Odd, I always felt that the SA80 and Serie II were more closely related to Yanagisawas as the III is brighter than any Yani I've ever played. Just my opinion based on playing 900's, 901's, and 902's. I have yet to try the AWO1, so maybe they made a very deliberate design philosophy change?
Both my Series III and my Yany (probably most/all Yany altos, but I'll stop short of declaring that as a fact) have noticeably less resistance than a Series II alto, especially at the top end. This factor, for me, is the single greatest determinant of the playing experience with any horn. The Series III's compact, slick ergonomics are also similar to those on a Yanagisawa. You can find further discussion from me on this topic here: https://forum.saxontheweb.net/showt...es-II-vs-Series-III-Long-term-alto-comparison
Cha-ching! Correct.
Have you tried experimenting with different reeds? I had an issue with milddle G and G# on my Cannonball Tenor - It liked to squeak or wobble. I was using Vandoren Java Reds - I switched to Daddario Jazz Selects and those reeds are actually longer & Wider. They fit the facing of my mouthpiece significantly better and I don't experience the issue nearly as much.
It's true that if you start by randomly choosing two different pro saxes, finding them both in one store may be a long shot. But the OP here appears to be proceeding the other way around. There are two specific horns that happen to be available to him for purchase (maybe at the same dealer, maybe not), and he wants to compare them.
Yeah, I get that. The horns are apparently at Kessler's - so the OP may be local, or, more likely, not. And yes, one could order them both on trial, and return one - and pay shipping both ways.
Gotcha! Yes, in terms of blowing resistance, the III is the most free blowing of the modern Selmers, and would most closely resemble the free blowing Yanagisawas. The merit I was judging them on was the inherent tone. In that sense, the III is extremely bright. I'd argue that it was Selmer's attempt to copy a Yamaha, and was a vast departure from the darker sounding Mark VII, SA80, and Serie II. The Yanagisawas I've tried have all had a very dark and mellow sound that was exceptionally easy to control. As far as ergonomics go, I suppose that the III does feel similar to Yanagisawas, but my opinion of ergos is generally pretty flexible, so I'm not the best person to ask.
Good advise and well taken!!! I will definitely be trying your suggested technique firstly...it may be just me!!Have you tried experimenting with different reeds? I had an issue with milddle G and G# on my Cannonball Tenor - It liked to squeak or wobble. I was using Vandoren Java Reds - I switched to Daddario Jazz Selects and those reeds are actually longer & Wider. They fit the facing of my mouthpiece significantly better and I don't experience the issue nearly as much.
I also learned through practicing overtones how throat movement effects the pitch. I started relaxing and opening up my throat more whenever I play G & G#. Between the two, I don't have the squeaky issue any more! And I couldn't be happier
Practicing changing the opening of your throat - Think open and relaxed like when you yawn. That should help! Vice Versa, when you want to pop over tones or altissimo, think pulling your tongue back so you have half the airflow whilst keeping it towards the top of your mouth. Today I hit the 5th overtone on B and Bb! It's like when you whistle, you move your tongue forward or back to get different sounds. When you blow you open or close your throat, the more you close it the higher notes pop out. Love it
OP - Have you played both horns? Quality wise you don't have to worry - Both will last a long long time. Throw on a blindfold, have someone at the shop set up your mouthpiece and hand you a horn. Feel it, Play it, Record if you'd like. Let them know which one feels / sounds / plays the best and afterwards ask which horn it was! Just go with what YOU want. People will jump on Yani's who love Yani's, people will jump on Selmers who love Selmers. Don't listen to any of them, listen to your heart and play both
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I see you are looking for a top tier saxophone, in other posts and think you were also considering a Eastman as well. If you have music shops in your area that carry these lines of horns, you owe it to yourself to try them. Modern manufacturing makes them pretty consistent within a brand so when you try one Yani, another is likely to have similar characteristics. I'm assuming this is an instrument you are going to have for a long time and you will likely find one just "suits" you better between the two....the timbre, the ergonomics, action, etc. My oldest son was playing my Yamaha 82ZU alto for a while and loved it, but when he tried a Yani AW01, it blew him away and he played with more enthusiasm on it. Me, the Yani's are great but I preferred the 82ZU....different strokes for different folks, even in the same family. Both the Selmer and Yani are excellent saxes. And as stated in another posting, from a financial standpoint, the depreciation is already accounted for in the Selmer. But bottom line, which horn "speaks" better for you.
Which did you decide on? Are you happy? I have the exact same horns and need to pick one to keep.
What does it matter what someone else chooses? Do you play the same genres at the same level? Do you prefer the same mouthpiece and reeds?
