[hoopjaw]

Hello everyone!

I am new to the forum but have lurked for years. I am going to get my masters in saxophone performance this coming fall and I need a new horn. I’ve been playing on one of the newer Yamaha 62s since junior high and it isn’t cutting it anymore. I would have liked to get a series III, but it is unfortunately out of my budget. I am deciding between the series II and the AWO1.

I’ve read extensively about these two horns and I can’t decide which one to get. I have played on a Yamaha for years and have generally liked it, but the 875EX doesn’t grab me for the price they’re going for on eBay. I have a series II tenor that I’ve had for the past couple of years and have generally liked it, but I notice my fingers slipping on the Eb/C and bell keys easily. That might be because I am pretty new to playing tenor as well.

The Yanagisawa intrigues me because of how highly I have seen it talked about. People rave over the consistent build quality, keyboard, and intonation that it seems too good to be true. I have seen less positive things about the series II, but maybe that’s because people compare it to the series III.

I primarily play classical on my alto and jazz on my tenor, but will frequently switch on both horns. I’m wondering if anyone has played these two instruments extensively and if anyone can make a comparison for me.

Thanks so much for any insight or help you can give me! Like I said, I’m pretty new to the forum so let me know if I need to change anything!

 

[Dr G]

I am new to the forum but have lurked for years. I am going to get my masters in saxophone performance this coming fall and I need a new horn. I've been playing on one of the newer Yamaha 62s since junior high and it isn't cutting it anymore. I would have liked to get a series III, but it is unfortunately out of my budget. I am deciding between the series II and the AWO1.

The Yanagisawa intrigues me because of how highly I have seen it talked about. People rave over the consistent build quality, keyboard, and intonation that it seems too good to be true. I have seen less positive things about the series II, but maybe that's because people compare it to the series III.

Welcome, Hoop'.

You say you've been lurking for some time, but your perspective of the Selmer horns is very different than the picture I have formed over the years. To me, and many others (both at SotW and my bands), the Serie III alto is a really bright horn. The Serie II alto has been a crowdpleasing leader for a long time, with the Ref 54 growing a following since its inception. The Serie II is a great alto (I've owned a couple) that would serve very well in either classical or jazz settings.

The Yanagisawa A-992 has a strong following as well. It's follow-on model is the AW-02.

If buying new, I suggest hands-down going with the Yanagisawa (mostly because Selmer retail prices are through the roof), and buying from MatthewsMuziek.com in Netherlands. If buying more local, Kesslers Music is a SotW sponso1r, and is known for great setup and customer service.

Another consideration is talking to the faculty of your masters program to learn whether they have any preferences. Some colleges can be quite parochial about "accepted" horns.

G'luck in your quest and best wishes in your academic pursuits.

Cheers,

George

 

[LostConn]

When you say "New alto purchase," you mean new to you, right? As in a used horn? Because as brand-new instruments, these two saxes are in completely different price categories. In the U.S., the Selmer Series II costs 60% more than the AWO1.

On the other hand, if you are indeed looking at used instruments:

1. If you really want a Selmer Series III, you should be able to find one that's affordable.

2. For classical use, the Series II alto has a great sound, but is somewhat less responsive than either the Series III or any Yanagisawa. In contrast, the Series III and the Yanys are likely to be easier to play (quicker response + slightly better ergonomics), but a little brighter too.

The above comments are based on my long-term use of a Series II, a Series III, and a Yany A990μ (haven't tried the AWO1, but I think it continues to bear the usual Yany hallmarks).

 

[Saxydude]

What's "not cutting it" about your YAS-62s? That's a pro-quality horn that more than meets the needs of 99.8% of players. Are you sure you don't just want a new alto?

To your question:

I prefer the tone and feel of the Yanagisawa to the Selmer. And I prefer the Selmer Series II over the Series III. I did my undergrad classical work on a matte-finished Series II. I've always perceived the Series II as less bright than the III with a bit more complexity to the sound. YMMV.

You'll most definitely have an easier time finding a used Series II than an AWO1. But you shouldn't count out the 99x series Yanagisawas: 991, 992 (bronze), and I've heard the 902 is great, too.

Bottom line: both the Yanagisawa and Selmer offer only a marginal (if any) "improvement" over your YAS-62.

 

[Dr G]

Bottom line: both the Yanagisawa and Selmer offer only a marginal (if any) "improvement" over your YAS-62.

Well, that's a buzz kill. :twisted: :bluewink:

But true, nonetheless.

Another consideration would be to get a top-shelf overhaul of the YAS. Dial in the pads, resos, intonation, etc. to YOUR preferences. I've done this with my last tenors - one of which was a Selmer that I purchased new.

 

[Grumps]

It wasn't that long ago that used II altos dipped down to around $1,500. If I were forced to get a modern alto (with vintage American horns being my true preference), I'd buy a used II. To be more specific, one that was made before the III's came out... around 500,XXX.

 

[LostConn]

You say you've been lurking for some time, but your perspective of the Selmer horns is very different than the picture I have formed over the years. To me, and many others (both at SotW and my bands), the Serie III alto is a really bright horn.

That's probably an accurate description of the SOTW perception, but let's face it -- there are few serious classical alto players here. And among those who do commonly work with that repertoire, the Series III alto seems to be a popular choice (e.g., drakesaxprof, DaveR), as it obviously is with participants in academic saxophone programs.

 

[Dr G]

That's probably an accurate description of the SOTW perception, but let's face it -- there are few serious classical alto players here. And among those who do commonly work with that repertoire, the Series III alto seems to be a popular choice (e.g., drakesaxprof, DaveR), as it obviously is with participants in academic saxophone programs.

Thanks. It is unclear to me that the OP is pursuing classical performance, but I understand that is a possibility.

Of the people that I know with degrees in classical saxophone studies (one with a Ph.D.), the horn of choice is a Mk VI alto.

Regards,

George

 

[hoopjaw]

Unfortunately, my 62 has a unrepairable problem between the low B and B-flat key, in which they both will not stay entirely closed. I don't know why it can't be repaired, but that's what both my repair guy and my sax teacher have said. They said it's due to its age. I'm really just looking for a horn with a good keyboard that will get me through my masters and doctorate, until I can buy a "top-of-the-line" saxophone. Thanks so much for your input!

 

[hoopjaw]

Well, that's a buzz kill. :twisted: :bluewink:

But true, nonetheless.

Another consideration would be to get a top-shelf overhaul of the YAS. Dial in the pads, resos, intonation, etc. to YOUR preferences. I've done this with my last tenors - one of which was a Selmer that I purchased new.

Do you happen to work in a University? I know a Dr. G who plays the saxophone who works at my university where I got my bachelors.

 

[LostConn]

I'm really just looking for a horn with a good keyboard that will get me through my masters and doctorate, until I can buy a "top-of-the-line" saxophone.

If you want to get the most useful advice here, you still need to tell us whether you intend to shop for a used horn, or a brand-new one.

"Top of the line" doesn't necessarily mean the most expensive model in a company's lineup.

 

[hoopjaw]

Thanks. It is unclear to me that the OP is pursuing classical performance, but I understand that is a possibility.

Of the people that I know with degrees in classical saxophone studies (one with a Ph.D.), the horn of choice is a Mk VI alto.

Regards,

George

I am pursuing classical performance and jazz performance, but my alto will be used for classical performance 90% of the time. It is interesting that you say the horn of choice is a Mark VI, I haven't had a vintage horn recommended to me from either of my sax profs. I'll ask them and see what they say! Thanks!

 

[hoopjaw]

Sorry- should have been more specific (I added it in a reply, but I guess it didn't get submitted?). I am willing to consider all options, but I am primarily looking at used because of the price tag.

 

[Rackety Sax]

Not to be a jerk I hope, but is there some reason you wouldn't wait for the lockdown to end, go play the horns you are interested in, and decide for yourself? If you are getting a masters in performance, you must feel pretty confident in your ability to choose a horn that meets your needs. Maybe take a playing buddy along to play, listen, and provide a second perspective?

People can give you their opinions all they want, but what really matters is how the horn works for you, and the only way to determine that is to give it a blow.

 

[hoopjaw]

Not to be a jerk I hope, but is there some reason you wouldn't wait for the lockdown to end, go play the horns you are interested in, and decide for yourself? If you are getting a masters in performance, you must feel pretty confident in your ability to choose a horn that meets your needs. Maybe take a playing buddy along to play, listen, and provide a second perspective?

People can give you their opinions all they want, but what really matters is how the horn works for you, and the only way to determine that is to give it a blow.

Thanks for your reply! My state is looking like it will be closed for a long while, and I'm going to school in the fall. I don't really have a lot of time, unfortunately. I don't know what to do! Especially because I have no idea when shops will be back open.

 

[Rackety Sax]

Unless the Yamaha is not playable or you have the financial resources to correct a buying decision that turns out unsatisfactorily, I highly recommend waiting out the lockdown and trying horns in person. Horn preferences are so subjective that well-meaning advice, by itself, could be of little practical value in making a good choice.

 

[Rackety Sax]

Another thing to consider - maybe you already have - is there a default brand selection in your graduate program? You probably don't want to be the person that shows up with a Yani when the entire rest of the studio plays Selmer. If that's not the case - maybe your new teacher would be willing to provide some advice on how to deal with your quandary?

 

[hoopjaw]

Another thing to consider - maybe you already have - is there a default brand selection in your graduate program? You probably don't want to be the person that shows up with a Yani when the entire rest of the studio plays Selmer. If that's not the case - maybe your new teacher would be willing to provide some advice on how to deal with your quandary?

Unless the Yamaha is not playable or you have the financial resources to correct a buying decision that turns out unsatisfactorily, I highly recommend waiting out the lockdown and trying horns in person. Horn preferences are so subjective that well-meaning advice, by itself, could be of little practical value in making a good choice.

The issue is on the bell keys, the C# will stay open when trying to hit B or B-flat. It's not the worst thing in the world, but it is still there. It's looking like I should wait and try all the saxes out. I don't know of a shop in my area that has all the instruments though, I'll have to look.

My new sax prof is a Yamaha sponsored artist, but has recommended the Selmer series II/III and the Yanagisawa WO models in addition to the 875EX. As far as I know, people just play whatever horn they have.

 

[Dr G]

I am pursuing classical performance and jazz performance, but my alto will be used for classical performance 90% of the time. It is interesting that you say the horn of choice is a Mark VI, I haven't had a vintage horn recommended to me from either of my sax profs. I'll ask them and see what they say! Thanks!

Thanks for filling in those blanks. The people that play Mk VI altos are also vintage - the Ph.D. is a retired music professor from Iowa. I, too, am retired, but my field is materials science and engineering. I have been playing saxophone - mostly tenor - since the '70s, including classical quartet and big bands.

Regardless, if you haven't had the conversations with your faculty yet, it would be a good ice breaker to get some insight to their program, and help head off any surprises if they do have strong preferences due to their experience.

Edit: I just saw your comment regarding your prof's recommendation. Thanks for that.

Regarding your current horn: Get to know your mechanism. That sounds like an adjustment issue that you might be able to sort out yourself. Sorry to say that it is an insufficient reason to replace the horn. :twisted: :bluewink:

 

[Rackety Sax]

The issue is on the bell keys, the C# will stay open when trying to hit B or B-flat. It's not the worst thing in the world, but it is still there. It's looking like I should wait and try all the saxes out. I don't know of a shop in my area that has all the instruments though, I'll have to look.

My new sax prof is a Yamaha sponsored artist, but has recommended the Selmer series II/III and the Yanagisawa WO models in addition to the 875EX. As far as I know, people just play whatever horn they have.

Can you take it, or ship it, to a tech to get it fixed? Those are good quality horns and it seems likely that a competent tech could fix whatever the problem is quickly and inexpensively.