Yani Bronze vs. Sterling Silver

[George]

Can someone please tell me he sonic differences between these two soprano saxophones. I am currently auditioning the S992 and love the warmth of the sound. Would moving to the S9930 give me an even warmer, richer sound? I was told by one salesperson that the silver would be brighter, yet another told me it would be warmer - I'm really confused.

[Bootman]

Silver will have a really big full bodied sound. The Bronze is nice but the silver should sound bigger and fatter.

[Paul S]

www.saxophones.co.uk have some reviews of these tenors for you to read.

Of course, no review can really tell what you particular experience will be on a particular instance of a horn...but interesting nonetheless.

I would expect silver to be more resonant, louder, brighter and clearer

[dpwadw]

Silver and nickel are both brighter on everything I've tried.

No doubt its good for alto/tenor players who want to cut through. A really bright soprano however can sound more like a kazoo if you're not careful.

My bronze yana is mellow and dark. That said, I can still produce an edge when needed.

[singlereed]

I found the silver one bright, clean and clinical whereas the bronze is warm, rich and very organic sounding - definitely my horn of choice.

[Big Nick]

Great!
More evidence that shiny looking horns sound shiny and dull looking horns sound dull. :lol:

[3saxes]

George, I tested the S992 and the S9930 together before deciding to buy the S9930. The difference in tone was negligible. A solid silver body resonates very well, but is not bright or tinny soundling like most silver 'plated' instruments. In fact it was surprisingly warm.

Either horn is an excellent choice, but from a pure sound standpoint, if I would have been blindfolded I would have had a very difficult time deciding which horn I was playing. The solid silver may be slightly heavier than the bronze which would have been the only clear give away.

I know the S9930 is not sitting on many music store shelves, but maybe USA Horn has one of each in their inventory and will let you do a comparison. Playing is the only way to really make your decision as everyone has a different opinion and experience with horns.

Good Luck!

3Saxes

[George]

The s9930 came today and it is definitely the soprano I will be keeping. Right now I am using an SR Tech Legend Polycarbonate/FL gold plate lig/RJS 3M with the S9930 and am getting 99% of the sound I want. I have a tenney link on the way that I'm hoping will get me all the way there.

[singlereed]

Very good, Big Nick, I was talking about 'bright, clean and clinical' as a sound, though :roll:

Anyway, george, glad you are pleased with it.