[audsnire]

I'm currently on the lookout for a used Yanagisawa A992. During the course of my search I went into our local woodwind specialist shop to try a new Yanagisawa A992 but there were none in stock (or a 991 for that matter) so I tried the A902. I loved it. It looked beautiful and played very well! Now I'm tempted to buy a new A902 instead of a used A992? What does one think??

 

[Enviroguy]

First, my answer has nothing to do with the features of the A902 versus the A992. It has to do with perception and desire.

At least for me, if I bought the A902 after wanting an A992, I would still always have the burning desire to own a A992. And even if the two saxes played exactly the same I would end up telling other people that I opted for the A902 because there were really the same. That's just an excuse for a failing that only exists in my head. I hate doing that.

So instead, I recommend you look and find a used A992 and buy it. That way, you can concentrate on the music. And you will be less likely to worry about what could have been with the better sax.

 

[RS]

The 992 has ribbed construction which might make it a little sturdier. Other than that they're pretty much the same horn. Some players think the 900 series resonate a little more than the 990 series since they don't have the ribs to (supposedly) dampen vibrations. Maybe. I have an A992 and it resonates plenty.

 

[chinux79]

I say do not buy anything until you play a 992 and compare the 2.
By the way, how's the weather in Ireland right now? I'll be there in 2 weeks.

 

[hgiles]

first, my answer has nothing to do with the features of the a902 versus the a992. It has to do with perception and desire.

At least for me, if i bought the a902 after wanting an a992, i would still always have the burning desire to own a a992. And even if the two saxes played exactly the same i would end up telling other people that i opted for the a902 because there were really the same. That's just an excuse for a failing that only exists in my head. I hate doing that.

So instead, i recommend you look and find a used a992 and buy it. That way, you can concentrate on the music. And you will be less likely to worry about what could have been with the better sax.

bingo!

 

[audsnire]

Thanks people. I must say I'm feeling a bit impatient..... The lure of a brand new sax with guarantee and free service is becoming ever more appealing.......

Chinux79, weather here is very showery at present. Bring a rain jacket!! Make sure you visit Galway and Kerry if you can. Have a great trip.

 

[km]

comparing b992 & 902 - I couldn't tell much difference: if anything I preferred the sharper sound of the 902

I bought it & saved ~ £600 against the 992

a friend later got a 992 after playtesting both

you pays your money....


km

 

[bkobog]

test both horns if you ever have a chance. I always believe in the "chemistry" with the right horn.
personally, I am playing the A992.

 

[chinux79]

Oh yes, will be spending 2 days in Galway and will travel to Dingle also.
If a brand new sax with what you ultimately want, then go for it. However, from my experience, a used sax can be as good as a brand new one.
Have a little patient til you get to try both horns.

 

[audsnire]

Hi all. I decided on the new A902 in the end. Felt I didn't have enough knowledge or experience to examine and play test the used A992. I simply wouldn't know what to look out for. I also got a good deal on the A902 and it plays beautifully so overall I'm a happy camper!! Thanks again to everyone who contributed. Maybe in a few years I'll be in a position to upgrade again!!

Thanks again,
Audrey

 

[Kermit]

I, for one, think you made a fine choice. You bought one that you WERE able to play and you liked it, versus a used horn you haven't been able to find or play.

A few years ago, there was no doubt in my mind that I wanted a Shadow tenor...all I wanted to do was play one before I bought. I did play one, fortunately in a store that had many other saxes to choose from. The Shadow was not the horn for me, and after playing several other horns, I walked out with a Yamaha, and I love it.

My point is you bought "a sure thing" that you played and liked, instead of holding out for something you thought you wanted, which may have turned out not being the right sax for you.

Congrats on your purchase!

 

[RS]

The 902 should be all the alto you'll ever need except for maybe a cheapo student model for backup.

 

[Kelpie]

^^^Agree. I have an A901 with the 92 bronze neck and really like it. The neck was really kind of a waste because there is not much difference between it and the stock neck. Someone listening wouldn't even notice.

 

[jazzeesax]

^^^Agree. I have an A901 with the 92 bronze neck and really like it. The neck was really kind of a waste because there is not much difference between it and the stock neck. Someone listening wouldn't even notice.

I recently bought a new T-902 then came across a pristine Gold plated Solid Silver neck--WOW! the best rig I've ever played. I play an early Babbit STM worked on by Brian Powell. This rig is amazing in the studio and live miced through a PA... Oh Yeah, my backup horn is a 30 year old Yani tenor and both the bronze neck & the GP Silver neck makes a huge difference.

 

[LukeAndHisSax]

I would recommend the A992. It is very similar to the 902 but is overall slightly better in all sides of the spectrum.

 

[shmuelyosef]

I recently bought a new T-902 then came across a pristine Gold plated Solid Silver neck--WOW! the best rig I've ever played. I play an early Babbit STM worked on by Brian Powell. This rig is amazing in the studio and live miced through a PA... Oh Yeah, my backup horn is a 30 year old Yani tenor and both the bronze neck & the GP Silver neck makes a huge difference.

Silver necks do a lot for the 'attitude', which makes you play better. I use a Silver '95' neck on my T880...generally like it better than the T992 (my backup...sigh)