[Alex Benzon]

I recently purchased a yamaha yas 23 Japan model. It was used so I can return to get another one, but this one is the same model but made in China.

 

[Sigmund451]

I was not aware they were making them in China.

I can tell you without knowing anything that I would not buy a horn made in China. I dont need to list any reason other than the public perception of instruments exported from China results in a considerably lower resale price...if it sells at all.

 

[martinm5862]

I was not aware they were making them in China.

I can tell you without knowing anything that I would not buy a horn made in China. I dont need to list any reason other than the public perception of instruments exported from China results in a considerably lower resale price...if it sells at all.

The Yamaha professional and custom models are made in Japan.

 

[Woosax]

They make everything in China. Yamaha, even Selmer Paris:

http://www.ioffer.com/i/2009-selmer-paris-reference-54-tenor-saxophone-145443811

Unfortunately, these are not authentic...

 

[Sigmund451]

When they run out of stuff to knock off are they going to copy their own copies?

Perhaps they can save money and recycle?

"....as long as we make a profit"

(read labels)

 

[averageschmoe]

The Chinese assembled YAS 23 is the same instrument as the U.S. or Japanese YAS 23. Yamaha is very forthcoming about the country of origin of their instruments, and their quality control is the same regardless of the country of origin. Or as Yamaha puts it, "Country of origin is not the same as Company of origin."

 

[Sigmund451]

The Chinese assembled YAS 23 is the same instrument as the U.S. or Japanese YAS 23. Yamaha is very forthcoming about the country of origin of their instruments, and their quality control is the same regardless of the country of origin. Or as Yamaha puts it, "Country of origin is not the same as Company of origin."

...Isnt that what Conn said when they moved to Mexico?

Do you really trust corporate entities that much?

That sounds like something pumped out of a well paid PR department.

 

[averageschmoe]

And in seven posts the discussion turns insulting.

I do not professionally endorse Yamaha's products. I am not a dealer or employed by a dealer of Yamaha's products (we do carry accessories, but not instruments). I've repaired and played enough student and intermediate level Yamaha instruments from enough of their factories to state confidently that they are as identical as musical instruments can be.

The Mexiconn is a completely different animal.

 

[legitalto]

I heard from my tech that the new Chinese 23's don't have an "O" ring in the lip of the bell for reinforcement. So, they dent more easily in the bell.

 

[martinm5862]

I heard from my tech that the new Chinese 23's don't have an "O" ring in the lip of the bell for reinforcement. So, they dent more easily in the bell.

Do you believe everything your tech says?

 

[Buck Laughlin]

The Mexiconn is a completely different animal.

How so? I'm seriously curious, because it seems like a perfectly legitimate parallel to me. Is it a "China is better than Mexico" thing?

 

[BOPITY FUNK]

The 211 flutes are assembled/made in Indonesia--says so on the body tube. Yamaha flutes are still good but getting expensive for students --Jupiter are catching up and so are Trevor James. I think over the past few years the overall assembly,solidity, has deteriorated compared with earlier models.

 

[Sigmund451]

I was not insulting you. I was suggesting that you question any corporate entity that is attempting to obtain and defend a larger profit margin. Money corrupts. The fact that they make musical instruments does not make them exempt.

 

[ikbtops]

Gemeinhardt 72sp are made in China. They play pretty well. Some good advice for sax players is don't keep your horn in a gig bag, if your worried about bell dents.

 

[averageschmoe]

I was not insulting you. I was suggesting that you question any corporate entity that is attempting to obtain and defend a larger profit margin. Money corrupts. The fact that they make musical instruments does not make them exempt.

What I think of Yamaha's move economically or politically is irrelevant to this particular conversation. The O.P. asked if the instruments are the same. In my experience they are. If I hadn't had direct experience with the product in question I would not have posted.

The mexiconn is not identical to the U.S. made shooting stars Conn. Next time I have some in the shop I'll write up a full report.

 

[smartin009]

This just goes to show you that you really have to do your homework when buying a saxophone now days. Even student models. It doesn't seem to be enough that it is in good working order and carry a "name" brand. You have to find out where it comes from, if it has a history of problems and if it is priced fairly. For example, $1800 for a student model sax, even a good one, seems pricey to me. We also can't forget that if you are actually buying it for a student it has to be built solidly enough to withstand the bumps that will surely happen. Good luck.

 

[Silvio Martin]

I know that some models of Yamaha are maded in Indonesia, but in China is the first time that I heard it.:|[rolleyes]

 

[milandro]

Yamaha has been making some of the entry models in Indonesia and some time ago turned production to China.
In this Yamaha is no different than other companies such as Apple for example.

The quality control appears to be the same as it ever was and this is what is important in quality terms.

 

[Dr G]

Has anyone done mechanical testing or metallography to compare the brass? I won't say that it has an influence on the tone of a student level horn but it may certainly be an issue in the strength and ductility of the body.

Is that an insult to ask? It's not meant to be but I cannot control how anyone is going to react to a post.

 

[averageschmoe]

I've done dent work on the bodies and I've had to tweak the keys. Nothing feels different.