[2heaven]

Hi,

I'm fairly new to the forum and have recently purchased a used Yani A880.

At the time of purchase, I expected that the saxophone would not come with a mouthpiece (or the mouthpiece would be crap), and since there was a sale/deal on Meyer 5M HR available, I jumped on it.

However, the saxophone came with what looks like the original mouthpiece (it has the Yani symbol on it). After playing around with both mouthpieces, I found that I liked the sound of the Yani better - much more open tone, however it was much harder to play (a lot more air needed). The 5M was very easy to play, but the sound was a little more 'shallow'.

I've searched the net, however couldn't find anything about the original Yani mouthpieces. Does anyone have any information (specs would be great) surrounding the Yani mouthpiece I have? I would love to work on getting comfortable playing it or at least find something similar (but maybe easier to play). I am not satisfied with the 5M sound.

 

[2heaven]

Also, I have been using Vandoren Jazz 2 1/2 reeds with the mouthpieces. Would going down to a 2 strength with the Yani mouthpiece make it easier to play (without sacrificing the sound much)?

 

[unbalancedaction]

It's likely a much smaller chamber, and therefore brighter. The work on those Yanagisawa mouthpieces is also excellent, so that could be another reason why you like it more.

Bottom line, if you like it - just play it and don't worry about any of that stuff.

 

[Dave Dolson]

Yanagisawa mouthpieces are marked with different numbers, the higher the number, the more open the tip. Does your Yanagisawa mouthpiece have a number on it? If the piece is worn, you may need to examine it with a glass in bright light. But if there IS a number, it should be easy enough to locate a few tip-opening charts to see what the measurement is SUPPOSED to be.

As far as reed strength goes, I'd guess that 2 1/2 would be a good choice for the Yanagisawa mouthpiece. If it blows too hard, you could always adjust the reed by scraping a bit off the vamp using a sharp knife, rinse, test, repeat until it plays more easily. And maybe the reed that works on your Yangisawa mouthpiece isn't the best reed for your other piece. Enjoy the experimenting! DAVE

 

[maddenma]

Do people actually wear out the tip of a mouthpiece? I've had the same tenor piece for 40 years and it's never occurred to me that it could wear out from normal usage. Break, perhaps, particularly at the shank, but just wear out from the reed vibrating?

 

[MojoBari]

Do people actually wear out the tip of a mouthpiece? I've had the same tenor piece for 40 years and it's never occurred to me that it could wear out from normal usage. Break, perhaps, particularly at the shank, but just wear out from the reed vibrating?

Yes. But you should start a new topic for this question.

 

[Dave Dolson]

maddenma: Was your question about wearing out a tip directed at my post?

If so, I wasn't referring to the tip wearing down, I was referring to the outside of the mouthpiece where years of wear may have obliterated the outside markings. I have several pieces which are hard to identify because of years of wear, ligature scratches, etc.

And, by commenting about what the tip-opening SHOULD be, I was referring to the possibility that a previous owner may have had the piece refaced OR that the manufacturing process wasn't as accurate as tip-opening charts think the tips should measure. Sorry if I wasn't detailed enough in my post. DAVE

 

[artstove]

Also, I have been using Vandoren Jazz 2 1/2 reeds with the mouthpieces. Would going down to a 2 strength with the Yani mouthpiece make it easier to play (without sacrificing the sound much)?

It is quite possible, especially if the Yani is more open. Get a couple of 2s and give it a try.

Or try some different models/brands of reeds (on both pieces). I found the Vandoren Javas and Hemkes much easier to blow than the V16s, and I hated the Rico Jazz Selects, but others have had completely different experiences. You might find the Meyer sounds better with a different reed, and the Yani could be easier to blow.

 

[Peterogping]

Here are the official tip openings for Yani mouthpieces:
http://www.yanagisawasaxophones.com/mouthpieces/

 

[maddenma]

maddenma: Was your question about wearing out a tip directed at my post?

If so, I wasn't referring to the tip wearing down, I was referring to the outside of the mouthpiece where years of wear may have obliterated the outside markings. I have several pieces which are hard to identify because of years of wear, ligature scratches, etc.

And, by commenting about what the tip-opening SHOULD be, I was referring to the possibility that a previous owner may have had the piece refaced OR that the manufacturing process wasn't as accurate as tip-opening charts think the tips should measure. Sorry if I wasn't detailed enough in my post. DAVE

Yeah, Dave, I was. But now rereading the thread I realized I had read it too fast. You were just talking about wearing down the markings on the outside.

 

[bruce bailey]

I think your Meyer would be about a .051" tip and the Yana about a .052" which should be about the same. With makers not always having each mouthpiece the same, Meyer could be more open than the Yana! Tip measurements are good only as a starting point but the actual way the mouthpiece plays can be vastly different due to chambers, facing length, material, baffle and the player's attitude.

 

[bruce bailey]

I was assuming a Yana #5.

 

[MM]

Bruce,

You've been working on those clarinets too long! You must have meant .071" and .072" for the two alto mouthpieces.

To add confusion, Yani has changed their numbering system since the 880 production has stopped, but I'm pretty sure a Yani 5 of old is still about a Meyer 5 tip.

As he said, a difference of .001" is negligible. If you like the Yani sound, play it. Try different reeds.

 

[bruce bailey]

For some reason I was thinking soprano!!!

 

[2heaven]

Actually, I have seen the chart and specs of the modern Yanagisawa mouthpieces online. The problem is I think my mouthpiece is older (it came with the A880 which was made in 1986) and don't think that the specs/model numbers match up.

I can try to look carefully for the number printed on it, but last I remember, there wasn't one. I will try to take a picture of it and post it up.

One thing is for sure, it is nothing (playingwise or soundwise) like the meyer 5m I have.