Is my sax ok ?

[Basil]

I have looked and looked, but can find little reference to my Yamaha YAS 23 on the net. I know that Yamaha is generally well regarded. However, I don't see a lot about mine. How old is this horn and is it any good chaps ? :S

 

[mfox]

its ok.. yamahas are built well..i think the 23 is the old student model..

 

[frankb]

YAS-23's are very well-regarded student horns. Yamaha build quality is generally high and the ergonomics are generally good. If well set-up and in the right hands they're capable of a lot. A lot of pro's gig with them regularly.

Here's a link to a review of a YAS-21 (which the 23 replaced) - http://www.shwoodwind.co.uk/Reviews/Saxes/Alto/Yamaha_YAS21.htm

As to whether *your* YAS-23 is any good... Dunno! 😉

 

[Basil]

Thanks for that Frank. I feel much happier. Now all I have to do is learn to play the thing......now which end was it again ? 😉

 

[saxteacher_com]

When I bought my first tenor 18 years ago, you had just 3 saxes in the Yamaha range:

Alto= Student model YAS23, Intermediate YAS32, and the top of the range YAS62R.
Same with Tenor apart from the code YTS instead.

I think the 23 didn't have a top F# key and it (and the 32) had clear lacquer instead of the gold lacquer of the 62R.

I was told at purchase that the Yamaha's were copies of the Selmer MKVI's but slightly heavier gauge metal. I tend to agree with this since I've owned both. I never got the sound I wanted from the Yamaha's but prefered the keywork to the newer Selmers.

 

[diamond]

Man, I will buy my very first saxophone very soon and I don't know anything about music.

should I go for Yamahas too? YAS 275?

 

[diamond]

what do you guys think of this? I my budget is really low,

http://tinyurl.com/2yjyt2

(URL tinied by admin)

NB please don't post very long URLs, go to tinyurl.com and make them shorter before posting or use the code for URLs - see hepl button.

 

[Saxlicker]

Hi Diamond.

Take a look at this for some guidance and also take a look at their starter kits.
Its not the be all and end all as there are some decent cheap ones out there but you get the picture of the sort of things you could be faced with.

http://www.sax.co.uk/cheapsaxes.htm

A nearly new second hand sax from reputable manufacturer that is owned by a quitting student should be a safe bet budget wise if you have reason to trust the seller.

 

[frankb]

Hi Diamond,

Take a look through this thread - http://www.breakfastroom.co.uk/index.cgi?fid=19&topic_id=1187257498

I'm sure it will answer a lot of your questions.

Also these links may be of use -
http://www.shwoodwind.co.uk/Reviews/Saxes/Alto/Chinese_alto.htm
http://www.gear4music.com/Alto_Saxophone_by_Gear4music_Light_Gold2.html
http://tinyurl.com/3a2o69

If you're buying a cheap alto then the most repeated pieces of advice seem to be -
- Only buy from ebay if you're sure you know what you're doing
- Preferably buy from a place with a trustworthy money-back guarantee
- Budget for a sax tech to check it out and set it up once it arrives
- Budget for lessons

Hope this helps.

All the best,

Frank

 

[Pete Thomas]

Diamond wrote:
what do you guys think of this? I my budget is really low,

I can't recommend one of those.

I recommend a Walstein on your budget.

Do a Google search for Woodwind & Brass Ltd (Fareham). Ring them up and speak to Martin. Ask him to sort you out a good beginners mouthpiece too.

 

[Rogerb]

Don't buy any sax which is offered in blue or red, or any other weird colour!

 

[Linky Lee]

except gold or silver 😛