Tech/maintenance Should a properly adjusted YTS-23 feel just as easy to play as a YTS-280?

[Pete Effamy]

By the way, whenever I’ve travelled by plane, I’ve always taken the sax with me as carry-on — I’ve never checked it in.

Good! Don't!!
I play with a well - known artist and it was understood for the previous sax player (and ergo me also I surmise) that if boarding with his sax was refused then he wouldn't fly and an alternative solution would be found.

I have to say that this just doesn't seem to be a problem any more anyway, though it almost always got a "look" or was questioned 15 years ago for a time.

 

[PigSquealer]

Thanks everyone for your replies!

You’re very welcome. Everyone here tries to offer quality feedback from experience. Use and affordability included.

The sax case is a Jakob Winter. When I pick it up, I’ll mention my concerns about the case to the tech.

I have no personal experience with this particular brand. Could be a different brand name of the same company that makes “Crossrock” cases available on Amazombie. These I do have experience with. Low end student to insanely great pro level goods. In example.

A student low end case is basic. Hinges, latches, sax fits, has handle. Can probably be power washed to remove gross lack of hygiene or last weeks bag lunch.

Pro/ upper grades. Hinges, beefy. More latches and with key locks. Handel that’s well solid. Shoulder & backpack mounts and straps included. Water proof/resistance, rain cover available. Well fit interior to RHBK. Placement for neck & mouthpiece and or cushioned bag for crook, and mouthpiece. Extremely plush solid interior. Very durable hard exterior.

Crossrock saxophone case at DuckDuckGo

DuckDuckGo. Privacy, Simplified.

duckduckgo.com

By the way, whenever I’ve travelled by plane, I’ve always taken the sax with me as carry-on — I’ve never checked it in.

On the average….. global feedback to me leans to contour style cases being identified as an instrument. A saxophone. Something of delicate nature and personal care concern. That said. Altos get the pass as a carryon for overhead compartment travel. Tenors often are taken at plane boarding door. The attendants understand needs. Care is taken.

 

[ghostler]

A student low end case is basic. Hinges, latches, sax fits, has handle. Can probably be power washed to remove gross lack of hygiene or last weeks bag lunch.

😆 Well, I haven't quite seen that but imagine you've seen some nasty cases even from the adults. 😉 My Venus sop came in a budget case. 14 years ago I was using it quite regularly, budget case started looking dog eared, repaired the zipper 3 times, finally the zipper track failed. Now in a quality Protec case.

Pro/ upper grades. Hinges, beefy. More latches and with key locks. Handle that’s well solid.

Generally yes but did find a slight exception. Bought a heavy duty Gator Andante case for my Beaugnier Vito alto. It has no locks but the beefiest wide aluminum edge rim I've seen plus ultra heavy duty latches. Rim is wide and sturdy enough to install a lock hasp and pad lock it.

Amazon.com: Gator Cases Andante Series Molded ABS Hardshell Case for Eb Alto Saxophone, (GC-ALTOSAX-23) : Musical Instruments

Buy Gator Cases Andante Series Molded ABS Hardshell Case for Eb Alto Saxophone, (GC-ALTOSAX-23): Alto Sax - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Shoulder & backpack mounts and straps included. Water proof/resistance, rain cover available. Well fit interior to RHBK. Placement for neck & mouthpiece and or cushioned bag for crook, and mouthpiece. Extremely plush solid interior. Very durable hard exterior.

Crossrock saxophone case at DuckDuckGo

DuckDuckGo. Privacy, Simplified.

duckduckgo.com

A year ago got a really nice Crossrock contour hard case for my Jupiter Vito tenor:

Amazon.com: Crossrock ABS Tenor Saxophone Case – Contoured Blue Diamond Texture, Deep Blue Velvet Interior, Accessory Pocket, Security Lock & Detachable Strap : Musical Instruments

Buy Crossrock ABS Tenor Saxophone Case – Contoured Blue Diamond Texture, Deep Blue Velvet Interior, Accessory Pocket, Security Lock & Detachable Strap: Alto Sax - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

It is durable but it did not come with a lock even though latest listing says it does. Their photos show without lock. I'd verify if you need locking.

Crossrock photos merged into one.

This is a good solid case but mine did not come with a locking system. For me it was a good value because it is more compact than the LeBlanc rectangular case. Instead of backpack straps it has a single sling strap. Current price is $144 US on Amazon.

Of course, one can get an upper end Crossrock for double to triple the price that is even sturdier. My sax being a used student model (but IMO plays like an intermediate) didn't warrant spending more. However for a pro instrument costing thousands, then of course go the extra mile.

I'll have to throw in a half eaten bag of chips in my case if I ever visit you for a servicing. 😉

 

[Paco T]

Just a little update. I’ve picked up the sax from the shop. Cleaning and adjustment cost €150, and the sax has turned out really well. I’m really happy with how it feels now.


I’m still just a beginner on the sax and have a lot to learn, but now I feel like the instrument is working with me rather than fighting me!


Anyway, I’d still like to try the 280 again, and have my friend try the 23 as well. Let’s see if we can come to any conclusions.


Cheers, everyone!