BigT
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 148
- Locality
- England
Some background. I have ended up with 2 Yamaha Alto's. A YAS 23 and a YAS 275. The 23 was bequithed to me and is of great sentimental value having been owned from new by a dear friend so I will not/could not part with it. I bought the 275 a matter of days before the 23 was gifted. Both are in superb condition, have been serviced by the respected tech, Graham deVere White and in his words, both are in fabulous condition especially the 23. As far as playing, I get on so much better with the 23. To me it sounds more rich and although the 275 has a newer mechanics the 23 is just "friendlier" some how? Can't explain it any better. So, the thing is I am getting to the point where I find the pitch of the Alto is beginning to grate on me. I find myself hunting out music that is the lower register and avoiding tunes that go above High F#. Not because I cannot play them just because I dont like the way they sound. So I am serious abpout moving on the YAS275 and buying a Tenor. I understand that older vintage Tenors produce a warmer, fuller, smokey sound but, as Graham advised, they are like owning a vintage classic car, always need work, especially when you want to enjoy them and the best ones are expensive. I have read Stevens reviews, watched hours of comparison videos, listened to many recordings and as visiting shops is not ever likely to be as it was pre March 2020 for test blows, what other options are there. I have made several decisions. Budget £900 to £1500 in total, must have a mellow tone, must be a known brand, favorites are Used or new Yamaha 23/25/280, Selmer Liberty USA, Trevor James SR or SR Evo Tenor or Classic II
all of which got the thumbs up from Graham. So now the dilemma is do I go for new or take a punt on used? Sorry for the length of the post, I just find it helpful to get it written down. Opinions welcome
all of which got the thumbs up from Graham. So now the dilemma is do I go for new or take a punt on used? Sorry for the length of the post, I just find it helpful to get it written down. Opinions welcome
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