Yamaha Alto Sax Custom Neck Models V1, E1 and C1 Review 

Thank you! Glad you like it :)

Yamaha don't specify the internals on the stock 62 neck, however in our testing in-store and with players we feel the 62 neck sits closest to the C1.

Hi Pedro, thanks for the comment. Yamaha don't specify the dimensions on the G1, but from our testing, we put it between the E1 and the V1. This is why you may see some people online saying they struggle with tuning on a G1. There is nothing wrong with the crook, but if you're not used to playing a more open neck it will be harder to control, as the V1 is. Again, nothing wrong with the crook, but once you open it up to give that broader bigger sound, you are stretching the intonation zones within the tube and thus requires a stronger, more controlled and experienced embouchure. Whereas the C1 is pretty much impossible to have intonation issues with because of the narrower shaping. Doesn't mean C1 is only good for beginners though, some pro players like that solid centred and compact sound it offers.

@@dawkesmusic so, is the V1 neck the brightest of all the yamaha necks ??

Not sure brightest is the right word, it's the most open and largest bore.

Simon uses a BG Duo Ligature, basically these (and others) are great for not moving when you take the mouthpiece on/off quickly. In fact, every good ligature should not move when you take the mouthpiece on/off quickly. It's the main reason we think some of the ligatures out there are just not fit for purpose, they look fancy but they don't work in reality! The BG Duo is a great solution.: www.dawkes.co.uk/bg-ld1-duo-alto-saxophone-or-bb-clarinet-ligature-and-cap-gold-plated-clarinet-ligatures-and-caps/228

@@dawkesmusic I use Vandoren Optimum. Maybe I should tighten the screw more?

Hi David, sadly not. The Custom necks only work on the 480 model upwards due to the octave key configuration design.

You can easily use a modification to extend the 280 octave key. Search up “sax octave key extension” on RU-vid. Voila. Custom neck on a YAS.

Not really - you'll have intonation issues because the bore is shaped to work best with the rest of the Yamaha tube (top 1/3 specifically which controls overall pitch and intervals)

Yamaha don't specify the internals on the stock 62 neck, however in our testing in-store and with players we feel the 62 neck sits closest to the C1.

@@dawkesmusic thank you for that - btw, I found a Yamaha pdf and note that they say they 480 is the old 62 style - but does anyone know what that was?

Also it came with a “black logo” neck and was wondering if you guys new which modern neck it is similar to (I’m guessing V1 because it seems extremely free-blowing).

Hi Tony, we think that neck is somewhere between an E1 and V1 - however Yamaha are very silent with their tech specs on these so we can't say for sure, but that's how it plays to us.

@@dawkesmusic So the neck for ALTO YAS62 PURPLE logo is as same as the alto G1 neck? Both of them between V1 and E1? Any difference?

Hi - we don't think it would work correctly on the Martin Alto - sorry!

No - they only work on the 480 upwards due to the octave/neck connecting design.