Mouthpieces Yanagisawa HR mouthpiece

[Andante cantabile]

My T991 came with a Yanagisawa HR #5 mouthpiece. As I was used to another mouthpiece I left the Yanagisawa in the case. About ten days ago it occurred to me that I might test it. The result amazed me from the moment I began a chromatic scale beginning with low Bb. The attack was so clear. In fact, I haven't used any other mouthpiece since even though the tip opening is on the narrow side for me.

In my estimate it is quite a step up from the standard Yamaha class, but it costs a fair bit more, too. And I prefer it to the Vandoren V5s I have.

Yanagisawa mouthpieces are probably not the first brand the aspiring musician thinks of when an upgrade is called for, but it would be interesting to see what others think.

 

[kevgermany]

generally underrated...

 

[Ads]

I got one from Davey with the Silver 62 I bought from him and it`s an excellent piece, a 5 also. I always used a selmer S80 in the past but I`m finding the Yani HR at least a match, so much so that I passed the S80 on with the MKVII

 

[Saxdiva]

I have used Yani HRs on alto (#5) and tenor (#6) and also metal 6 on tenor. They are great mouthpieces in terms of finish and how easy they are to play.

I think they are underrated. It may be because Yanagisawa include them as standard with their saxes, and many mpcs that are supplied with new saxes are basic to say the least.

 

[Ads]

I think that`s the point, everyone has got used to Yamaha giving their plastic student Mps even with Pro horns that they expect a piece "given" with a Yani to be of the same level .. Far from it.

the Yanis I`d say were more on a level with the Yam Custom HR pieces which Stingey old Yamaha ought to be putting with the 62 series instead of the plastic beginner 4C (I couldn`t believe it when Davey said the £2600 62 Silver came with a 4C and was shocked to see one included with the Mk3 Alto, I`ve heard of 82Zs coming with the 4C also , at least the alto ! ) Maybe Yam think that anyone after a 62 (or 82) would have a decent piece already ? but then why give the HR pieces with the 875? . why give a one at all ?. Maybe the 4C is to give away with your old horn (which is what I`d use it for) LOL ...

Anyway that`s Digressing, I`m really liking the Yani HR and IMO it ought to be on any HR list which has the usual Links, Selmers, Vandorens etc

 

[Colin the Bear]

The price they go for on ebay would suggest they're not that under rated. Never seen one not sell, and always a bit out of my price range.

 

[Ads]

They go for between £30 and £40 which is around the same price as a new Yam 4C and the ones I spotted were in a lot better nick than the usual chewed green Vandorens and links which go for a lot more

 

[ArtyLady]

I asked for a 7 opening with mine it is one of the best mouthpieces I've played! I mainly stick with my Java T55 though simply for the extra projection when playing live

 

[jonf]

Yanagisawa are one of the few manufacturers to supply really good mouthpieces with all their saxes. The ebonite range are precision made and very well finished, and play really well, although I'd go for a 7 over a 5 any day. The moulded plastic ones supplied as standard by most other manufacturers are way behind.

Yanagisawa metal mouthpieces are another step forward again, extremely well made and excellent to play.

 

[Andante cantabile]

Thank you for all the reponses. The Yani mouthpiece appears to have good recognition. I have now played it for a few more days, and I still think it is a great mouthpiece. But the #5 tip opening is in the end less than what I need. As others say, a #7 probbably would be better. I'll also see whether in time I will be able to get my hands on a metal one.

 

[TomMapfumo]

There are also other cheap mouthpieces that eclipse the Yamaha 4C, such as the Clark Fobes Debut, the Bari Esprit II, the Windcraft Etude HR, the Runyon 22. The Windcraft Etude HR is better than the Yani HR IMO, which I thought was reasonably good but a bit on the dull and neutral side. Having said that the Yani HR did counterbalance the thinness of the Yani T901 that I once used to play, so it did have its value.