Saxophones Can we talk about GAS?

[Mix O Lydian]

I'm really struggling with GAS at the moment. I have watched too many You Tube videos about student vs intermediate vs professional. I have browsed sax shops online and can now currently be found lurking on Ebay and Reverb. I am worried that I will either make an expensive mistake buying second hand, or shell out £2,500 - £3000 of our hard earned, on a sax that could just be a vanity project.

I currently own a Trevor James The Horn alto sax. It is a (so called) student sax. Had it for about 5 years, but have been learning seriously for 2 years. It plays well. It works perfectly, but as I have advanced with my playing, I am now left confused as to whether I need to "upgrade". What would I gain?

Watching videos on You Tube about student/intermediate/professional saxes, now has me convinced that I should upgrade and that doing so will open up my playing to new giddying heights. I have drunk the Kool Aid, big time. and am now left wondering my sub £600 student sax is inferior. Cover your ears Sonny. (yes I named my saxophone).

I am 60 this year and want to treat myself to my "forever" saxophone. As a result of my.... ahem "research", I am convinced that I "need" a YAS62 or a Yanigasawa AW01, both of which are purported to be good saxes, won't break the bank, will grow with me as I develop my playing and will be suitable for the type of music I play and my musical ambitions (soul/funk/jazz, playing for fun, open mic, jamming with others, maybe even small local band). I am very serious about developing my sax playing and learning music theory and I view buying a new sax as an investment in that. Well.... that is what I am currently telling myself anyway!
But why change my current sax? It is still saxophoning just as it should? Is it inevitable that an upgrade from a student sax is necessary if you want to progress your playing? This all started when I bought an Otto Link Tone Edge mouthpiece and noticed a positive difference. I started to look at my saxophone differently after that.....

 

[Pete Effamy]

The main thing about any horn is that it provides an airtight / leak-free play.

After this, a mouthpiece suited to your input is a must - what I mean is that if you blow really hard then you’ll just overload a smaller tip, and vice versa if you see what I mean.

Then it’s about maximising your reed / mouthpiece setup and playing in the middle of the note - many people play too tight and stifle the sound.

If you do this, then knowing how to correct flatness or sharpness in a note is needed - yes, it will be necessary in a more expensive sax too.

Steady airstream, control and clean articulation are the things to nail down.

If you’re doing all of this, then a more expensive (different) horn might be worthwhile.

But, it’s like test driving cars - it’s free. Go and play some horns and record yourself on your phone saying which each one is. It’s about personal preference.

I think the most likely thing you might like is finding something that might be freer blowing. When I bought my tenor years ago I was surprised as the output = my input (as perceived by me) and I hadn’t played a horn like that previously.

 

[jazzdoh]

If it is for your forever horn don't buy blind, it's a must that you try before you buy and there are many more saxophone brands that are out there other than Yamaha and Yanagisawa but both of those are good bets but when you try you might find a different brand that suits better, if you can get to London then you will have the most horns to try.

BTW we all have GAS at sometime in our journey, but finding the right horn will be a good cure, until your not satisfied with your mouthpiece then it all starts again.

 

[Mix O Lydian]

The main thing about any horn is that it provides an airtight / leak-free play.

After this, a mouthpiece suited to your input is a must - what I mean is that if you blow really hard then you’ll just overload a smaller tip, and vice versa if you see what I mean.

Then it’s about maximising your reed / mouthpiece setup and playing in the middle of the note - many people play too tight and stifle the sound.

If you do this, then knowing how to correct flatness or sharpness in a note is needed - yes, it will be necessary in a more expensive sax too.

Steady airstream, control and clean articulation are the things to nail down.

If you’re doing all of this, then a more expensive (different) horn might be worthwhile.

But, it’s like test driving cars - it’s free. Go and play some horns and record yourself on your phone saying which each one is. It’s about personal preference.

I think the most likely thing you might like is finding something that might be freer blowing. When I bought my tenor years ago I was surprised as the output = my input (as perceived by me) and I hadn’t played a horn like that previously.

Yes, I feel I am at that point and the next step as you and @jazzdoh say is to trial some other saxes. I am limited to £3000 max, hence the two models I stated, which seem to be the best I can buy at that price. But yes a pilgrimage to South London is nigh!

 

[jazzdoh]

Yes, I feel I am at that point and the next step as you and @jazzdoh say is to trial some other saxes. I am limited to £3000 max, hence the two models I stated, which seem to be the best I can buy at that price. But yes a pilgrimage to South London is nigh!

Sax.co.uk is the main big one but don't forget Howarth's which is a great shop for all woodwinds, you also have Dawkes but they are a bit further out of London.

 

[jonf]

You don't need another sax, and the designations of student, intermediate and pro saxes are just marketing ploys.

However, you may well want one, and with that I can empathise. A few years ago I had a bit of a windfall and I decided to treat myself to a 'forever' sax. I tried loads and loads, and bought a Yanagisawa T992. I didn't need it, but I wanted it, and I haven't for one minute regretted spending the money on it. To nick someone else's marketing line, the quality remains after the price is forgotten. It is a joy to play.

So my advice would be, if you want a superb sax which will be all you want for the rest of your playing life, go for it, if you've got the money. Just try all the decent saxes on the market and select the one you like the best (not what a bunch of know-alls on a web forum might say is the best!).

 

[mizmar]

Watching videos on You Tube ADVERTISEMENTS now has me convinced that I should upgrade

No! Really!
Well, if that's a good argument, I definitely need a longer.... Anyway....

I have the impression, from this and other of your posts, you are dissatisfied with your playing/progress. If so, fair enough, I'm sure you're not alone. But, given your set-up works, the path does not lie in spending on hardware. How's your search for a teacher going?

 

[DavidUK]

I have a few for sale you could try, and I dare say you may love, but to get the full choice you need to go to one of the big showrooms and try loads. I'd feel guilty selling you a make/model you haven't considered even if it's generally well regarded.

However, your budget might restrict you from buying a new horn you absolutely love when in a big retailer's showroom, and the temptation will be to try some above your budget for a used 62.

With a used 62 budget at Sax.co.uk you might be restricted to a new... Trevor James? A TJ Evo or SR may leave you disappointed and in this same situation after a short while.

Try used horns for better value? Trickier to find all the models you've thought of (and those you haven't) in one place. Most retailers offering large used selections may not have a shop to visit.

 

[Mix O Lydian]

Tangentally, I have just been offered the opportunity to purchase a YAS 25 for £400 and wondering whether this might be sufficient to keep me quiet while I save up for my forever sax.... I think I just want to try something different.

 

[Wonko]

A few years ago I had a case of gas. I was very interested in buying an unlaquered tenor by Adolphe Sax & co. I had the chance to try it out and the conclusion was that my technique wasn't good enough to notice a difference from my Yamaha tenor (YTS32). That cured my gas at the time....
However, I have noticed that new gear can sometimes open up new possibilities or offer new challenges that help you grow.
That was the case for me when I bought my first 'boutique' mouthpiece (a PPT) and also when I bought myself a Conn 10m about 2 years ago. The sound of that saxophone is really BIG, and I love that sound! But it also has is challenges, I have been working for more than a year to get a better control over that sax.
So my advice would be to go and try some horns, but don't limit yourself to the usual suspects (Yamaha, Yanigasawa, ...) but give a big bore beast a try . That might be a vintage American of course, but also a Keilwerth, a Rampone & Cazzani or even an Eastman 52nd Street. Those saxes can deliver a very rich sound, and if that is what you are after, they can be an eye opener.
And don't be afraid of second hand saxes, just have a good tech to give them a decent setup.

 

[DavidUK]

Can you try the 25 side by side with your TJ?

I like 25s, but it may not scratch your itch for long

 

[PiccoloPirate]

Not everyone plays well enough to buy a forever horn.
Have the horn play tested by a legit/symphony level player, so that way, you'll get a horn with great intonation/scale, as well as no other issues.
In days of old, it was said that Powell flutes were very consistent, but with Haynes, ya might buy a dog.
Just be careful that the musician who tests the horn, doesn't fall in love with it, and wants to buy it for themselves.
Ya might have to punch them in the face. 😵‍💫

 

[saxyjt]

GAS! Who has not been confronted with it. But if your temptations are limited to a better alto, you're not too much in trouble. Provided, you don't step over the line and add mouthpieces and other gear into the mix.

I started with an alto, then got another just because it looked cool and being a tat handy I started to disassemble and fix that second horn. Leading me to continue searching and acquiring, C-melody, then a first tenor, etc. My appetite was never satisfied. I currently own about 17 horns (I only count saxophones) and I managed to sell 4 that are not included in the 17.

I will not bore you with my mouthpieces collection... But it is substantial. I even built a cabinet for them. I have roughly a hundred...

My last purchase was in 2021, from a Café member and it was a very good and well considered purchase.

So there is hope. Just my 2 cents.

 

[jonf]

However, your budget might restrict you from buying a new horn you absolutely love when in a big retailer's showroom, and the temptation will be to try some above your budget for a used 62.

With a used 62 budget at Sax.co.uk you might be restricted to a new... Trevor James? A TJ Evo or SR may leave you disappointed and in this same situation after a short while.

.

Budget is stated to be £2500-£3000, which is enough for a new YAS62 or Yanagisawa AW01, either of which I would personally much prefer compared to a TJ

 

[Mix O Lydian]

No! Really!
Well, if that's a good argument, I definitely need a longer.... Anyway....

I have the impression, from this and other of your posts, you are dissatisfied with your playing/progress. If so, fair enough, I'm sure you're not alone. But, given your set-up works, the path does not lie in spending on hardware. How's your search for a teacher going?

Ok so just for the benefit of anyone reading your post, you have misquoted my words, although I understand what you are trying to say.
I am happy to say that I am no longer dissatisfied with my progress on the sax, hence my foray into considering new sax options. I am not currently looking for a teacher.

 

[Mix O Lydian]

I have a few for sale you could try, and I dare say you may love, but to get the full choice you need to go to one of the big showrooms and try loads. I'd feel guilty selling you a make/model you haven't considered even if it's generally well regarded.

However, your budget might restrict you from buying a new horn you absolutely love when in a big retailer's showroom, and the temptation will be to try some above your budget for a used 62.

With a used 62 budget at Sax.co.uk you might be restricted to a new... Trevor James? A TJ Evo or SR may leave you disappointed and in this same situation after a short while.

Try used horns for better value? Trickier to find all the models you've thought of (and those you haven't) in one place. Most retailers offering large used selections may not have a shop to visit.

A new YAS 62 and the Yani AW01 both cost under my budget of £3,000, which is why I have looked into those two in particular.

I would only look at saxes that are in my budget.

 

[DavidUK]

Budget is stated to be £2500-£3000, which is enough for a new YAS62 or Yanagisawa AW01, either of which I would personally much prefer compared to a TJ

Perhaps the OP, as in her other thread, would prefer to spend £1,000-1,500, or why look at the 62 on eBay?
If she's really reconsidered budget and wants to go double that's fine. Perhaps she could go higher still? £1,500... £3,000... £5,000?
I've only ever bought new horns which were discounted by 60-70% (a TJ Raw alto and SR tenor) but there's so much better value in used, with a good tech to hand. May be best to try new at a retailer, bank that info, then buy used. But some say there's variation between the same model. Take MkVIs for instance. So THE one may be that new one you just tried and swooned over, and not its sister somewhere else.

 

[Mix O Lydian]

I can see how that could happen @saxyjt

Funnily enough though, I am wondering now it is GAS that I have. I like the idea of novelty, but I am not interested in something I can't afford, or owning more than one saxophone (although I would keep my TJ for use when I can't use the new one).

Also, with all the ups and downs I have had with getting to a point where I am happy with my progress and have found some valuable resources that work for me and my learning style, I have a feeling this is the right time to invest in something that can grow with me.

I don't think once I get my forever sax that I would be looking for anything new, except maybe change the mouthpiece from time to time.

 

[Mix O Lydian]

Perhaps the OP, as in her other thread, would prefer to spend £1,000-1,500, or why look at the 62 on eBay?
If she's really reconsidered budget and wants to go double that's fine. Perhaps she could go higher still? £1,500... £3,000... £5,000?
I've only ever bought new horns which were discounted by 60-70% (a TJ Raw alto and SR tenor) but there's so much better value in used, with a good tech to hand. May be best to try new at a retailer, bank that info, then buy used. But some say there's variation between the same model. Take MkVIs for instance. So THE one may be that new one you just tried and swooned over, and not its sister somewhere else.

My absolute budget is £3000. I was looking for YAS 62's everywhere, hence my post about the one on Ebay, where I did not actually state what my budget was.

 

[Colin the Bear]

The designations of beginner, intermediate etc have little to do with playability or sound imo.

They are more to do with build quality, durability, ease of service and finish.

A beginner won't sound any better on a pro horn and a pro won't sound any worse on a student horn.

It's a case of horses for courses or personal vanity.

My current Yamahas don't play any better than my old G4m but are easier to keep in tip top playing condition and looking good.

Having said that, the heart wants what the heart wants.

Be aware that we all start off wanting just one but as soon as you have two another will turn up as an unmissable bargain or some sort of romantic contrast. It's not GAS. It's the love of saxophones.