Hi, I'm new to these forums

[SaxAttack]

I've been reading these forums for quite some time now, and I currently play on my old student model Yamaha YAS-23.

I have been reading everywhere on how great the Cannonball A1 is, and how wonderful it sounds, and feels, and sometimes some go as far as to say it puts away MarkVI's.

Well I am in the market for a new horn, and I am lookin at a Selmer Series III Model 62, and every music store I call seems to try and stray me away from that horn, and tries to get me to jump on the Cannonball Bandwagon.

I went to the Music Store today and tried 2 Cannonball Alto's , an unlaquered model, which sounded just like my YAS23, and a ICE model which sounded a bit darker.

I must say for all the hype I have heard about these horns I was not not pleased, and made me realize that I took my YAS23 for granted.

Maybe I am crazy, maybe I don't know anything, or maybe I am just too used to my YAS23.

Well that's my first post ....

Nice board.

P.S.

What is it about the Model 62's, that people don't like, every thing I read says that they sound like no other Alto on the market, and the music stores won't order me one unless I actually pay for it upfront. (Bologna)

Thanks.

Jason

[MBushaw]

Due to the common numbering (62) between Selmer and Yamaha, it is common to refer to the Selmer as a Series III, and the Yamaha as a 62.
The probable reason music stores will try to sell you a different horn is that they make more money on the other horn. After all, they are in business to make money! The Series III is a great horn that will serve you well, if it fits you physically and mentally. They generally don't come too well set up from the factory and need to have a good repair tech go through them to make them perform.
As you are a playing a Yamaha now, and have realized what a good horn even their student model is, have you considered one of the pro Yamahas?

[SaxAttack]

Well, I will now look in to one of the Yamaha Pro Models.

I have been lookin heavily in to the other brands, besides the majors.

I will definately look in to a Yamaha Pro Model though, do you have any suggestions..

What is Yamaha's TOP model? For that matter what is all there models?

I wish I could recork some keys on my horn, and adjust some springs, and maybe repad it , but The local music store wants 400 just for the repad fee...

Anyhelp would be appreciated

Thanks
Jason

[averageschmoe]

yamaha currently has three pro models starting with the 62II (evolution of the 62), the 82Z, and the 875EX (evolution of the 875 custom). the absolute top would probably be a split between the 82Z and the 875, both custom models and the custom label being the flagship of yamaha. the 82 is more of a commercial horn, the 875 is more of a legit horn, but both can cross either boundary with ease.

[samsax]

How do you sound on your YAS 23. Do you still sound like a "student" or have you improved? Do you sound better on the new horns that you have tried so far? Maybe the repad job might be the better option. Just because you play a student horn dosen't me you have to invest in a pro horn. Most would agree that a pro would still sound great on a student horn because they have the experience. As you gain experience I'm sure you'll play a lot better on that old horn and the more you play the better you will become. I think if you stick with the same sax and find a good mouthpiece for that sax, you and the sax become as one. Your sax is not "old". There are plenty of people here that play on horns thirty,forty years old, and they still get a good sound out of them. I still own a horn that I bought new back in the sixties. I own a couple good mouthpieces that are compatible with the horn and myself. That I feel is the most important part, compatibility between the musician and his/her instrument. Some people spend a small fortune on saxes,mouthpieces over the period of years and never achieve "the sound'. Maybe your Yamaha needs a little work right know. How did you think it will sound after its serviced?

[SaxAttack]

I currently use a

YAS23
Selmer C* S80 Mouthpiece
VanDoren 3 Java Reed
Vandoren Lig (Metal screws on top)

This is my setup, on the same pads, corks, that were on it when it was new in waybackwhen

I don't think I'm super Pro or an awesome player, and I may play like a student I don't know? For now I am going to utilize my horn to it's fullest potential.

Do you suggest a different mouthpiece?

[synchro]

I would try some different music stores if possible. Never limit yourself to only one. Shop around! Even if it means driving some distance to another city. There are 3 major ones in my city and I tried horns in all of them before I bought a new one.

I just got a Keilwerth SX90R Alto. I tried several models of each; Cannonballs, Selmers and Yamahas. I traded my Jupiter Artist series for a Keilwerth, which seemed like the right one for me.

[robbieg]

The mpc/reed combo your using is what I and some of the teachers and pros I've played with call "Poor Man's Jazz Setup." The problem is your using a jazz cut reed, and a closed square chamber mouthpeice. If your playing classical/legit that might work, but for jazz its a little stuffy and not really that loud.

If your wanting a more jazz sound I'd suggest the following mpcs... for the budget concious player (like I am).

Rico Royal Grafonite: At $16 it makes are great choice as a secondary mpc later on, and as a primary mpc now. I'd suggest a B chamber, but a C chamber is a bit more edgy if you like that kinda thing.

Claude Lakey: A pro guy I played with once used them, they are around $55-60.

Links and Meyers are also classic jazz mpcs. They are around $70-80 I belive.

[samsax]

Saxattack, A new mouthpiece and a repad on your sax may be all you need. You could play jazz on an Selmer S80C* if your good enough. Most players look for a mouthpiece with better projection and a brighter sound. Don't get a mpc that is to much for you to handle. I don't remember what a S80C* has for a tip opening, maybe around .065 lets say. Jazz mouthpieces can go has high as .120. I think anything over .080 is to much for you at this time. There are some "medium" type mouthpieces like the Meyer 5M that have a tip size in the .070 to .075 range, which will be a lot easier for you to adapt to. At the same time you will gain more of a jazz sound. As your playing experience and embrouchure develope, you may want to check out the larger pieces and even metal ones. The sax that you are using now 'could' last you the rest of your life if you take care of it properly. The Yamaha YAS-23 is built like a tank. The longer you play that horn the more it becomes an extension of yourself, like a third arm. New saxes sometimes feel different and you may not sound your best on a new sax no matter what the cost. Most importantly, which ever you decide, buy a new sax or a new mouthpiece, TEST TRY each one and ONLY buy the one that you feel comfortable enough with and gives the best sound. Once again on mouthpieces, the Meyer that I mentioned was just an example. There are many other brands on the market that are like the Meyer. So try as many as you can to find the perfect match to you and your sax. Good luck.

[SaxAttack]

Yeah, I have pretty much decided to stick with this horn for a while, I like it, and I can play on it well....

I like playing classical mainly....

Jazz is cool, but I am more of a classical person..

thanks

[MS]

If you want a thicker sound for your classical stuff, try Vandoren Blue Box 2 1/2 or 3. or Hemke 3 for a little lighter sound. The Java will work OK. If your palm keys sound a little thin or thin and bright , then try the others.

The difference I can see between a student and pro horn is mostly how far I can push the horn at the extremes -both loud and soft. Keywork is a little more ergonomically comfortable for me. Ditto the above guys on the Yamaha 23 alto. Whe you get to where you can over-play the 23 to the point of distortion or you can push more but the horn won't take it, then start looking for a pro horn. They'll take more and just get louder. Have fun. :D

[SaxAttack]

DO you guys know what I can do to make the horn quiter (action) my keys sounds like nasty. VERY loud even when I finger gently, but that's kind hard to when your playin the hell out of your horn.


Any tips?

[MS]

A good repairman can fix all that. It usually comes with an overhaul - new bumpers (felt and cork) springs adjusted for even tension-rod tubes cleaned and oiled, etc. If your pads are good, you can still have all the other stuff done. Try to find the best repairman you can in your area.
Good luck and have fun.