Bundy II or Vito (Japan)?

carap423 · Jul 24, 2008

I am an adult beginner looking for my first alto sax. Two options stand out above the rest right now, on the student level. A Vito from Japan (YAS-23 style) and a Bundy II. Both are in ready-to-play condition. The Vito is being sold by a multi-sax player with a good reputation who has decided to upgrade the alto, and comes with a case and a couple of mouthpieces. The Bundy II is being sold by a technician with a very good reputation and comes with a case, mouthpiece, and strap. Both include neck, someone asked. Provided I learn well enough, I'll be able to upgrade in about 5 years, but don't want to loathe my first horn by that time. Weight doesn't matter to me, sound quality does. The desire to learn the sax is decades old, and the inspiration is older Jazz (I am very far off from playing anything that sounds like Jazz at this point, but I'm not about to join a marching band either). I am reading very strong opinions for and against each model in terms of solid tone, rapid response, use throughout the range, and durability. If it's not too much trouble, I would appreciate a few opinions, and their contributing logic, from this forum.

Thank you very much!

greg_strange · Jul 24, 2008

Hi CaraP423,

The Vito sax is a 23 series Yamaha with the 'Vito' name stamped on it. These would be excellent horns and student Yamaha horns are used by pro players sometimes as there primary instrument and as a back-up horn. I do not know much about the Bundy II horns. I would suggest if you have a friend who is an experienced player take them along when you play test play the horn, get your friend to play the horn and hear what tone, sound you prefer.
I hope this information helps.
Regards,
Greg Strange.

griff136 · Jul 24, 2008

I agree with Greg

if I had to choose between the two I'd go for the yamaha - thats assuming they are both in the same condition.

TomMapfumo · Jul 24, 2008

Hi there!

I would go with the Vito, which is what my sax teacher plays, though he will want to upgrade at some point. It got him through his jazz degree and he still uses it professionally (obviously he would like to swap with my Ref 54, but you can't have everything).

I have therefore listened to it for about 18 months and it certainly sounds OK, for what it is worth.

Kind regards
Tom