[SallyLynn]

I am returning to the sax after a number of years and have limited knowledge. I have spent hours on this website trying to learn, but I cannot find this little question discussed. I am thinking of purchasing an intermediate Yamaha alto sax, however, the model/serial number/made in usa are engraved using a series of dots rather than a solid line. Most/all others I have seen use a solid line for this information. Does the use of dots suggest anything I should know before purchasing? Everything else about this instrument looks like normal Yamaha to me. Thanks for any help! I really enjoy this website.

 

[Saxlicker]

Are you sure thats a Yamaha?
Never heard of this before, Yamaha are usually stamped and also never heard of them being made in the USA.

 

[SallyLynn]

Sorry, that is clearly my mistake. It does say made in Japan. But rather than a smooth line, the information appears to have been made with what I would call dots. Everything else is typical Yamaha as far as I can tell.

 

[SallyLynn]

There is a model on eBay currently for sale with a similar look. This is not the horn I am looking at purchasing but it is the only other time, in my limited experience, that I have seen the information this way.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/160660022662?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
I am so sorry I do not know how to post this as a live link.
The purchase I am considering is local but a private party.

 

[bandmommy]

Are you sure thats a Yamaha?
Never heard of this before, Yamaha are usually stamped and also never heard of them being made in the USA.

Yamaha had a facility right here in Michigan.
Is this 'Yamaha' at your local shop, or something you've seen online, ie... ebay?

 

[SallyLynn]

The sax I am considering does say "MADE IN JAPAN." That was my mistake. I found it on Craigslist and so is local but a private party. See the link posted in a previous reply to find a similar look now on eBay. This is not the sax I am interested in, but looking at the pic of the serial number/model, the look is similar to the one I am considering. The letters/numbers are a series of dots rather than a solid line.

 

[CraigAB]

I have a YAS-275 that I bought about 3 years ago now and the number is definately stamped. Maybe someone that owns a YAS-62 can let you know. The numbering on that sax looks like it has been made with a hand held engraving machine. Also it doesn't look like a Yamaha case.
It might be a fake, there are a lot around at the moment. The lettering and spacing of the lettering looks strange as well.
Hopefully one of the more experienced guys will chime in.

 

[SallyLynn]

Thanks for your reply. I am worried that it might be a fake, too. The one I am looking at comes with the standard Yamaha case for the model. I hope those with experience will chime in as well. http://www.ebay.com/itm/160660022662?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
Attaching the direct link to the photo does not work so please click and look for photo example. Thanks.

 

[Saxlicker]

Ref the one in the eBay ad,
The serial number etc is very unlike yamaha standards. I have owned 5 over 20 years and seen many others but never seen this.
The rest of the sax looks authentic enough from the pics.
Interesting....
It may be a bit long winded but in my experience you do get a reply from yamaha if you email them. That may give you piece of mind but unless you are sure best not buy.

 

[BOPITY FUNK]

Sorry, that is clearly my mistake. It does say made in Japan. But rather than a smooth line, the information appears to have been made with what I would call dots. Everything else is typical Yamaha as far as I can tell.

That looks fine to me--- ticks all the right boxes. Like most techs I've seen plenty of Yamaha's.

 

[richpagesax]

My Custom 875EXS tenor has the same style lettering, but my Custom 875EX soprano has stamped lettering. It's legit as far as I can see.