[Twombles62]

Hey all,
I bought a YAS-62II 5 years ago, stepping up from my beginner yamaha. I was young at the time, and didn't really look around that much between saxophones before buying. There aren't many to test in most places around where i live. So I bought this one.

Now, I've developed a much amount as a player, and i feel i've come to a point where my tone has plateaued a little bit. I want to have a fuller, darker, sweeter tone, but i haven't been able to develop my tone much for a year or so. Now, i'm reading that the YAS-62II has a thin, brightish tone.

What can i do to get a darker, fuller tone WITHOUT buying a new saxophone, I really cannot afford it. I am currently using a Selmer C* S80 MP with the stock, metal lig, 3 1/2 Vandoren reeds

 

[trigger]

change the crook to either a yanagisawa or a selmer mk6 .
Nelson Rangell use to use a YAS62 with a MK6 crook

 

[gary]

What can i do to get a darker, fuller tone WITHOUT buying a new saxophone, I really cannot afford it. I am currently using a Selmer C* S80 MP with the stock, metal lig, 3 1/2 Vandoren reeds

Wow. About the only thing I could think of to darken that sound would be to get a large-chambered Caravan, or Buescher mpc. I don't know that any change of reed make or strength is going to make a significant difference.

Look around. I believe there is a relatively current thread about darker mpcs.

You might consider a Barone or Ponzol neck (but definitely only if you could return them). Again, I believe there is at least one current thread about this relating to necks, also.

I don't know, perhaps someone else couild comment but didn't Rousseau play 62's before the Customs came out? If so, maybe there are some lessons to be learned by looking at what and how he did what he did - or is his sound too bright for you, as well?

But as a general observation, a C* mpc and Vandoren trads #3.5 is not a bright set-up. Some would say the biggest culprit is your sax. And I'm sure others are going to say that, basically considering your present setup, your biggest challenge is to think dark and have that concept very clearly in your inner ear, as well as just continuing to work on long tones and slow melodies, listening discriminately (not just playing them to be playing them).

 

[SaxyAcoustician]

Now, i'm reading that the YAS-62II has a thin, brightish tone.

What can i do to get a darker, fuller tone WITHOUT buying a new saxophone, I really cannot afford it. I am currently using a Selmer C* S80 MP with the stock, metal lig, 3 1/2 Vandoren reeds

Don't believe what you read.

I have a solution for you that requires not spending any money: Work on your voicing. Voicing is what allows great players to sound great on any instrument.

 

[DC]

62 'tone'

Again, can't resist remarking about perceptions I read now & again about Yamahas.... Anyone's assertion that the 62II is too bright is absurd.

You don't need to buy a new horn, you're very fortunate to have one. I recommend that my developing students consider the 62II's as a first choice when upgrading from any student model horn. They are very flexible, relatively inexpensive, and can sound any way... the player... wants them to sound.

We all need good gear that plays in tune, feels good (& won't damage you over time) in the hands, and is constructed well. Everything else is up to the player. A different, expensive aftermarket neck is completely unecessary, the Custom G1's are sent out with the 62II's for a reason (they work very well).

Yes, setup, mouthpiece/reed/ligs are very important, get ... reasonable... tip openings, medium strength reeds, no big goofy baffles, and get a sound in your head before attempting to define it by horn choice. Basically, we need the gear to stay out of our way musically speaking, and get to the shed.

Relax, stop second guessing a horn that you've had for some time. Ask your teacher for advice about the above, and enjoy your very fine tenor.

DC

 

[martinm5862]

Hey all,
I bought a YAS-62II 5 years ago, stepping up from my beginner yamaha. I was young at the time, and didn't really look around that much between saxophones before buying. There aren't many to test in most places around where i live. So I bought this one.

Now, I've developed a much amount as a player, and i feel i've come to a point where my tone has plateaued a little bit. I want to have a fuller, darker, sweeter tone, but i haven't been able to develop my tone much for a year or so. Now, i'm reading that the YAS-62II has a thin, brightish tone.

What can i do to get a darker, fuller tone WITHOUT buying a new saxophone, I really cannot afford it. I am currently using a Selmer C* S80 MP with the stock, metal lig, 3 1/2 Vandoren reeds

Are you a classical player? If so, you are using the same mouthpiece and reed combo most classical saxophonists use and many play Yamahas. You must create a darker, fuller sound by relaxing your throat and changing the position of your tongue. Move your tongue to an aah or ooo position, not eee! Think dark and full.
Martin

 

[hakukani]

Are you a classical player? If so, you are using the same mouthpiece and reed combo most classical saxophonists use and many play Yamahas. You must create a darker, fuller sound by relaxing your throat and changing the position of your tongue. Move your tongue to an aah or ooo position, not eee! Think dark and full.
Martin

...to help visualize this think blowing warm air, and blowing down (like hohhhh)

 

[EastCoastGhost]

A 62 is about the most versatile horn there is, your lucky to own one
try hearing the sound you want in your head and your body will follow with the nessassary compensations
I love 62's and think I'm going to trade one of my vintage horns for one at some point i hear the new unlaquered owns are even a bit better

 

[SaxyAcoustician]

You must create a darker, fuller sound by relaxing your throat and changing the position of your tongue. Move your tongue to an aah or ooo position, not eee! Think dark and full.

This is an oversimplification. An open throat does not necessarily result in a "darker", "fuller" sound. Fast air is required many times to achieve this, particularly in the upper registers.