Saxophones Does anyone have an opinion on the Tenor sax Thomann TTS580 GS?

[rsproduction]

Hi everyone, I’m writing from Italy. I’d like to upgrade my gear and get a new tenor sax. I was considering the Thomann TTS 580 GS, since I already own the alto version (TAS-580 GL). Alternatively, I could get a used YTS 23 for the same price. Has anyone tried it? What do you think?

 

[Stephen Howard]

I've not seen that exact model but have seen quite a few Thomann horns over the last few years - and on the whole I've been quite impressed with them in terms of value for money (the C Melody excepted).
This horn looks like a Yamaha copy - so probably a 62 - and the price sets it at a step up from their basic models. I'd be very surprised if it wasn't a very reasonable horn for the price.
I think you can expect to be at least as good as the alto you have.

Putting it up against a 23 is a tough call - and I would say that I'd expect the 23 to be in very good condition for that price.

Bear in mind that Thomann have a very good returns policy. Yes, it's a bit of a hassle to have to ship a horn back but I think I'd be tempted to give it a go.

 

[rsproduction]

What an honor! Thanks so much for the reply. Comparing mine alto saxophone version to a friend's YAS-82, the key layout is similar to that of the YAS. Its overall quality is satisfactory. I’m not sure about its longevity or resale value over time, though. That’s why I was considering another well-known brand—perhaps even a vintage model—offering a similar price-to-quality ratio.

 

[Stephen Howard]

What an honor! Thanks so much for the reply. Comparing mine alto saxophone version to a friend's YAS-82, the key layout is similar to that of the YAS. Its overall quality is satisfactory. I’m not sure about its longevity or resale value over time, though. That’s why I was considering another well-known brand—perhaps even a vintage model—offering a similar price-to-quality ratio.

Longevity should be fine - plenty of budget horns still doing the rounds after decades of use. What tends to see them off is economics.

If resale value is a consideration then it's not the horn for you - and something with a big name is called for, such as the YTS-23 etc.

 

[rsproduction]

Longevity should be fine - plenty of budget horns still doing the rounds after decades of use. What tends to see them off is economics.

If resale value is a consideration then it's not the horn for you - and something with a big name is called for, such as the YTS-23 etc.

My 2013 G4M Tenor is still in perfect condition. sound great, but it is a bit heavy.
I am recovering from a very serious accident that has limited the use of my right arm. I struggle to play, but for me, playing is a form of physical and psychological therapy...

 

[Colin the Bear]

My 580 alto is a very playable instrument. It's just beginning to show signs of minor spotting under the lacquer after 5ish years, but still looks good. Having all the stack adjusting screws, it's very easy to live with. It has an acceptable if somewhat bright tone and I would expect the same from the tenor.

If you go for the matching tenor it should feel the same in your hands and have a similar soundscape.

Chinese horns don't have much of a resale value, probably around half what you pay for it, but they do make a great back up.

Bear in mind how old the YTS23 is. It could be getting on for half a century. A new horn is, well, new.

Having said that, I went for a lightly used YTS25. It was the price that swayed me. I'm very happy with it.

 

[rsproduction]

My 580 alto is a very playable instrument. It's just beginning to show signs of minor spotting under the lacquer after 5ish years, but still looks good. Having all the stack adjusting screws, it's very easy to live with. It has an acceptable if somewhat bright tone and I would expect the same from the tenor.

If you go for the matching tenor it should feel the same in your hands and have a similar soundscape.

Chinese horns don't have much of a resale value, probably around half what you pay for it, but they do make a great back up.

Bear in mind how old the YTS23 is. It could be getting on for half a century. A new horn is, well, new.

Having said that, I went for a lightly used YTS25. It was the price that swayed me. I'm very happy with it.

Thanks, Colin; I chose the TAS580 based on your recommendation, and I’m very happy with how it sounds. Yes, it does have a somewhat bright tone. For the tenor, I’d like something a bit darker. The G4M I have isn't bad—after 13 years, it’s still like new—but it is quite heavy.

 

[Colin the Bear]

Maybe soprano is the way to go.

 

[rsproduction]

I already have a soprano, a curved one I got on Temu; it’s inexpensive but sounds great. But tenor has the sound I love the most. I think I’ll give the TTS 580 a try—who knows, or do you have other suggestions below 900 euro?

 

[mizmar]

I am recovering from a very serious accident that has limited the use of my right arm.

Have you considered a change in strap / harness? The jazzlab is quite popular, and I can testify that it requires less arm work as well as taking weight off the neck.
try a search, here.

 

[Colin the Bear]

There are various stands, pegs, seats, harnesses etc to help with the weight.

Curly Bob has a YTS25 at your price spec. Link below. For just a little more the TJ Evo II is available. Read what Stephen thinks about it at SHwoodwind reviews.

YAMAHA YTS -25 JAPAN TENOR SAX - REFURBISHED (003010)

Specialists in professionally restored saxophones, flutes and clarinets. We buy, sell and restore quality woodwind instruments in Liverpool city centre

www.curlywoodwind.co.uk

 

[Ghr9204]

I chose the TAS580 based on your recommendation, and I’m very happy with how it sounds. Yes, it does have a somewhat bright tone. For the tenor, I’d like something a bit darker.

Matched with the right mouthpiece can help to temper that. I've heard soloing done on the older swing era tunes of around WW2 say, done on a sax that was dark and another that sounded bright. Both sounded good.

Then I came away with the conclusion that the best sax for the job was the one playing the solo.

YMMV - Your Mileage May Vary.

 

[rsproduction]

Yes, that's true. I make mouthpieces myself (windyman.it), and the difference between the various models is huge. In terms of tone, using the same reed and mouthpiece, Thomann's TAS580 alto sax is very close to a Yamaha. So I think it's true for the tenor model of the same series.

 

[rsproduction]

 

[Colin the Bear]

I'm using an old Selmer Soloist D on the YAS25. The same setup on the 580 sounds much brighter. The 580 is similar in design but not in build quality.

I would seriously consider Curly Bob's refurbished YTS25.

 

[rsproduction]

Ok. Thanks for your suggestion Colin. I'll go for a second hand yts25. But in Italy. Due to the Brexit, buying from UK is a nightmare... So many taxis to import anything.

 

[Colin the Bear]

I hadn't realised.