[Vandlay]

Just got off the phone with a very reputable tech. that I'm going to take my horn to. He mentioned some upgrades he could do to my Yamaha 82z that would add some character to the sound. Something with the right hand keys...anyway has anybody had any experiences with these modification? The tech said he has worked with a lot of Yamaha endorsers. Not that I doubt him in anyway, I'm just curious.

 

[Dr G]

Stones?

No name, no details...

I think we need a few more clues.

 

[Vandlay]

Well, he didn't really mention any details. I called for some routine maintenance and when I told him my horn model he mentioned the upgrades. My usual tech is Tim Glesmann, but I have heard some great things about this tech, Dave Saull.

 

[Dr G]

I wouldn't go blindly for any modifications - others seem to live on faith.

Talk to him. It's a highly recommended form of communication.

 

[Atonal]

I wouldn't go blindly for any modifications

+ 1 Billion!

If I don't know EXACTLY what mods a tech wants to do, he AIN'T touching my horn!!

 

[Vandlay]

He isn't going to do anything until we talk extensively, but I was just wondering if anyone has had a similar experience.

 

[Dr G]

How much are you going to ask for your "FS: 82Z with custom (unknown) modifications"? :twisted:

I can see it now...

 

[hornfixer]

He mentioned some upgrades he could do to my Yamaha 82z that would add some character to the sound.

I thought an 82Z was an upgrade.
Make sure he can undo it if you don't like his character.

 

[Grumps]

He mentioned some upgrades he could do to my Yamaha 82z that would add some character to the sound.

As in replacing it?

 

[Stephen Howard]

"Add some character to the sound"?

I'd be more comfortable about it if there was something definite.
For example, if you wanted to beef up the horn's midrange you might consider a Gloger crook - and if you wanted more edge you might go for a high-baffle mouthpiece.
And I'd want to know what the payoff was - because there's always going to be one...whether it be increased resistance, less-even tonal spread etc.

Either way, I'd want to know if the mods will be reversible. There are a lot of players out there for whom the Z sounds just fine as it is, and should you ever decide to sell the horn they're probably not going to be very interested.

Without knowing what the procedure involves it's hard to comment beyond some general caveats.

Regards,

 

[Vandlay]

Thanks Stephen...good advice! I do have a Barone neck that works great on my Z.

 

[empressdiver]

What exactly is meant by adding "character"? What tonal characteristics provide extra character? Character is also not one-dimensional - it could be upstanding, honest, good, bad, ugly, evil, sinister.

Adding character is starting to sound like a wine-tasting expert describing a wine - for example, "notes of apple", when there is not one apple tree in the vinyard.

 

[Budget Explosion]

Tenor Madness used to market upgrades to the 82Z on their website (along with Selmer Ref. 36 upgrades.)

 

[clarnibass]

Maybe you can ask what the modifications are, what they are going to change, and post it here. Adding character... remember that some people have a lousy character...

 

[Gordon (NZ)]

"...add some character to the sound."

For a superb sax, that sounds decidely dodgey. Probably the latest snake oil that will be mocked in a few years. It better be easily reversible!

Is he a mate of Goodson, of attaching-stones-to-the-neck infamy.

 

[Swampcabbage]

Everyone knows it's losing that builds character.

 

[Dr G]

Tenor Madness used to market upgrades to the 82Z on their website (along with Selmer Ref. 36 upgrades.)

What were the 82Z mods? I know that Randy is a proponent of soldering the bow to body on the Selmer Ref tenors (mine came out great).

I have never heard of key modifications to "add character".

 

[Vandlay]

Maybe you can ask what the modifications are, what they are going to change, and post it here. Adding character... remember that some people have a lousy character...

I'm going to take it in next week. I'll report back with the "modifications."

 

[Dr G]

That would be much appreciated.

 

[dzve]

Tim gleesman has a great reputation so I wouldnt be to oncerned he may be really able to bring out some great charcteristics on your saxophone......