Saxophones Le Blanc Vito tenor

[cappers]

choose the one you like best, clean and put the other horn away.
Practice on just one, might be a better plan.

@PiccoloPirate Thanks. Interested in why?
Wouldn't it be better to get as comfortable on the Vito as I am on the '25?
Then if the '25 is o/s and I have to use the Vito I won't have issues.

I assume no two horns are identical in every aspect and will have their own particular characters which the player has to manage. Is your suggestion based on that assumption and as I am still a relative novice you think it best to stick to one horn and it's mannerisms?

 

[skeller047]

Just been checked and serviced and deemed AOK by my teacher/player/tech.
I'm sure it's me; it's intermittent and to be fair once the horn had warmed up the low notes came out easier.

An easy way to check if it’s the G# key is to play low E or D, whichever works well that works well, then add the G# key and see if the sound changes. If it does you’ve found the issue. If not, look elsewhere.

It’s not clear to me if it’s ONLY low B, Bb and C# that you have problems with. You mentioned those notes specifically, which is why I suspected the the G# key linkage. If you also have problems on, say, low C, then that’s not the issue.

Breath support is always something to be aware of 🙂 Has you teacher/tech played the horn? Does he or she have problems with those notes?

 

[cappers]

An easy way to check if it’s the G# key is to play low E or D, whichever works well that works well, then add the G# key and see if the sound changes. If it does you’ve found the issue. If not, look elsewhere.

@skeller047 Thank you.

I did the above today as well as on low C. Adding G# did not change the pitch, tone or volume. My teacher/tech who serviced the Vito said it was perfectly AOK when he tested it after the COA.

The neck cork on the Vito is quite thin so had to push the 5C all the way on to get it tight, more than the Soloist which has a smaller bore. A quick steaming of the cork with the kettle (neck wrapped in a towel to protect the lacquer) and the mpc now fits better so better tuned to the sax. The bottom notes popped out with ease! Played until fully warmed up then swapped the 5C for the Soloist and again no problem.

I think (hope!) it was a combination of the mpc position and me getting used to a different sax/mpc set up.

I played A Foggy Day on both and MrsC agreed that the Vito sounded darker and the '25 richer. Couldn't say which she preferred but thought the Vito would suit slow ballads and the '25 for jazzy swing numbers 😎

Ready for tomorrow evenings gig, Storm Benjamin permitting. The venue is a beachfront cafe; indoors but right on the promenade. Predicted NE wind in mid-hi 40s, but the rain should cease by the time we get going. Might not be many punters!

 

[skeller047]

The neck cork on the Vito is quite thin so had to push the 5C all the way on to get it tight, more than the Soloist which has a smaller bore. A quick steaming of the cork with the kettle (neck wrapped in a towel to protect the lacquer) and the mpc now fits better so better tuned to the sax. The bottom notes popped out with ease! Played until fully warmed up then swapped the 5C for the Soloist and again no problem.

So it WAS a leak! At the neck cork. And yes, mouthpiece either too far on or too far off the cork can cause some weirdness. Finding the right spot for each mouthpiece is crucial.

Glad the horn is working for you now. If you plan to go back and forth between the Soloist and the 5C, maybe get a roll of plumbers tape, the thin white PTFE stuff. Wrap a couple winds on the cork when using the wider bore piece. Once you decide on a permanent piece for the horn (what mouthpiece is ever "permanent"?), set up the neck cork to suit.

 

[cappers]

If you plan to go back and forth between the Soloist and the 5C,

On the principle of KISS I'll probably use the Soloist on the '25 and the 5C on the Vito for now.

I tried the Bari Esprit on both and still don't like the sound of it!

 

[Vlad]

On the principle of KISS I'll probably use the Soloist on the '25 and the 5C on the Vito for now.

I tried the Bari Esprit on both and still don't like the sound of it!

Funnily enough I have one of those bari brand cheapo mouthpieces and didn't like it either

 

[cappers]

Funnily enough I have one of those bari brand cheapo mouthpieces and didn't like it either

They get rave reviews so I thought it was me unable to play it. properly. Easy to play but just sounded brash and unsubtle.

Gone back to the 5C for now. Much as I love the Selmer Soloist I can't control it as easily and it's hindering my development of a good tone. It's luscious but far less forgiving of poor air support and embouchure. So back to basics.

More long tones and dynamics practice needed.

 

[Vlad]

They get rave reviews so I thought it was me unable to play it. properly. Easy to play but just sounded brash and unsubtle.

Gone back to the 5C for now. Much as I love the Selmer Soloist I can't control it as easily and it's hindering my development of a good tone. It's luscious but far less forgiving of poor air support and embouchure. So back to basics.

More long tones and dynamics practice needed.

In fairness I think it just came with some other stuff, I didn't actually go and buy it deliberately ! as with yourself, a big 'Nah..' when I tried it.

 

[cappers]

Now I have an almost mint YTS-32 and a well used but cared for YTS-25 I no longer need to keep the Vito tenor. It will be initiallly on CS Classifieds, then eBay if no takers.
Any ideas what is a good asking price for it? It is in very good condition, no dents or lacquer wear and plays very well with a warm rich tone. Made in Japan circa 2000.
It's had a recent COA with a couple of new pads and neck cork. Includes Vito 4C and Yamaha 4C mpcs* and metal twin-screw ligatures, original neck strap, body swab and black wooden hard case in A1 condition.
I've seen them on Reverb and eBay for between £350-£1000, average £544.
Suggestions welcomed.
Thank you.

* I can also include a barely used Bari Esprit tenor mpc (0.085 tip).

 

[DavidUK]

Were those SOLD prices, or what someone is thinking theirs is worth?
Last minty Vito tenor I saw for sale was £250 and I didn't bite.

 

[cappers]

Most of those were 'sold' prices on Reverb. There's nothing currently on eBay UK. eBay US has 'sold' prices between $500-£825 (~£445-£612).
Not looking to make a profit, just recoup purchase and service costs, min £350.

 

[DavidUK]

They may be better known in the US.
Some UK buyers don't believe they're the same as a Yamaha and the values suffer.
You'd stand a chance at £350 I guess?
Mine was £80 a few years ago but needed refinishing by soda blasting then fitted with my (own) pads.

 

[jonf]

Most of those were 'sold' prices on Reverb. There's nothing currently on eBay UK. eBay US has 'sold' prices between $500-£825 (~£445-£612).
Not looking to make a profit, just recoup purchase and service costs, min £350.

I sold one on here a while ago. It was a nice sax. I think it was about £250 - the buyer is still a member, he may recall the price. If that was right, bearing in mind it was a while ago, £350 plus seems OK if it's in good condition.

 

[cappers]

Thanks @jonf
Now in the Yardsale for a CS bargain at £350 and also on eBay for whatever I can get!

 

[PigSquealer]

That’s a bargain.

 

[ellinas]

I sold one on here a while ago. It was a nice sax. I think it was about £250 - the buyer is still a member, he may recall the price. If that was right, bearing in mind it was a while ago, £350 plus seems OK if it's in good condition.

I was the one to buy your wonderful yamaha vito tenor. It was an awesome sax. I gave it to a younger relative that still plays it!