Hi there, I am currently playing a late 1950's Keilwerth tenor and am going to change it for a new tenor. I don't have mega bucks to spend and have narrowed my short list down to a Mauriat Le Bravo, Yamaha YST62 or a Yani T901. Does anybody have any pointers for me? I have tried playing all three and like the feel and really can't decide! Any help would be much appreciated.
Tenor choice
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Don't know Mauriat's horns (they haven't reached Switzerland so far...). Furthermore, I'd always prefer a Big4 as a main horn, rather than an oriental stencil, specially if you take it on the road. Both japanese brands have a long proven track as reliable work horns.
The Yamaha will be more on the punchy side, with a "modern" (whatever that means) tone, whereas the Yanagisawa will be more on the classy and lush side. Although I'm a great Yanagisawa fan, I'd rather go with the YTS-62. I played one for a couple of weeks while my Mk-VII was at the shop: I almost kept it. For some reason, it is a very sexy horn to play.
The Yamaha will be more on the punchy side, with a "modern" (whatever that means) tone, whereas the Yanagisawa will be more on the classy and lush side. Although I'm a great Yanagisawa fan, I'd rather go with the YTS-62. I played one for a couple of weeks while my Mk-VII was at the shop: I almost kept it. For some reason, it is a very sexy horn to play.
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Are these horns all used? Of those, I'd suggest that you get a tech to evaluate them for condition - you don't want to spend your full budget only to find that you need a repad.
Of those, I'd narrow the field to Yamaha and Yanagisawa. Pay attention to the response, intonation, and tone of the horn and choose from there.
Of those, I'd narrow the field to Yamaha and Yanagisawa. Pay attention to the response, intonation, and tone of the horn and choose from there.
They are all very similar really, but I must say that the punch of the mauriat is quite nice. I was probably surprised by this the most as it was a new horn on the market (relatively speaking). And it is also about £450 cheaper than the Yamaha and Yani.
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Were you testing them all with the same mouthpiece? Have you listened to others play them (in person)?
Be aware that the response of the horn is very dependent on the choice of reed and mouthpiece - what works best on one horn may not be the best match for another.
Be aware that the response of the horn is very dependent on the choice of reed and mouthpiece - what works best on one horn may not be the best match for another.
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Just curious. What's wrong with your Keilwerth?
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That's what I was wondering, especially considering what you're thinking of replacing it with. If the Keilwerth isn't responding well, maybe all it needs is a trip to the tech for a few new pads or something like that.
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Dr. G asks good questions.....because although you may like all of your short list...they most definitely do not sound or respond the same....really. Do they ? Really ?
Most folks would reply...well, the way most folks have thus far replied: Yamaha or Yani.
The Mauriats...eh...their track record is spotty, if you look at reviews and feedback and such. That isn't to say your impressions are wrong...just to say that reputable manufacturers have withstood the test of time. Mauriat currently doesn't belong in that Pantheon.
So, when on the fence...I generally suggest going with the "tried-and-true" over the "surprisingly better than what I expected".
I think the 901 is a better instrument that a 62. (I think an 880 is better than a 62).
Personally, if this is the direction you are moving in...I wouldn't unload the JK (unless you need the proceeds to fund the new horn). It possesses qualities which are no longer part ofhe sax paradigm...you may miss it someday.
Most folks would reply...well, the way most folks have thus far replied: Yamaha or Yani.
The Mauriats...eh...their track record is spotty, if you look at reviews and feedback and such. That isn't to say your impressions are wrong...just to say that reputable manufacturers have withstood the test of time. Mauriat currently doesn't belong in that Pantheon.
So, when on the fence...I generally suggest going with the "tried-and-true" over the "surprisingly better than what I expected".
I think the 901 is a better instrument that a 62. (I think an 880 is better than a 62).
Personally, if this is the direction you are moving in...I wouldn't unload the JK (unless you need the proceeds to fund the new horn). It possesses qualities which are no longer part ofhe sax paradigm...you may miss it someday.
Thanks very much indeed guys for all your help and advice. I have been doing some thinking overnight and possibly the Mauriat has won me over as it is slightly cheaper, but I shouldn't be swayed be price really on this. I do like my JK and at times it does seem to play nicely, but at others it can be a right pig. I have a Lawton metal mouth piece and use Rico Plasitcover reeds, but am still trying to find a great reed. I used to have a Yamaha alto (many years ago and can't remember the model) but it played superbly and do agree with sticking to a tried and tested manufacturer.
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Do you mean 62II or just 62?
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When is the last time you had that JK overhauled, or even checked out by a tech? I only mention this because at one time many years ago my MKVI tenor was a 'right pig.' In fact it was nearly unplayable. I took it in to a tech a couple of times to get it "fixed" as cheaply as possible, but what it needed was a total, complete overhaul. After an overhaul by a good tech it was an entirely different horn! That was 20 years ago and with yearly check ups and adjustment, the occasional new pad, it is still playing wonderfully.
My point is, even the best horn in the world (if there was such a thing) would play like a right pig if it was full of leaks and out of adjustment. This is not to discourage you from getting a new horn, but just make sure the horn you have is in top playing condition before you decide it's no longer any good.
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