New YDS 120 (not the 150)
YDS-120 Digital / Electronic Saxophone Features - Yamaha USA
Lower cost than the 150, loses the fake brass bell, also has recorder type mouthpiece (as opposed to the sax-like reed & mouthpiece for the 150). I know nothing more about this. If it's got the same sounds as the 150, it's a no-go for me. And if it has much improved sounds, that would downgrade the 150. I have a WX, Aerophone, and EWI Solo. I don't think this one's for me.
Lower cost than the 150, loses the fake brass bell, also has recorder type mouthpiece (as opposed to the sax-like reed & mouthpiece for the 150). I know nothing more about this. If it's got the same sounds as the 150, it's a no-go for me. And if it has much improved sounds, that would downgrade the 150. I have a WX, Aerophone, and EWI Solo. I don't think this one's for me.
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My wife bought me a YDS-150 during the pandemic, she had moved her work office into the basement of our home and she didn't want me "making noise" when she was on the phone. I have an appreciation for the YDS, I wish I had one for all those years I was on the road and in hotels and I couldn't make any real sound. It's cool for what it is but upgrades are needed for sound production. I'd also like to see a midi out/in on it. I think these instruments are only to get better.
I have restricted times to play and my YDS-150 has opened up many opportunites. I am very pleased with its performance. I saw a price for the 120 in UK at 45% less than the 150. At that, it would have been hard to justify the extra to buy a 150... maybe.
I played alto for 13 years. Is the key setup the same? I had cancer...how about dentures? Thanks
In the discussion you cited, they explain that the keywork is similar to saxophone, but the mouthpiece is breath control only. There is no lip pressure sensor like the WX7, so you blow it like a recorder - there should be no issue with dentures because you are not biting.I played alto for 13 years. Is the key setup the same? I had cancer...how about dentures? Thanks
There is lip pressure to the extent that it takes effort to produce wind pressure to blow through the instrument. It is unlike blowing a recorder to that extent. There is a small diameter pipe going from top to bottom through which the air must pass. And the harder you blow the greater the volume, and you must therefore keep your lips tight around the mouthpiece all the time. I do find that there is some pressure on the lower lip from my teeth because of the necessary tight lips around the mouthpiece. On the other hand, although there is a reed you make no attempt at making it vibrate.
My experience is with the WX7: Can you adjust the range of the breath sensor so that you don't have to blow hard to get max volume?There is lip pressure to the extent that it takes effort to produce wind pressure to blow through the instrument. It is unlike blowing a recorder to that extent. There is a small diameter pipe going from top to bottom through which the air must pass. And the harder you blow the greater the volume, and you must therefore keep your lips tight around the mouthpiece all the time. I do find that there is some pressure on the lower lip from my teeth because of the necessary tight lips around the mouthpiece. On the other hand, although there is a reed you make no attempt at making it vibrate.
There is no adjustment that I know of. I suppose it follows a normal sax in that way. Yamaha seems to have had a primary aim to make it as much like a normal sax as a digital one can be. There is an app for a phone which connects via bluetooth but I have yet to discover what that produces.
Here you go. See “Volume Control”.There is no adjustment that I know of. I suppose it follows a normal sax in that way. Yamaha seems to have had a primary aim to make it as much like a normal sax as a digital one can be. There is an app for a phone which connects via bluetooth but I have yet to discover what that produces.
Ah, yes of course there is that. My mistake.
Just btw, unfortunately mine is giving no sound at all (wherever I set the volume!) and it is on its way back to Yamaha for sorting. Unusual for Yamaha who have such a reputation for reliability in my experience.
Just btw, unfortunately mine is giving no sound at all (wherever I set the volume!) and it is on its way back to Yamaha for sorting. Unusual for Yamaha who have such a reputation for reliability in my experience.
Does that adjustment help make it more easy for you to play without discomfort?Ah, yes of course there is that. My mistake.
Yes, it does. Thank you Dr G. The higher the volume setting the less blowing pressure is required for a given volume. Also, the highest setting gives a greater useful dynamic range because it can be played very quietly or at maximum loud. That is where I shall set it.
And my sax was not faulty, I inadvertently set it at zero volume......! (much to the amusement of my wife..). But then, you never know when you might need zero volume, I say.
And my sax was not faulty, I inadvertently set it at zero volume......! (much to the amusement of my wife..). But then, you never know when you might need zero volume, I say.
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