality horn for playing contemporary music (not strictly jazz or classical). Not after a Selmer clone or a dark beast. Something that covers all the bases reasonably well.

 

[MaxTT]

What are the magical ones?

 

[Dr G]

When I saw “Help a Brother Out”, I thought you actually needed help.

If you are just looking for a magical tenor, get the one with the unicorns and rainbow sparkles.

As always, the more information you share, the better answers you’ll get. What are your current horns, and what do you like/dislike about them? A lot of people playing Yanagisawas over the years have expressed a preference for the bronze models, previously T-992, now T-WO20.

 

[Grumps]

Never owned a Yani, but used to playtest a bunch every year at the Symposiums. A couple dealers always had a good stock of them there, including their solid silver models. Now my preferences lie with vintage American horns, but every now and then I played one of those "magical" Yanagisawa saxophones. Thing is, they were always Yani altos or baris, not tenors or sopranos, that floated my boat; and yeah, they were the solid silver ones.

 

[datsaxman]

The Yany tenors I likes the most, sort of in order ...

TW01 ... T9937 ... T5 Martin stencil (more or less equal)

T800 ... T992 (more or less equal; several examples)

T990 ... T991 ... T880 (more or less equal; several examples)

Lots of folks like different stuff. That was me, at those times. These are saxes that I owned, and had around for a while, so they could be gigged and play tested back to back.

I seem to prefer the bigger, more open sound/feel that I get from the separate post design models - and the T9937, even though it is a ribbed model.
Have not tried the newer TW02 or TW020. If I did, probably I would want to take one home.

 

[rcpayne]

All Yanys are pro models. I have a TW01 and a TW020 and I notice little difference when playing and none at all when recording. Both great horns and the TW01 is much cheaper than the TW020. The TW020 sure is pretty though.

 

[JohnInDenver]

Always happy to share my opinion when asked, so if you're going new I'd say TW01. If you like a great value find a good used T901. If you like something a little darker get a TW02 or T902. And if you want something really stunning to look at those solid silver ones are pretty gorgeous!

 

[1saxman]

I like the 33 that has the silver bell and neck with underslung octave key - its like a dream Silversonic that you can buy today. I imagine you can also get it with no F# and a gold-wash bell flare. That would be irresistible - my first tenor was a Super 20. The thing is, though, I have no idea if I would like such a horn. I'd have to play one and find out, then order the special one. Chances are I'll never do it - I'm pretty happy with my VI right now.

Ooops, the TWO33 does not have the underslung neck but they do still make those in Sterling.

 

[LateNiteSax]

The ergonomics of the 1960s Keilwerth tenors I own are the best of any tenor for me. And they incredible players. Better then the early 80s Superba 1 I own, which I think is close to your Ponzol Keilwerth. Try a Keilwerth in the 40,000-60,000 serial number range. They can be bought dirt cheap. Especially the Bundy Specials, which I love.

I played some new models recently and liked the ergonomics better than the Keilwerth (I don't have huge hands!). Looking for a quality horn for playing contemporary music (not strictly jazz or classical). Not after a Selmer clone or a dark beast. Something that covers all the bases reasonably well.

 

[MaxTT]

When I saw "Help a Brother Out", I thought you actually needed help.

If you are just looking for a magical tenor, get the one with the unicorns and rainbow sparkles.

As always, the more information you share, the better answers you'll get. What are your current horns, and what do you like/dislike about them? A lot of people playing Yanagisawas over the years have expressed a preference for the bronze models, previously T-992, now T-WO20.

Not sure if the sarcasm was meant to be humorous Dr G? I don't recall asking for a magical horn. Datsaxman said he had 2 that were magical and I was asking him what models they were. I also stated clearly the horns I own and what I was looking for. The 'help' I was after, was from people who own Yanagisawa tenors, and who could share their experience. Thanks for playing though.

 

[MaxTT]

The reason I started this is there is a reasonably priced TW01 I was looking at and it got me wondering, but thank you all so much, I appreciate all the feedback.
In the end though, I know nothing beats being in the room and just playing the life out of the horn! Was seeing if I could eliminate any particularly dodgy ones from my list.
Cheers

 

[datsaxman]

The TW01 is really really good. And costs very little. The T9937 I bought to *have*. The TW01 I bought to gig with.

 

[Dr G]

Not sure if the sarcasm was meant to be humorous Dr G? I don't recall asking for a magical horn. Datsaxman said he had 2 that were magical and I was asking him what models they were. I also stated clearly the horns I own and what I was looking for. The 'help' I was after, was from people who own Yanagisawa tenors, and who could share their experience. Thanks for playing though.

Here's what you opened with:

I have a Keilwerth tenor (Ponzol model), which I love, but would like something else in the stable. I already have 2 beautiful Yanis (alto and soprano), but would like to nab a tenor.
Whilst this question is pure subjectivity, what models do you consider the best players? Any models/years to avoid? I am after pro level horn.
Cheers

This is more useful:

The reason I started this is there is a reasonably priced TW01 I was looking at and it got me wondering, but thank you all so much, I appreciate all the feedback.
In the end though, I know nothing beats being in the room and just playing the life out of the horn! Was seeing if I could eliminate any particularly dodgy ones from my list.
Cheers

We didn't know whether you were interested in vintage, modern, used, or new. We still don't know which model/year of Yanagisawa horns you own, and what you like/dislike about them. Some people have strong preferences about material, others about rib vs post construction.

FWIW, not all makers are tops in every size of horn. I really like Yanagisawa sops and baris, but haven't heard - and by this I mean in-person, not on a computer - a tenor that I would have bought. My context is as a tenor player since the 70's, playing in fusion groups, big bands, and classical quartets.

 

[LostConn]

Ooops, the TWO33 does not have the underslung neck but they do still make those in Sterling.

I believe that the Yanagisawa tenors with sterling silver necks did formerly use the neck with the underslung octave key that's standard on Yany's "Elite" line of horns. However, they switched to a unique neck that uses the top-mounted octave key from Yany's "Professional" line, but adds an extra horizontal brace below the neck. I've always assumed that Yany made this change because they discovered that the silver tenor necks are more susceptible to pull-down. Maybe sterling silver is a bit softer and more flexible than brass or bronze.

 

[1saxman]

It is. I have used silver necks off and on since 1961 when I got an old super 20. The Selmer Series III Sterling neck is rather flexy and really could use a strut brace like the Yana. However, I've played that neck for about 15 years and haven't pulled it down yet. I actually have never done that to a neck but still don't like the flexy feeling. As for my 'dream horn', regardless of neck style it would be beautiful but I probably wouldn't like it. It will be a dream horn only.

 

[Saxaholic]

I love the Yani alto and soprano. Tenor...not so much. They still feel great but I feel like the super tight focus doesn't fit tenor as much as it might on alto/tenor.

- Saxaholic