Yamaha 875EX and 82Z

[j44breaker]

Hello guys,

Anyone out there with first-hand experiences with these horns--their similarities, differences, etc? Is the 82Z really more jazz-oriented, and the 875EX really more classical oriented?

j44breaker

[sax_appeal]

I would have to agree with the jazz/classical orientation thing. But the 82Z is pretty much based on the 62, which you can use for both classical and jazz. I would recommend this over both the custom model saxes.

[gary]

Granted that alto and tenor aren't the same, but I've got a Z tenor and have played Customs and if I was going to select only one sax to do both classical and jazz on, it would be the Custom, LOL. Ah..consistancy of opinion. That's what this board is all about.

[Hurling Frootmig]

I've played both the 875 tenor and 82z tenor and I think either horn would work well for each playing style with the appropriate mouthpiece.

I found that the 82z was more flexible in tuning than the 875 which tended to be a bit more precise up and down the horn.

[Eulipion2]

I really love my 875-EX alto. It has a beautiful, full tone, and is everything I could hope for in a sax. I use it primarily for classical sax at school, but it's stood up very well to a year of jazz ensemble, plus a European tour. Definitely give it a try.

[averageschmoe]

i finally got to play with a couple of Z's at the namm show this year. they felt right at home (been married to an 875B tenor for four wonderful years now), in the hands they feel almost identical. with my soloist the z felt like it could hold its own classically. but with my SR fusion my 875 can hold its own commercially. but hey, mule played on a mark VI with a metal C* so what do i know?

[Randy Marks]

I had the 875 alto for 2 weeks and returned it. The 82Z Silver which is what I ended up choosing has more resonance, presence, depth, power and awesome keywork. I recognize this is subjective bacause both horns are nice, but the Z is the most awesome alto I have ever played in the last 30 years. A true fun horn and a screamer if need be.