Dr. Wally reviews the Jean Paul TS 860, a new pro tenor saxophone for just over $2,000! Check out the one year with Jean Paul here: • Jean Paul AS860 follow...
Good review (just discovered you, you have a great presentation style!). Took up the sax 2 years ago, seasoned (many decades) musician on other instruments. Agonized for a few weeks to get a JP vs. Yamaha; though I had the $ decided I was a beginner and didn't know squat. But there were SO many amazing reviews of the TS-400 I went with it (plus they were having a small sale, got it under $700, clinched it). I must say that the JP has done very well; as I've gained knowledge about the sax, it seems to have continually met the criteria for playing and durability sax-primary players want, the more I learn/understand. The JP has been MORE than worth the $ savings for my level up to now. For me the JP was and is a smart, dollar-friendly and frankly superb lower level horn... of that I have no doubt, period. And I have no doubt that I've progressed as well and quickly on it as I would any Yamaha or other "big name" model. But I've gotten a lot better and so I was interested in this new "pro" level sax. I'm tempted to push the button but the problem is I really can't play it until I buy (or pay shipping to return it if I don't like it); JP apparently going to open a showroom in Miami, and I'd go there (from Texas) just for that, but for now, you can't pre-try 'em. So this review has been helpful to at least see how it shapes up in general. I would expect this model to have the same quality and playability as the "student" one I have (and your review seems to indicate so). However, I have 2 things that sort of bother me right now: 1) I agree w/you unlike some that labels (i.e. "student", "pro", etc.) are useful. But with this sax, JP doesn't actually itemize the specific things that make it "pro", so we're left to assume things like better build, materials, etc. It would be very welcome if they did this; otherwise I almost see it as a marketing gimmick. The other thing 2) is something specific to me maybe. I much prefer rock/pop/soul etc. and not jazz, so altissimo is a big deal with me. I'm finding that it seems to be very difficult to get past the high G on it, or have to use alternate fingerings which to me are slower and clumsier. Now of course it could simply be "I need to practice more, human error" and I can accept that. But I'm pretty good with overtones now and the upper ones just don't come out on this, no matter what reed no., MP, or whatever. Moreover, I've seen reviews where people have said the altissimo is problematic. I'd *really* like to know if the pro model is easier for that - i.e. can you get altissimo notes out easily? I figure if you can't I sure as heck won't! Anyway it might be me of course, but maybe not... Finally, I don't like the dark touchpads at all - whiter ones make the sax look much friendlier, cooler, and breezier with that bright lacquer I love (like you). While I wouldn't avoid a purchase just for that if the rest kicked in well, I don't like the keys at all - they look like dirty fingernails. Thanks!
I just bought the new 10th Anniversary AS-860 alto sax for my son. He is going into the 8th grade and is going into his 3rd year of band. He wanted to play the sax so I did allot of research and kept landing on Jean Paul. I eventually bought him the AS-400 alto sax from them. It is a great beginner horn and my son plays it so well that he got all 1s in his solo and ensemble on it and landed himself in the 1st band in a college band camp this summer (videos from that band camp in my videos. Check them out). With all that in mind, his band teacher told him that he needed to upgrade from the student horn. After a great experience with the Jean Paul Student horn, I decided to buy him the new AS-860 Pro horn. He loves it and he loves the dark blue sparkly key touches. He says they feels and looks great. The tone quality is amazing and he says the responsiveness is amazing. All in all, he said he will be 100% more then happy to play this beautiful instrument for years to come.
Student of mine had an opportunity to purchase a Jean Paul student alto. Shared with her parents several of the RU-vid reviews. When she brough it to her lesson it was in like-new condition. I gave it a shake down and was very impressed.
Thank you Dr. Wally, for reviewing this instrument! I haven't played on a Jean Paul Alto or tenor, but from listening to you youtube videos and your rather unbiased judgement of this horn, I would feel confident in reccomendeing it to anyone looking for a reasonably priced lower Pro model! As always, thanks for your frank reviews and support of Saxophones in general. Now, you made me feel guilty again, and my horn is calling. Time to practice!
Excellent review. I had the student alto sax, and my instructor always comments on how bright it is. I discovered last weekend that i love a bright sounding tenor after listening to one played at a show. The guy had Conn (didn't hear the rest, the music was loud and he didn't speak very clearly. Or maybe my hearing is deteriorating) About the resale value, I bought my horn for a lot less than the price on the site, but I think that's just because the people selling the horn don't know any better. I did a search for the old model intermediate horns, and they are about the same price. More importantly, the prices of the saxophones have increased over the last few years, so I plan to buy the horn before missing out and having to pay more in the future. Intermediate horns were about $800 in the past, and run about $1200 now.
I just a few minutes ago found out I made district honor band on bari sax! I've been watching your videos a good while now and I will say that while I knew most of it I still manage to find something I didn't know before in your videos. thanks
Loved the review of As860 and this review also…. I was wondering if you are planning on doing a review of soprano ( SS 860) ? I am planning on replacing my alto ( Conn Chu Berry) with an AS 860 anniversary edition for a lot of the reasons you described in your alto review. I have a Selmer Radio Improved tenor which I love and will keep. I also need a decent soprano, so hopefully you will do a review soon. I have been playing clarinet professionally for close to 50 years and as a doubler for theater work for almost the same time. I love your educational videos, they are clear with very little fluff and a lot of great information. Keep them coming!
I REALLY don't care for the dark key touches on either of the anniversary models. I don't mind that it's not real pearl... just think they clash. I would consider their non anniversary pro horn, which doesn't have the dark key touches, but it doesn't have the same engraving or springs... or maybe pads... not sure. You sound great on it. As I stated in another vid, I've had my AS-400 for a couple years now and like it. Only problem was minor when I first received it, and JP took care of me. They seem like pretty good guys there. I would suggest to anyone thinking about buying a Jean Paul... to buy FROM Jean Paul.
"Buy FROM Jean Paul" is very sound advice. In the world of wrist watches, you don't buy the product so much as the "seller." Critically important. Glad you had a good experience!
Great video as always! This did make me consdier your question (paraphrased somewhat) "what makes a professional instrument different than a student instrument?" In clarinets there is definately a difference in the materiel - but for saxes you submitted the features is one of the difference makers. I had never thought of that for the clarinet (outside of a left hand Ab/Eb there is no feature difference we have available). I always do wonder....if they have the factory set up to produce a "pro" instrument (talking about any company here not really Jean Paul specifically) why would they retool anything or readjust the equipment to make a student instrument? Is there a cost difference in the materiel? I feel like there is something only the inner circle knows about such things :) Anyway - you are n inspiration as always!
Several reasons. Sometimes the factory uses trainees or newer workers to make student models. Students are likely to be less picky and discerning than pros: the expectations are reduced so if quality is a bit lower it is not as big a deal. Newer employees make less money, too, so factory charges less. Pro level horns will use higher quality materials: higher costs. Plus that engraving takes time/money. I’m ok buying used, but there aren’t any yet because these are new. Hopefully I will find one?
I have a Jean Paul tenor that's about 4 1/2 years old, purchased new. Easy to blow and nice tone. Downsides would be uneven key pressure and a lot of slop in the octave key mechanism. When I inquired about the octave key mechanism and getting some replacement parts, I was given advice to take it to a shop and have it gone over. Not really happy with that answer... A fellow player with a newer tenor has none of the sloppiness in the octave key mechanism, so maybe they caught that and improved. Overall I feel like the horn was a very good value for the money.
Saving throw reference for the win, my nerd brother! (I would have subscribed for your insightful reviews alone, but the saving throw reference speeded it up.)
I used to consider myself someone who didn't particularly care about aesthetics, but between the engraving and the keys of the Jean Pauls, I'm starting to think I just have a preference for understated looks. I'm glad to hear this horn plays great, though; at this rate, when I get my hands on a bari, I wouldn't be surprised if it was a JP.
Hello :) I have just discovered your channel and I love your content! I have just picked up the saxophone after 10 years. I got to quite a good level as an adolescent (mostly self-taught). It would be so helpful if you could post some beginner/intermediate videos, maybe something that goes over some of the termanologies that you use in your videos that go over the head of someone who did not follow traditional music instruction and has no idea what an overtone, whole tone, major or minor actually is! Thanks!
I just received the new intermediate TS-660. It looks to me like it is exactly the same but without the engravings, black keys and heavy mass screws. It plays GREAT! Plus it comes with their upgraded MP. Did yours come with one? If so, what are your thoughts on the MP?
Absolutely loving all the positive reviews about the Jean Paul saxes and thank you for this 'pro' tenor video. As for plastic and pearl key touches, well, just for those not in the know. Pearl and Abalone, and in fact porcelain; are natural materials that are porous and soak up perspiration so your fingers don't slip. Plastic is slippery. Does it make a difference? Yes an no. I love the feel of natural pearl and it just adds a bit of luxury. Do I notice when I play plastic key touches; mmmm, not reallly. Maybe ceramics should have been used. Sorry to waffle. You can replace your key touches by the way.
What do you mean by "the lower stack" ? Do you mean neck adjustment screw at the top of the instrument? Can you simplify the words "lower stack" for me?
Thanks glad l noticed this comment. I really wanted to know if these instruments had adjustment screws on the right and left stacks. You provided the answer my search for a backup horn is over.l will get one soon.
Good afternoon l just rewatched this video and l have a very important question. Does it have adjustment screws on the upper and lower stacks. Thanks in advance for your reply
Thank you for the review. I’m looking to buy my son a pro saxophone and found that is very expensive. We found yamaha yts 875ex custom tenor saxophone but 20 years old $4300. or we should go with Jean Paul saxophone? Please advise🙏.
Hi, Dr. Wally Wallace. I am a your big fan from China. I like the this horn after watching your video. but when I search jean Paul saxophone in online shop in china， I cannot find any on-line shop that sell Jean paul saxophone. It is sad！
A guy from my college section bought one three+ years ago for his daughter and says for the money it’s been top notch. I haven’t heard him complain about it yet. I personally happened into a Selmer Super Action 80 serie I - I may have to give it back at some point. Is the Selmer Build quality *that* much better than the Jean Paul pro?
That's a tough thing to define. I think the Selmer has a more interesting sound. But, I've pulled new Selmers out of the plastic that did not play! Literally, tons of leaks.
Oh man, you’d think quality control’d catch that! Part of me thinks that a good hobby to learn is how to be a tech: Save some money and have a good retirement job after teaching high school social studies.
Thanks Gary - it's a 56 Select, I developed this line of mouthpieces with Windy City Woodwinds: www.windycitywoodwinds.com/product-page/56-select-tenor-saxophone-mouthpiece
I recently found a really good deal on a YSS 475ii, but it’s still a bit more than I can afford. Do you think I should try the Jean Paul soprano saxophone?
Blue sparkle pearls. Hmm If they want the look, why don’t they use material like blue goldstone? It’s a man made stone that’s would probably look better. Might wear better to. Also allows for option of regular goldstone which might look interesting depending on the lacquer color match.
Black is fine, though not a big fan of the sparkles. I would also like more “generic” engraving. Not a big fan of the lifeguard stand. I have the tenor ts 400. Really great student horn.
I might have missed this, but are you playing with the supplied mouth piece and reeds in this video? If not, can you please post their brand names? Thanks for the video :-))
@@drwallysax Thank you. For beginners like me, can you recommend a "cheaper" Alto sax mouthpiece that produces darker, warmer sound? Many thanks again. I love the way you play :-))
I am not a fan of plastic key touches because when you really play hard and your hands sweat those keys get slippery, Pearl adds beauty and grip while plastic feels cheap. That being said it sounds good and I’d consider it more with pearl because reality is I can buy a YTS-62 purple logo for 2800 in near mint condition and it’ll hold that value.
@@drwallysax Yes i actually have a teardrop (Jupiter) and i see it works well for that. So could be better yes. How about the low F# cos i prefer a pearl there too?
@@drwallysax I like it gliss e.g. F# F E, people say not to finger swap if possible. My biggest problem though is my sax sounding like a sledgehammer. I've got a Jupiter 789 tenor, MB2 (Sakshama) and use legere signature 2.5. I really have to hammer the low notes out, if I have a melody down there I tend to play it up an octave. Was great busking outdoors tho. Sax has been well fettled and the tech says it plays well. Not played for ages since my wife got cancer, playing it recently its hard work, Ive defaulted to the EWI to try and re-learn tunes. I've not tried a different mouthpiece on this but I've always had this with low notes, except a long time ago, I had a BA alto with Selmer soloist, I had that fettled and the low notes were real easy, like playing a toy. Thanks very much for the interaction.
What i think.. I think i've seen another youtuber go down the JP content route and then move into producing their own horns. Now I wonder, is there a saxophone academy horn in the works?
All I can tell you is that I definitely do not like the key touches on my 🎷YTS-62ii .. No exp with those saxes, but a good feel is a nice touch (see what I did there ?😆). The key touch color is a non-issue.👨🏻
I'm lucky that I have a YTS 62 when they were still pearl. I get the logic from Yamaha, taking a way a few creature comforts so they don't cannibalize the pro lines.
I play a Selmer Paris Mark 7. There are no sax techs on my island of Hawaii. I’m thinking of buying one of these as a backup (I think my beloved Mark 7 is leaking badly but again no tech on my island). What would you recommend?
oner and maker of that instrument is SAM ASH owns the company in CHINA. you got be nuts the retail price for that saxophone is 600.00$ take good look at the octave key it's a super action 80 . look at the singnature on the top of the octave key . tow different hones super action 80 made by selma.
@@MK-oe4np Not having a row about it here. Your entitled to your opinion and im entitled to mine, something lefties dont seem to understand. You can go live in China if you want everyone to express only allowed thinking.
Negative comment alert! Why is it a "pro" horn? Because they say it is so in the marketing of it? Because it's the most expensive in the lineup? On another note, why do we even accept these ludicrous labels to begin with? Student, intermediate, pro, entry-level pro... No one buys a student guitar, student bass, student piano or student drums.
I find the labels useful. Student horns often have more ribbing and heavier construction, designed to withstand knocks and bumps (much better suited for marching bands). They are, obviously, less expensive. Pro horns have higher quality pads, better springs, more refined action, and other refinements that make them play significantly better. "Entry level" or another term could work, but I'm not bothered by the terms "student" or "pro."
@@drwallysax A well setup yts-23 can play extremely well, better than some ”pro” horns for some people, so it’s not mutually exclusive. So again, why that label? There’s cheap and expensive, good and bad and those are not mutually exclusive. Why enable a marketing practice designed to make costumers feel a need to upgrade? The guitar, piano and drums markets do just fine without those labels. What exactly is ”pro” with this Jean Paul model?
@@drwallysax The reasons you find the labels useful are not applicable in every instance, hence why they don’t actually anything. You didn’t really try to convince me otherwise. I think you have made up your mind as much as I have. I enjoy this channel very much by the way. I just strongly disagree with your points about these marketing labels. Cheers!
@@dynoroad If a label has to be applicable in "every instance" that would eliminate 99% of the worlds labels. Labels such as "pro" and "student" are useful generalizations that help us determine what features and design traits an instrument likely has (springs, ribbing, pads, high F#key, key height, engraving, key touches, etc). I've dedicated my life to teaching and studying the saxophone, I find these labels useful and appropriate. They exist in every industry, I find these more useful than "sport" "luxury" "limited" and various other marketing labels in other industries.
I bought their Alto. It was a horrible mess. The bell was soldered on off center , so no way it ever played. The lower tone holes were in a completely different plane than the valves covering them. I am sure they check the instruments that they send you and other reviewers, but they didn't check mine. What was even worst was the customer service that I got from them. I took detailed photos and sent them and was still given a bad time. Did I buy it from an "authorised" seller, Did I buy it new, etc. The horn I got came out of their factory the way it was. How did that happen? I returned it to the seller and have not considered buying another Jean Paul product. My impression is Jean Paul uses people like you to sell their junk products, and they don't even have to pay you. To do an accurate review you would need to buy a few off of a stores inventory. People buying these are usually beginners and will blame themselves if they can't play them. If you want to see the horn I got, here it is. I am not monitized, so not doing this for profit. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-q6U4jdSRVuw.html If you are in a hurry, just go to the 7:20 minute of the video.
@@drwallysax I bought it through an Ebay seller as lightly used. My point is it was a used, but was never good even when new. My caution to you is anyone can give you a perfect copy. When asked to do a review, you could ask the company to just give you the money to buy one from a distributer that you choose. there will be less chance you get a cherry picked item. Another RU-vidr bought on amazon and got a lemon as well ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-GCkKpqbLVhU.html He returned it and got another bad horn. Jean Paul did not send him a hand picked unit. this may be a big difference.
I bought mine off Amazon, and it had minor issues. However, you can't blame Jean Paul for a third party purchase. That person should have returned the horn if it didn't work, but probably couldn't because their kid banged it up. I've watched reviews where people talked about Jean Paul fixing the horns purchased directly from Jean Paul.
Never heard of JP saxes. Don't believe we need to spend $2000 plus for a "good sax' ever. ...rather buy a vintage sax if i had to buy another...or wanted to for whatever the reason. Feel thtat if you've found your favourite...there's no point in buying 15 more...neriding out...heh...
