YAS 82Z

[Gandalfe]

This new ax is not available in the states yet. Anyone hear when we might be able to try one out? At ~$2000 for the YAS 82Z, I might pick one up as either my back up or, if it is better than my Couf Superba I, primary.

Gandalfe

[Lee]

In case you havn't seen this, here's some info on the YAS 82Z. It sounds promising. :)

http://www.brassnwoodwind.com.au/YAS82Z.html

lee

[Lee]

Gandalfe, after further seaching I found that Brassnwoodwind actually has this new model for auction on ebay. Here's the link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2503850854

I hope this isn't too redundent.

lee

[Gandalfe]

Yeah, I saw that last week. I really like to try a horn that I drop that kind of money on. Kenelly Keys (in the northwest) should have some in soon. My instructor thinks a Steve Goodson Unison is the way to go. So much so that he is bringing one in for me to try.

[Lee]

Yeah, I saw that last week. I really like to try a horn that I drop that kind of money on. Kenelly Keys (in the northwest) should have some in soon. My instructor thinks a Steve Goodson Unison is the way to go. So much so that he is bringing one in for me to try.

I know what you mean about buying and untried horn, if round trip shipping wasn't $270 it might be worth giving it a try using their trial period option.
How's your instructor getting his hands on a Steve Goodson model, it was my understanding the only ones in the states are either prototype or in Steve's possesion :?:

lee

[Gandalfe]

I didn't realize it was that hard to get the SG Unison. I'll have to ask him and get back to you.

[katysax]

I tried the 82Z at NAMM and it's a sweet horn. If I didn't have more horns that I need already I'd be tempted to get one.

[jp3]

Katysax - did you compare the Z to the new 62 and 875 models? How do they differ, in your opinion?

[katysax]

I tried the 875, 82Z and new 62 at NAMM. The 875 is pretty much the same as the old 875; I don't think the new neck makes that much difference. The new 62 is an improvement, particularly the neck receiver. I loved the 82Z. I thought it was the best of the bunch. A bit darker than the 875.

[saxboy]

I have posted reviews at my home page of the saxes and necks.
www.gregvail.com/sys-tmpl/yamahareviews/
I think the necks really change the sound a lot. It takes playing them to see, but it really is cool; a lot like a Mouthpiece changes your tone. I have changed all my necks thru the years and would suggest trying them for yourself.
The 82Z is really nice. As far as comparison with the 875EX and 62II, there were not many at the NAMM show to try. The real focus was the new 82Z. I am glad I was not shopping that day because I'm not sure what I would have bought. The 875EX alto was very cool, but I have been playing an 875 for over 10 years now and it is very familiar to me. The Un-Lacquered and plated 82Z's killed me. Did not care as much for the Gold or Black Lacquered 82Z.
Could talk forever...
Just give them a blow when they get them in stores and you will see for yourself and that's all that matters.
Good Luck
SAXBOY

[Tears June]

saxboy

The following test report said YAS-82Z sounds very close to Mark VI, both are very rich & dark.

1) Does Mark VI sound very smilar to YAS-82Z? I wonder Mark VI is dark sound?

http://www.saxophones.co.uk/alto_sax_tests.htm


2) Many players consider YTS/YAS lack of sonic character.I've test a YTS-875 old model and compare it with Ref 54, 36, Series III & a Guardala side by side. Frankly, 875 is short of such kind of tone color compare to the others. what about the new 82Z you think? both ALTO & TENOR

[saxboy]

Hi Tears June,
Good questions and I don't know how much I can help with them but will try.
First off, let me say that all the information on the web with tests and all, are interesting to read, but do not apply to everyone.

I know, even my thoughts and opinions are mine, and may not help some people at all. At best, my thoughts figure into the collective thought on an intellectual side; your real world will need to be less intellectual and more tangible.

If you sound good on something, you play it. If someone else sounds good on something you can check it out, but you need to play what YOU sound good on.

This new sax discussion is really fueled by a big interest in this new stuff, and no product to check out or see. When we can play these saxes for ourselves, then the debate will be limited to disagreeing with another’s opinion, which kinda sucks if you think about it.

NOW, COMPARISON…

I have not played a VI and 82Z back to back. I played Mark VI saxes before making a move to Yamaha’s. I held onto a few VI’s for a while before selling them too. Much of my horn history is online at www.gregvail.com/sys-tmpl/yamaha/ and covers the axes I was using at the time.

I would think that the VI would be darker than a 82Z. The obvious things would be: VI will have a lot more resistance, loose feel depending on wear, key placement and design is very old school compared to any of the new saxes, could be less resonant by design and noticed by the player, depends on which year/version of VI and the playing condition can vary greatly.

Some of the reasons I love the 82Z are: very free blowing with the G1 neck (open, very little resistance, loud, free) and the resistance can be adjusted with option necks with plating for tone variation, new horn feel and design (all new horns feel pretty good, I personally love the Yamaha feel, range of motion and placement), and the Tone issues are addressed by 5 different finishes, 3 different neck designs and all 5 different platings to mix and match with horns; and all this with 3 different pro horns to choose from.

I did not have the chance to compare to the Selmer’s since they were in a different location at the NAMM show. I did play them and did not like the feel, sound or resistance. The tone was good but they are not usable for me.

As far as sonic character, the Yamaha’s all seem to have a full spectrum of highs and full lows. I have a pretty bright sound and the 82Z is also bright for me but also has full lows, just with some edge. My preference in tone is full spectrum of highs and lows. Some Classical guys want a big mid and low with very little high. That seems too covered for me and limiting when playing in Jazz and Pop settings. I think you can always cover highs with a Mouthpiece choice and EQ in a studio environment, but you can’t add something that is not there.

I feel like I get it all with my 875’s and would with the 82Z and certainly the 875EX. I don’t have much to say about the 62II because I did not spend any real time on one.

In relation to the Gaurdala’s; I don’t like the resistance at all, on German made horns. They tend to be very thick, resistant and too dark for me.

Another Opinion for the pool of thoughts on these Saxophone things.

Bottom line is I love my Yamaha’s. I love the feel, tone and response. It works for me and has made me a lot of money thru the years so, If it aint broke, don’t fix it.

Enjoy your posts,
SAXBOY

[Bill08690]

June-

I recently played a number of saxes at my local music store. A ser# 200K MK VI, Yani 991, Yamaha 62Z, and others. Sorry no 8 series but the MK VI had the most centered low end of all the tested units. The Yani was very broad spectrum sound on the low end while the MK VI was very centered on the fundamental of the note. The 62Z was half way between those two. The G1 neck seems to move the Yamaha towards a more centered sound but not nearly as much as the vintage horns. I thought the 62Z was a very nice horn, probably best in class for those who want a new horn. There are some great deals on recent Selmer models that I'm sure sound great.

Take a listen to a vintage Buescher or Conn sometime.

[Tears June]

saxboy

You've mentioned:

Some of the reasons I love the 82Z are: very free blowing with the G1 neck (open, very little resistance, loud, free) and the resistance can be adjusted with option necks with plating for tone variation

1) I'm interested to know if YAS-82Z has a plate (metal?) to adjust the resistance ??? So amazing?

2) In addition, do you mean 875EX sound very similar to 82Z? But I guess 875EX has thicker sound?


Bill08690

The horn you test is tenor or alto?
What do you mean broad spectrum sound for Yana A-991 sound?

PS: I think should be 82Z not 62Z unless the Yamaha you've test was 62II

:cry:

[Bill08690]

June-

I tested tenors and yes I meant 62II sorry. As for the sound of the 991, the lowerer register had a lot of harmonic partials along with the fundamental note. This is where some say a horn has "no character", much different than a MK VI.

Hope this helps.

Bill

[Bill08690]

June-

If the 62II is anything like the 8 series tenors then the 8's will not be very much like a MK VI. Nice sound and more character than a 991 but not a Selmer clone......

Disclamer: I do not own any Selmers.

[saxboy]

Tears June,
On the Necks. The G1 is really free. I like the F1 which blew better than the M1 that came with the 875 at first release. Now, the G1 was not out yet when I got the F1 so I have since compared them and like my F1 because I feel like I do need the resistence.

The Neck Plating. I got a Silver F1 on my Tenor. My Tenor is a Black 875 which was purchased to get a bigger sound than my Mark VI. It was a big sound, very thick and very dark compared to the 62 of that era. I had it on gigs for 6+months and found I needed more edge in some settings to cut thru. When I tried the Necks, I found the Silver F1 to be the variation I needed to cover the variety of jobs I was working.

The Silver Plate on the neck brought highs into the mix when I pushed hard, which is when you need the extra help. I still had the tone dark and full at medium volume, but the silver tends to be brighter when you play hard and that neck gave me more tonal options with ONE set-up.

Horn Plating: Yamaha had 5 finishes at the show, one was Silver and one Gold Plated. The Silver was very responsive and brighter, the Gold Plate was rich, complex and dark. Yamaha did not have a Gold Plate Tenor, but the Silver Tenor was my lust horn.

On Sound comparison: I think I would say the 875EX was familiar to me due to its similarity to my 875’s I have been playing. They are very different saxes and have character that changes a lot. It’s not like changing a neck which changes the tone or resistance but it is the same horn with the same basic character.

SAXBOY

[FOREVERBFC]

I have a few questions.

How big of a difference in sound, and overall quality is the 875ex compared to the new 82z?


Is it worth paying the extra 800 to 1200 for the 875ex?


With 82z in mind, what finish would you go with(i.g. silver, laquered brass, non-laquered, or black laquered?

I would most likely want to go with the laquered in comperision with the non. because of the look after 6 months. expecially after paying 2200+ for it. Or do you think the tone is that much better on the non-laquered. I really do like the silver look, and am seriously condsidering going with silver, however, i don't want to much a bright sound, I would like some lowes to go with it.

[SaxyAcoustician]

Don't bother with the 875EX. I've played a Custom since it was introduced in 1990 and I didn't think there was ANY difference in sound or feel between it and the regular 875. Try to find a new 875 instead for cheap, that is if you opt not to go with the 82Z.

[FOREVERBFC]

Thanks for the advice :? , but I wanted to know what the main difference between the 82z and the 875 is.

[saxboy]

The main difference is the sound is thicker on the 875. The 82Z is said to be more for Jazz playing and the 875 for traditional styles. It depends on where you are, where you want to go and which sax and finish will get you there. The Silver 82Z Tenor did not seem too bright to me but I don't know if the Silver 82Z Alto would help much beacuse I would be looking for more fullness in the sound if I made a change there.
If you are looking to fill out the upper overtones in your sound, then it will lead you in a direction. If you need to round out the tone and feel you are too bright, then that to is a direction.
I would start with who you are and be real about what you hope to get from the change.
If you think it thru, it should answer the question. If you need to, grab a friend to listen to you so you can get a second set of ears in on the choice.
For me, I'm pretty bright by nature so the 875's are my first interest. From there, the un-Lacquered is of interest due to the concept of freer vibration. The plated horns are the next of interest since it would not be hindering vibration and makes them more complex in tonal variation.

Bottom line is your ears. Does it sound good? Do you like your tone? Do others like it too?

This is why so many different sax players can sound good on so many different horns. It starts with you and your sound and works down from there.

SAXBOY

[Brian]

That is a very well stated answer. Plating vs. Lacquer vs. non- lacquer vs. plastic resonator vs. metal resonator vs. iquana skin pads with special elixer waterproofing and partially hydroginated vegetable oils for cork grease ... and on and on and on ....
... will at best point you in a direction. Some of them are only voodoo. As one SOTW member once stated (I believe it was MS, and Im paraphrasing) "If you are convinced something works, it probably will." A silver plated horns brightness can be easily overcome with a darker mouthpiece / reed combination. A dark horn with a high baffle piece can bring some really interesting tonal colors.

When it comes to finish ... I go for preferences in looks and maintenance / durability ... than learn to play it. Im sure some will argue differently... :)

[SaxyAcoustician]

When it comes to finish ... I go for preferences in looks and maintenance / durability ... than learn to play it. Im sure some will argue differently...

I admit I bought my black Yamaha 855 alto for its looks! It is one fantastic looking horn, and in my opinion the finest looking black lacquered horn on the market. And fortunately it plays like a mutha! :wink:

Frankly, I don't sense any difference going from silver to lacquer (clear or black) and I've owned all the aforementioned (all Custom altos). I think if a person were to be blindfolded and told to identify a horn's finish by how it plays (assuming that all the horns are identically regulated) he'd be hard pressed to get even one horn right all the time. It's all about how you play!

[FOREVERBFC]

I went to music shop and tried out the 82z Lac. vs the YAS-875EX along with a selmer mark VI and a yani 901. The Yamaha's are definitly my favorite, The control and the sound is awsome! The 875 was silver plated so It was a little brighter than the 82z. Although, for some reason I prefered the 82z over the the 875. The control of the sax and the lower notes are much more rich to me. There are 2 owners at this specific store I went to. I was dealing with one and he quoted me a wrong price and had to stick with it. I originaly wanted to go with the silver, but no one had it in stock. The price they quoted me for the brass was 1800 and the silver 2030.00 usd. I found this to be an outstanding price :lol: . I priced around and no one had it in stock untill oct. and if they had it in stock, it was going for well over 2300. So I guess I'll settle for the brass for now. Please leave me your thoughts on the price and the finish that I choose. thanks