I had the chance to play all three side by side today and would like to share my impressions. All three are low A baris.
I took on the Yamaha first.
After reading all the good words written about the 62, I have to say I was disappointed. The sound was not as full and punchy as I would have liked and the left pinky keys stopped me cold. Maybe not set up as well as it could have been, but I found it nearly impossible to slide from C# to B. My pinky just jammed into the B key. The blob of a low A key made it very awkward to hold without opening the A key accidentally. Looks terrible too.
Second I tried the Yani 991. The 991 is supposed to use a denser alloy than their other models and it was definitely warmer than the Yamaha and with better projection I thought. Mechanically it is flawless. Left pinky keys nice and smooth. Really nice up and down. Upper palm key notes all easy and clear. I liked the flat low A key much better and response was very solid C to A. Now I was starting to smile.
I tried the MK VI last. Mechanically I would say the Yanigasawa had a slight edge but I will concede that proper setup might make them equal. The MK VI has the most full-throated sound of the three - really just wonderful. The tone in the upper palm key notes got a little thin compared to the Yani but I felt that could be compensated for with a little quality time on the horn.
If I could have any of the three - it would be the MK VI simply for its gorgeous voice if nothing else. The Yamaha was a non-starter and I think I'll be taking the Yani home soon.
I took on the Yamaha first.
After reading all the good words written about the 62, I have to say I was disappointed. The sound was not as full and punchy as I would have liked and the left pinky keys stopped me cold. Maybe not set up as well as it could have been, but I found it nearly impossible to slide from C# to B. My pinky just jammed into the B key. The blob of a low A key made it very awkward to hold without opening the A key accidentally. Looks terrible too.
Second I tried the Yani 991. The 991 is supposed to use a denser alloy than their other models and it was definitely warmer than the Yamaha and with better projection I thought. Mechanically it is flawless. Left pinky keys nice and smooth. Really nice up and down. Upper palm key notes all easy and clear. I liked the flat low A key much better and response was very solid C to A. Now I was starting to smile.
I tried the MK VI last. Mechanically I would say the Yanigasawa had a slight edge but I will concede that proper setup might make them equal. The MK VI has the most full-throated sound of the three - really just wonderful. The tone in the upper palm key notes got a little thin compared to the Yani but I felt that could be compensated for with a little quality time on the horn.
If I could have any of the three - it would be the MK VI simply for its gorgeous voice if nothing else. The Yamaha was a non-starter and I think I'll be taking the Yani home soon.