[BeBopSop]

Hi, I am poised to purchase either the Yani 901 or the Yam 62 Alto, they are about the same price, but is there any REAL difference? I have read that the Yani is bright and the Yam is sweeter? The sound I would like is warm, smooth, dark,I like playing the jazz standards...ballads any suggestions or help please?
John

 

[Stephen Howard]

As a long-term YAS62 player I would have put it the other way around - with the Yamaha being a touch brighter and punchier than the Yani901...but to be honest there's very little in it.
The Yani's build quality is a bit better, but the Yamaha key layout and feel is more immediate.

Both are great and evenly-matched horns - your best bet is to give each one a blow and see which feels best.

Regards,

 

[griff136]

I think Stephen has said it all really.

personally I like them both and agree with Stephen with the yani slightly on top due to build quality.

 

[BOPITY FUNK]

John, A Friend /Pupil of mine has a mint 901 alto 18months old. he's in Telford. He is selling to finance a Yanni Baritone.

 

[BOPITY FUNK]

John, A Friend /Pupil of mine has a mint 901 alto 18months old. he's in Telford. He is selling to finance a Yanni Baritone.

PM sent

 

[FawltyTenor]

I played an 880 Yani alto for years, and still play a YTS-62. Both are good instruments, the Yani was a terrific horn though. Intonation was a bit better, just a great player overall. Maybe not quite as bright, and very solidly built.

All things equal, I'd go Yani again, but either are good choices if both are in good playing condition.

Shawn

 

[wheels410]

I've played both, and I prefer the Yamaha for the ergo's. The Yani may have a small edge in quality, but not much. The difference in sound is a personal preference, so best to play both as stated above.

Good Luck!

Jeff

 

[Kenny Garrick]

The modern YAS 62 mk2 is lighter and brighter in sound than the original, to add an extra into the melting pot you may wish to consider an original 62 with the money saved going on a good overhaul. I have an original 62 that I bought new in 1982 and it has a much more rounded sound over new instruments that said both your choices are great horns. If you want new try out a YAS 875EX which has a fuller sound closer to that of the early 80's it is more expensive but better to get the sax with the sound you really want than settle for one and want to change it in a years time.

 

[Stephen Howard]

I have an original 62 (purple logo), and I find the MkII to have more presence in the midrange rather than brighter than the original, and it speaks better in the altissimo range.
I would add though that if you haven't played a MkI long-term then the difference between the two models is going to be as little as makes no difference.

http://www.shwoodwind.co.uk/Reviews/Saxes/Alto/Yamaha_YAS62.htm

Regards,

 

[Kenny Garrick]

I have an original 62 (purple logo), and I find the MkII to have more presence in the midrange rather than brighter than the original, and it speaks better in the altissimo range.
I would add though that if you haven't played a MkI long-term then the difference between the two models is going to be as little as makes no difference.

http://www.shwoodwind.co.uk/Reviews/Saxes/Alto/Yamaha_YAS62.htm

Regards,

Great artical Stephen and after nearly 30 years of playing my 62 I doubt I will ever stop playing it, and it has become too precious to me now to use at gigs so I have an 875ex for my workhorse, and just a tad dissapointed that it does not have the easy fine adjustment screws fitted to make it easier for my repairer to tweak when required.

 

[martinm5862]

I have an original 62 (purple logo), and I find the MkII to have more presence in the midrange rather than brighter than the original, and it speaks better in the altissimo range.
I would add though that if you haven't played a MkI long-term then the difference between the two models is going to be as little as makes no difference.

http://www.shwoodwind.co.uk/Reviews/Saxes/Alto/Yamaha_YAS62.htm

Regards,

I think the basic difference is the G1 neck. When I substituted the G1 neck for the original neck on an older 62 it became a more responsive instrument.

 

[BeBopSop]

Yanagisawa A901 bought, just need advice on best mouthpiece please
Yanagisawa 6 came with but seems a bit wide tipped for me

 

[soybean]

I owned the 62 II and the A901. For me, the 901 was darker, had better intonation, a more even sound and better ergonomics. In fact, it had the best ergonomics of any alto I've ever played. The 62 was brighter, slightly louder and sharp in the palm keys. Possible fixable with crescents. Both excellent pro horns. Aizen mouthpieces are very good. So are Mouthpiece Cafe.

 

[Atonal]

Yanagisawa A901 bought, just need advice on best mouthpiece please
Yanagisawa 6 came with but seems a bit wide tipped for me

Congrats on the new horn!

Based on your OP, you might want to consider a vintage Selmer Soloist Style mouthpiece in a C*, C** or D tip. The Soloists Style, rather than Short Shanks, can be had for a pretty reasonable price.

 

[BeBopSop]

Thanks,might go for the C** is the Selmer 6107 S80 C** Alto same thing?
regards John