YTS-31

[kyotosessions]

Does anyone know if the YTS-31 was marketed in the North American market? I'm guessing that these horns were made in the late 70's and early 80's. They resemble the YTS-51 in looks with the long lower stack keyguards.

The key layout is totally different than the 62's and the right hand keys aren't offset.

Does anyone have any information on these horns? Were they the precurser to the 62? Was the 31 the pro horn available before the 51 or the 62 etc.? When were they made and what options (if any) did they have.

[Fred]

Nothing definitive to state, but . . .

The 32 series, sold in Europe and Asia, was the same sax as the 52 series sold in the USA - both very good intermediate level instruments. The only apparent difference was that the 52 had the Yamaha name engraved, while the 32 had the Yamaha name in red stenciled lettering.

So . . . I'm wondering if the 31 was the intermediate level sax in the days of the 21 series and the 61 series? I've seen 21's and 61's in the USA, but never a 31. But then . . . I don't get out much.

[kyotosessions]

Thanks for the info.

Do you remeber if the 32, 52, 21 or 61 have left and right in line tone holes or were they off set like the current 62? The 31 I've seen has in line tone holes and really different key work than the 62.

[pknight]

I never even heard of a 31 until your message. Fred's conclusion that it would be an early intermediate line is logical. It does seem odd, given that there are posts about all sorts of odd-ball brands on this forum, that an entire line from a maker like Yamaha would not have come up before.

I owned both a YAS-61 and a YAS-21 for a while, but I don't recall if the tone holes were offset. My son has a 61, however, and I will see if I can find out.

[DougR]

Looks like an intermediate from the 21/61 era (that will be rare) off-set hone holes.
http://www.mitsuketa.net/shopping/p_image/627p1.jpg
http://www.mitsuketa.net/shopping/p_image/627p2.jpg
http://www.mitsuketa.net/shopping/p_image/627p3.jpg

[kyotosessions]

That's the horn all right. The one I saw is a lot more worn than that one.
I suspect that the horn was either only meant for the Asian market or also creeped into the European market for a short while. They play really great.
Really sweet and free blowing. I'm positive that there are louder horns available but the one I played had a nice sound and it projected really well.
The key layout I really like too. It feels almost like Yamaha was going for a modern Balanced Action feel.

Any other info or insights. I really appreciate your posts.

[Fred]

I know the 32's and 52's are really nice saxes and are much more like a 62 than they are a 23. Maybe that way for the 31 as well.