Where can I drive to find Yani's in or nearby Atlanta GA

[M Exner]

I want to compare Yamaha's new saxes to the A-991 and A-992
I've been able to try out the 82-Z and the 875-EX but before I make my final choice I feel compelled to try the Yani's. Can anyone give me a location somewhere near Georgia that I could drive to test out these saxes? Thanks

[Morry]

The Leblanc site lists Carere Music as a retailer. You might want to check them out. I think I saw some positive reviews of them on this site, or the old one.

[Morry]

As a follow-up...don't discount the possibility of ordering an 82Z and a 991 from someone like USA Horn so that you can compare them side-by-side in the comfort of your own home. I recently did that with a horn from WWBW, and one from USA Horn. Very pleasant experience.

[M Exner]

Morry, thanks for the reply. Carere Music is a great place, in fact that is where I tried out those new yamahas. They can order Yani's but they ordinarily don't stock them or keep them in inventory. At least that's what I was told about a month ago.
I guess I could have USA Horn send them but that would seem to me a bit much with liabilities and what not. By the way, what were the saxes you tried out and your observations if you don't mind answering for me?

[Morry]

I found a closeout deal at WWBW on a Custom 875B tenor for $1999. I also ordered a 62II from USA Horn. I took them both with me to my local retailer and played them along side a Keilwerth SX90R. The JK was hands down the horn for me. The sound was huge and complex and, strangely, the intonation was much better top to bottom than the Yamahas. This was a surprise to me because I've always played Yamahas exclusively. Also, the upper register (above A2), had the same sound as the notes below. My upper range has always sounded thin to me, and so I lacked confidence up high. Not any more. I bought the Keilwerth on the spot, and sent the others back.

[Morry]

My favorite old time retailer, George Prewett at Alabama Music Center in Birmingham, is a Yani dealer. I don't know if he has a 991 in stock or not, but you can try - (205) 879-9191. George has forgotten more about the saxophone than most people will ever know. He was a travelling pro player in Chicago, St. Louis, etc. in the 40's and 50's, and has some great stories. He took lessons in Chicago from Santy Runyon. You might also call Capital Music in Montgomery. I think they are Yani dealers also.

[M Exner]

Well I tried and tried to find retailers with the new yana A-992 and the new Yamaha 82Z .

Nobody stocks them both (in this area) but everybody will special order one for you to buy. Too risky in my book.

Matthews Music in Holland sent them both to me for a test drive with the idea I would purchase one, but would not force a sale if I was'nt happy. I pay shipping of course.

Even at that, it was a win-win situation. I can't go wrong with a purchase of one of these beauties at their low prices.

Best decision I ever did to try them both in my home without the pressures of salesmen and the confined accoustics of some tiny room in a music store.

They were both impressive but the Yamaha stole my heart. Others may choose differently, for it is a personal choice. Mike