[MrUUURP]

Hi. I'm a sophomore in high school and I'm really looking forward to buying a really good intermediate or lower level professional model. However, my budget only runs into the mid 2000s. I've been doing research based on my budget and I've taken an interest in the YAS 62II model. It looks well made, but I would love to know how it plays. Also, I'm interested in what kind of finish I should go with as in lacquer vs. silver plate. Any help will be greatly appreciated (different model, brand, etc.)! :mrgreen:

 

[Stephen Howard]

This may help:

http://www.shwoodwind.co.uk/Reviews/Saxes/Alto/Yamaha_YAS62.htm

Build quality has dropped slightly in recent years, so I'd recommend buying from a seller who will set the horn up before purchase (which all horns need anyway).
The choice of finish is entirely up to you - each type has its pros and cons. Lacquer tends to be easier to keep clean and shiny though.

However, as good as the 62 is (it's my alto of choice) and as happy as I am to recommend it, you really ought to try one before you shell out. OK, if you just buy blind you probably won't be disappointed, but there may be other horns that float your boat more - such as the Yanagisawa 901, or perhaps one of the Mauriats etc.
In fact try as many horns as you can, even if they're out of your price range - just to get a comparative overview.
Don't ignore used horns either - with your budget you might pick up a decent bargain on a top pro horn.

Regards,

 

[MrUUURP]

Thanks! However, I live in the U.S. so it would be hard for me to buy from the U.K. (or so I'm guessing). Anyway, I'll definitely check out the Yanagisawa and other models soon. Also, when you say 62 do you mean the mk 1 or mk 2?

 

[Stephen Howard]

The major brands are sold worldwide, so you'll have no trouble finding them.

I meant the Mk2 - though if you can find a used Mk1 (which I have) in good condition it's worth a try...but with your budget you might even find a used Z series.

Regards,

 

[MrUUURP]

My teacher has a unlacquered 82Z and I would love to have one, but it's hard to find a good price on them. I'll definitely look around for a used 82Z though. Thanks for all of your help!

 

[saxyjare01]

Search the forum for people selling 62's. I'm sure you can get one for $1,500 from someone in the U.S. If you can get one with the purple label, those are the BEST!

 

[82zguy]

I can tell you that he 62 is a well made horn. You can find them on eBay for around 2200, which is really good for a professional horn. Are you looking for a 62I or a 62II? It really depends but there's a whole lot of them out there. Its just a matter of finding one that you like. As for lacquer/plate, supposedly silver plate/unlacquered/gold lacquer all change the sound in various ways but if your unsure, I would advise just going with clear lacquer. It will still look pretty spiff

 

[MrUUURP]

I would like to have a new horn over a used one. Typically you can't find a new 62I, so I'll have to go with a 62II. As for the finishes the only two finishes that I think it comes in is gold lacquer and silver plate, at least they're the only two I've seen.

 

[spike421]

Yamahas are well made horns with good intonation, but I would follow the advice above and try different comparable brands/models before you decide. The used route is really something to seriously condsider, you might find a real bargain.
As far as finish is concerned, go for what you like to look at and are willing to maintain (silver tarnishes, bare brass corrodes, "lacquer" chips and scratches, etc). There is no evidence that finish has any effect on sound and plenty that it doesn't. This has been debated here endlessly.

 

[82zguy]

I would like to have a new horn over a used one. Typically you can't find a new 62I, so I'll have to go with a 62II. As for the finishes the only two finishes that I think it comes in is gold lacquer and silver plate, at least they're the only two I've seen.

looking for a brand new instrument may be a bit more costly. I got my 82z off of ebay. It was gently used (used maybe 5 times), but that knocked down the price to 2900 dollars. If you still don't want to try the online route, try Yamaha's website. They should be able to help you find the nearest dealer. Then at that music store, hopefully you would be able to play test the 62 along with various other horns. That should make your decisions a lot easier. they may not have a variety of lacquers and other things, but as a high school student, it shouldn't matter that much anyway. Best of luck to you!

 

[hgiles]

ALTOs are ubiquitous! Kids get them and then quit music! I picked up locally a silver plated 62II not long ago for a song! Kid played it for a year or two then gave it up! It's like new!! Now my daughter is playing it!

Buy used, buy local, save a ton of money! I bought a mint horn for about half the cost of a new one.

 

[RE Miller]

I bought my 2006 vintage 62II from a reputable seller on ebay in '09 for $1500. This horn was in virtually new condition and plays like a dream. I took it initially to my local repair expert for minor adjustments and he commented on what a nice horn it is. I absolutely have 100%, no regrets, and don't miss having the "new horn experience" one iota. The 62II is definitely not the limiting factor in my play. My 11 year old son has an old -23 that he plays daily but he begs for a puff on my 62 every chance he gets. The action of my 62II is far superior to that of his -23 . . . as one would expect.

Hgiles is correct. There are plenty of "like new" horns out there that can be had for half the price of new if you are patient and look-around aggresively. I just saw a darn nice looking 82Z sell on Ebay for $2K, for instance.