[Benon]

Hi Yamaha players,

I'm thinking about changing my Reference 36 tenor for YTS-82Z. Has anyone did this transition? I've been playing this particular Selmer for close to 12 years now, two years ago I have switched from Series III soprano to YSS-82ZR and Series II alto to YAS-82ZS and I am very happy with them, so I decided to give tenor Yamaha a try. I've heard that the YTS-82Z tend to be a bit brighter than Selmers and some of the early models had some intonation issues, but I never played them. Can anybody confirm that, or point me things I should be aware of? I'm interested in the darker side of the sound, so maybe the 875 is better idea?

Any input will be greatly appreciated,
All the best,
Szymon Łukowski

 

[Benjamin Allen]

Wow, Szymon, this is a tough one. I spent some time playing a pair of Reference 36s at the BSS and compared those to my YTS-82Z II. I prefer the Z, but the Reference 36s are really amazingly well done horns playing wise. I don't think most any Yamaha can get the focus of the Selmer core with their focus, depth, and darkness (though the Serie III has a more brilliant tonal quality while still having that Selmer core). As for which horn is darker the Z or 875, I find that if the neck is the same, the Z is darker but more diffuse while the 875 is slightly more brilliant but more focused--more Selmer Serie III-ish with the focus and a touch of brilliance. You can't go wrong with either Yamaha, but you also can't go wrong with the Reference 36. As for my personal preference, I prefer the Z to the 875 except on alto where I only play classical.

Just remember the variables of darkness versus brilliance and focused versus diffuse in tonal nature. And I think you've done the comparison twice already in your switches from Selmer to Yamaha Zs.

 

[Atonal]

I have a 62 soprano, 875 alto, Z tenor and 52 bari. They are all excellent. I played Selmer horns for over 20 years and then came back to Yamaha for the past 10 years.

If you pair up the right mouthpiece with a Z tenor, you don't have to worry about sounding bright in my opinion. I play a hard rubber Early Babbitt Link 8 on my Z and it's a huge sound that can be manipulated however I want.

I think the thing to watch out for with the Z tenors is which neck you pair it with. The G1 is sharp up top for me. The G3 is slightly better. I like the V1, it's very flexible and might be a good choice for what you are looking for. I think the C1 would be perfect for me because I've heard great things on this forum about the locked in intonation and a more focused sound. I have not played a C1 neck though.

All that being said, those Reference 36 horns are great. A section mate of mine plays the 36 and he sounds just killer on it. I've played it several times and loved it. He played my Z and mouthpiece on a couple of gigs and he sounded killer on that setup too.

I can see why you are considering going Yamaha for you tenor considering you've switched over your other horns.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[Reet McVouty]

I personally believe with the right combination of horn, neck and mouthpiece you can pretty much achieve any sound concept there is. As far as Selmer's go, I don't know what their sound is supposed to be like, because depending who's playing it it's going to be different sound for every player. I play a YTS-875EX and it's an excellent horn. But I don't think my sound on it in relation to the other tenors I've owned, I only think about if the sound I'm getting is matched up to the sound I want to hear.

 

[HeavyWeather77]

I didn't switch from a Ref 36 to a Z, but I did switch from a 1958 Mark VI to a Z and never looked back. I preferred the Z in every way, and I still do. That was twelve years ago and I still love my Z to death.

There are only TWO horns I've played since then that have given me wandering eyes. One is a newer Z my friend owns. The other was an Ishimori that I played at NAMM, which was designed by the same guy who designed the Z. Now that thing was a work of art.

 

[HeavyWeather77]

(double post, internet gremlins)

 

[DryMartini]

I have a 36 tenor and have tried a couple of Z tenors.

1. LOVE the Z. Easy to play and lots of sizzle.

2. The first thing that comes to my mind is that the 36 is more of classic jazz combo sound, especially when paired with a vintage hard rubber mouthpiece. The Z more of an all around horn. Just the first thing that comes to my mind.

 

[Benon]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm going to give it a try tomorrow and we'll see if I fall in love .

 

[twowheels]

I have both. My Ref 36 is my favorite, big/full/lush tone and I use a Link-style set-up. Use the Ref 36 for combo jazz, my favorite style.Also have a YTS-82ZU, the initial production, and it is a superb horn....very responsive and tone More focused. I replaced the original G1 neck ( still have it, it’s not bad....) with a V1 when they came out. Use a high-baffle bright set-up, for rock/pop gigs- have one in mid-July. I get more interest in horn section, pop stuff than more traditional straight ahead jazz.

If I had to pick just one, I’d keep the Ref36.

 

[Benon]

Tried the YTS-82Z today. Great horn, sound is a bit brighter thank Reference and sound production is much easier. Despite all that, I like my Reference 36 better, so I don't expect changes now .

Wysłane z iPhone za pomocą Tapatalk

 

[Dr G]

That’s interesting to hear. I played a Selmer Serie III for 7-8 years, until the Ref 36 came out and I got one of those. I really like the extra texture and depth of the Ref 36. Your comparison experience is what I expected - the Yamaha is brighter and more immediate, but that is not what everyone wants that in a tenor.

I ultimately went to Borgani tenors. If you have a chance to play a Borgani Jubilee in your area, check it out.

 

[Bebopalot]

It's all very subjective but I had a Z and it just felt "shoulder shrug" to me. Went to the 36 and found exactly what I wanted from a tenor. Fuller, all around easier to do what I wanted with the mellower feel and tone.

 

[Benon]

That's interesting to hear. I played a Selmer Serie III for 7-8 years, until the Ref 36 came out and I got one of those. I really like the extra texture and depth of the Ref 36. Your comparison experience is what I expected - the Yamaha is brighter and more immediate, but that is not what everyone wants that in a tenor.

I ultimately went to Borgani tenors. If you have a chance to play a Borgani Jubilee in your area, check it out.

I'd love to try them, but as far as I know, there's no dealer here in Poland. I've heard some rumors that one of my friends bought, but I have to confirm that.

 

[hfrank]

I have tried both and I own a ref 36. To me the 36 was the winner, but I wouldn't necessarily say they are better than the Yami. They just start different. Nothing especial just personal preference but I found for the way I play more balance of Lows, mids and highs on the Ref 36 and more mids and highs for the custom z. I have to admit the the other modern horns that have really impressed me recently are the Signature Custom line and The Eastman 52nd street.