Saxophones Early model Yamaha alto YAS-32

[cappers]

Any YAS-32 owners around? Some advice sought please.

I have been offered a vgc YAS-32 by a reputable second hand horn seller, p/x for my YAS-25.
It is an early PL model with a 00XXX s/n, and nickel plated keys. Said to be playing without an issue, good pads and mechanics.

I replaced my YTS-25 with a YTS-32 because I was impressed by its tone - richer and fuller than the 25. Does the YAS-32 also have a richer tone than the YAS-25? My YTS-32 is an early second generation non-PL model without a tilting table or adjustable thumb rest; the YAS-32 is a first generation PL model ~1980's. With the nickel keywork it looks like a 23 (I didn't know the 32s had nickel option).

It was £725 down to £650, p/x the YAS-25 and it will be £400. I'm sure I could get more on eBay but it's a hassle and there are several 25s sitting there at present.

I may be able to get a 7-day trial which is probably the best bet, and see and hear for myself if the difference is worth it. Any thoughts welcome.

 

[Colin the Bear]

Try it. Nothing like a matching pair. 😉

 

[PiccoloPirate]

Get a Soprano.

 

[cappers]

Get a Soprano.

......

No thanks!

 

[cappers]

Try it. Nothing like a matching pair. 😉

I'll speak to him tomorrow regarding the trial he offered.

I wasn't after another or replacement alto as I concentrate on tenor but I do enjoy alto especially for home use. To me and others there is a definite tonal difference between the YTS-23/5 and YTS-32, and if this the case for the altos then I'm very tempted, especially with the price.

 

[Targa]

Try it. Nothing like a matching pair. 😉

Sax or sox.

 

[Colin the Bear]

Sax, sox or sex. Six sux. I 'm just using up vowels.

 

[skeller047]

Sax, sox or sex. Six sux. I 'm just using up vowels.

Syzygy…

 

[Colin the Bear]

You having a stroke? 😳

 

[skeller047]

It was just an involuntary vowel movement…

 

[Colin the Bear]

It was just an involuntary vowel movement…

Nope. I'm not playing. ☝️

 

[thomsax]

The first YAS-32 I saw and played had goldlaquered body and keys. It arriwed to the music shop where I worked in summer/ august 1978. This was the first "X2" model. Still selling the YAS-61 and YAS-21. I remember the YAS 32 was brighter than, the 61 and 21. Yamaha expanded the saxline , here in Sweden, with a "middle class" sax.

 

[cappers]

@Stephen Howard I tried to message you but your inbox is full.

Do you have any comments re this YAS-32 please?

Thank you.

 

[Stephen Howard]

The 32 has the same body tube as the 62 - hence the nickname of "Poor man's 62".
Tonally it's a little richer and fuller than the 2X series - but there might not be as much it is as you think because the difference between the altos isn't as pronounced as it in on the tenors. That said, I went from the 21 alto to the 62 because I could hear the difference.
Given that it's a close call I'd recommend trying it before you buy it. If you decide to go for it anyway, it's a very good horn.

 

[cappers]

Thank you @Stephen Howard
The difference between the tenor 25 & 32 is quite apparent to me and I really love the 32. I was hoping it might be similar for the altos.
Going to have to try it out.
Thanks 🙏