[WeatherfordTexasAlto]

Hello All And thanks for taking the time to read this thread.

I have a problem, fellow saxophonists, and I know that there are many saxophonists active on the forum that would be able to help me with it, but first a short background of me as a player.

I've been playing for about 10 years, my primary sax is alto, and I'm currently playing on a YAS-62 Model Lacquered alto. A newer model. I play both classical and jazz, but as of now I'm primarily a classical saxophonist in a jazz band world, I.E. - The community college I'm currently attending only has a "Jazz Band" (It's a "band" on some days if ya know what I mean :lol. I'm an aspiring Jazzer, and am learning day to day. Been playing Jazz regularly for about 1 1/2 years now.

Ok, so now that that's out of the way; I have a normal G1 neck (the one that came with the sax when I bought it), but over the years it has gotten a little scratched and beaten up. A few minor dents, but still very playable. But since I like to have nice, unscratched things, I figured I might buy myself a new G1 neck since I love the one I have so much. However, when I went to browse for a neck, I found that there are more than a few variants of the almighty G1:

Custom G1
Custom Silver Plated G1
Hydroformed Lacquered G1
Gold Plated Custom G1

I'm guessing the G1 I have now is just the normal G1 (all it says to verify my assumption is the "G1" inscribed on the "back" of the neck, just above where the screw on the main body would be, so I'm not really interested in buying on of those. As for the other necks though, I have NO idea what the differences of the necks are, or even what "Hydroformed" means.

Long story long... I really need some advice on what would be the best choice for me. Being that I already have a G1 neck, and that I play both Classical and Jazz. Thanks for all of your help, and best wishes :wave:

 

[Borganiboy]

Hi, the custom G1 necks are hand made,hand beaten,hand shaped etc.I had a bunch of gold lac G1 necks and 2 silver plated G1s,all were custom.I found the silver 1's atad darker and fuller.Many rave about the gold plated but i not blew 1 as yet.Many say finish wont effect the sound,responce but i also had a bunch of F1 yamaha necks and also found the silver plated darker ,fuller so thats my thoughts.Hydroformed are made by shooting water or air through to make the shape of the neck.Test as many as you can.I just got a system 54 solid silver neck with my new system 54 ul tenor and its great.Tested stock brass necks along side solid silver necks in the past and also likeD the silver more but again thats my likes and thoughts and thats all that matters,if your happy your sorted.

 

[WeatherfordTexasAlto]

I see... So do manufacturers send out necks for testing? Or do sellers like WWBW let you test before you buy?

 

[Borganiboy]

Some sellers would for sure.You wont find a huge difference in all the G1 formats but its the little things that matter i find.Responce is the word.

 

[soybean]

I believe the hydro neck is the standard one. The custom is hand-made as borganiboy says. I have owned both at the same time and could not hear or feel any difference.

 

[Borganiboy]

Just got a M1 unlacquered tenor neck and a original 62 unlacquered tenor neck for my MK VII tenor.Both necks work great on. it.The neck angle is much improved and more comfy.They sound very focused.My MK VII is a dark horn and these necks just lift it atad