Extremely well done review! I started out with Selmer and appreciate the history (Mk VI, especially), but I gotta admit, these Yanagisawa models are amazing instruments. You are one of the few I've heard on YT who are equally superb in classical and jazz forms. My thinking is that Yanagisawa saxes are just that much more expensive than "equivalent" Yamahas or Selmers that they may be a bit out of reach. However, with such fine instruments, I'd find a way to sacrifice in some other areas (expensive restaruants, toys, trucks, fancy coffees) to make up the cash I needed to obtain one of these top shelf saxes. Extremely well done review!
I bought a new W10 Tenor and I love it. The key work is not only lightning fast, I found it forces me to keep my fingers closer and tighter together which is something I have been trying to work on for 30 years. Most importantly, the tone allows for that modern Brecker sound that is in my head. I love this horn.
Thanks for this. Is the padding still good after 5 years, would you recommend it? Still debating to get one, I currently use a bam trekking with the soprano bam hiphop and love the quality of my alto case but the soprano not at all, also is too heavy when put together.
Dispiace apprendere che un azienda storica che ha realizzato bocchini fantastici, acquisendo fama mondiale produca pezzi non all'altezza del nome che porta. Pensare che nuove aziende realizzano bocchini di pregiata fattura e otto link non ne sia più capace, come se avesse disimparato, un peccato davvero, tengo a precisare che suono otto link da 40 anni. Ottima recensione amico. 👍🎷
The only new mouthpieces that I didn’t have to send to a refacer was a PMS Germany Guardala MBI and a Jody Jazz Chicago-everything else had be sent in because of production flaws
Really helpful comments on the reed choice and mouthpiece response and reed position. Also, as you said, looks aren’t everything especially on hand finished pieces. I want to see some slight file marks or tiny imperfection. I know a human worked it and played it. If it plays well, believe it :)
Sorry to remind this but neither Joel nor Bob are mouthpiece makers. I have one RR when Falcon was making them, now who knows. Also the ligatures don’t work . On any of their mouthpieces. So Joel, please don’t put them in the boxes ! Get rovners or if this is too much for you,just sell the mouthpiece without a lig. Be fare to customers.
Paul, you sound great. Your reviews are really valuable because can play your ass off-so you dial into the piece from a place of virtuosity. And you know what you're going for, so, given that this piece, for example, might not be your thing you got it going and gave it a fair shake. Thanks so much!
Years ago I studied with a guy who had studied with Steve Grossman. Every so often he would bring a different horn with him and ask Steve to check it out. No matter what he brought, Steve always sounded the same, didn’t matter if it was a Bundy student model with a stock mouthpiece or a Selmer Mark VI with a vintage Otto Link. Your body and concept of tone have much more to do with your sound than the gear.
I have it! very heavy, so not convenient to carry in the london tube !! and I'm sorry I got it , I can't return it , it stuck with me forever, no one wants this case, all I can try is give it for free to someone .