Yamaha YAS 82ZB Prof Alto

[ChaosSax]

Hey there everyone, first time posting here, long-time viewer :P

I've been looking to buy a new sax that I would be able to keep around for a very long time, and I believe I found one: The Yamaha YAS-82ZB Professional Alto. I found it here (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Yamaha-YAS82ZB-Professional-Alto-Saxophone-Black?sku=467553&src=3SOSWXXA).

A few things stick out to me, after reading a few threads on other 82Z's.

1) Should I worry about the neckpiece at all?
2) Should I find another mouthpiece to use?

If yes to question 2, then any recommendations? Keep in mind that I have been playing for about 7 years.

Thanks for any help guys :)

[Dave Dolson]

ChaosSax: Welcome to SOTW.

Why this particular model? Can you try it first before buying it? Does this shop go through the horn first before shipping it?

The reason I ask is because I did a search a few years ago and tried a bunch of Yamaha's Z models. None impressed me and they sure didn't cost that much. Oh, I suppose the prices have risen like everything else, but at that price I'd sure want to try it first.

At last month's NAMM Show, the Yamahas were the least impressive saxophones I tried. The Selmer-Paris, Yanagisawa, and Cannonball Vintage altos were all superior to the Yamahas on display. If you can write a check for $2800+ and not feel it too much, go ahead. But I'd want to be absolutely certain I've considered everything out there at that price. For personal reasons, Yamaha would be my last choice at that price. Of course, others will disagree. DAVE

[shmuelyosef]

The color and finish don't matter...I play a silver Z alto and tenor, cause it matches my flutes on the stage stand.

There have been a LOT of Z's sold, so you can get used ones that are nearly new for $2000-2400 and ones showing a little wear for $1800. If you buy one of these, you can resell it and get most of your money back if it doesn't work for you. From what I've observed, people either love or hate the Zs. They are relatively unique...very free-blowing and responsive. Some say they're very bright, but I find them to be the best combination of a dark, full sound and a free-blowing horn that I have found.

There is a new silver one for sale HERE FROM A REPUTABLE DEALER (http://cgi.ebay.com/Sealed-Yamaha-YAS-82ZS-Saxophone-YAS-82Z-Silver-Sax_W0QQitemZ310021815626QQihZ021QQcategoryZ64456Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) for less money than the black one you found. I would not recommend a black painted horn as it will scream out with every scratch and nick (these are black lacquer, not black nickel plate like the German black horns).

[playitfunky]

Dave Dolson is always bad mouthing Yamaha so you may want to take his feelings with a grain of salt. You can't go wrong with an 82z they are great horns and will be worth something still if you go to resell it. The neck issues have been all taken care of so unless the sax is used and maybe still has a bad neck i wouldn't worry about it.

As far as black lacquer goes I have never played one but the lead tenor player from tower of power is on a black lacq Yamaha 875 and he sounds killin and burnin.

[saxxsymbol]

I love my Z's. My Jody Jazz Classic's match up well with the yamaha's. no spoiler needed.

[CountSpatula]

Try it out for yourself man, there's some great players out there using the Zs and some that just can't get along with them. They're fine horns and you should definitely try it out and see what you think. Just keep the mouthpiece you have, it should work just fine.

[playitfunky]

Try it out for yourself man, there's some great players out there using the Zs and some that just can't get along with them. They're fine horns and you should definitely try it out and see what you think. Just keep the mouthpiece you have, it should work just fine.

sound advice

[ChaosSax]

Thanks for the responses guys, there's a music shop not too far away that I hope may have this model and will let me try it out. The price *is* quite high, so I'll definitely look around for a lower priced one.

As for picking this particular model, I'm a fan of Yamahas, and I've always liked the look of the black lacquer. The description and some of the discussions in this board seem to confirm that it's a great sounding horn.

I'm not too concerned with scratches and the like, although they are bound to happen. I do marching and concert band, but plan on using my current sax for marching band, and if I decide on this sax, then using it for concert band. And yes, I take care of my horn :)

[zxcvbnm]

When trying out horns, maybe blindfold yourself when you play them. Then buy the one that you like best, regardless of the finish.

[Dave Dolson]

Playitfunky: Yes, it probably seems like I'm always "bashing" Yamahas, but from my perspective, a lot of new posters keep posting the same old questions about them. And to provide some balance in an otherwise sordid Yamaha love-fest, I post counter opinions.

Would you rather that I NOT respond with my opinions on that brand?

If you read all of my posts about Yamahas, you'd see I am not "bashing." I think there are better saxophones out there. You would have also seen where I acknowledge that others may disagree, that some love their Yamahas, and that some really good players use Yamahas, etc., etc.

My experiences are my experiences. I'm sorry they don't conform to your opinion. DAVE

[SaxyAcoustician]

I can see where Dave is coming from regarding Yamahas. I find that it takes a little more work to make Yamahas sing. A little more air maybe, more control. But this doesn't make it a worse brand of horn. On the contrary I find that the sound has a nice warmth and complexity and fullness that I can't get with other horns (when played right).

So to each his own. I actually love the fact that horns can be so different. My 991 and 62 altos provide options and opportunities, and they're both such incredible instruments.

Having said that, the 82Z is a great horn though I prefer the 62 over the 82. Understand that the finish of the horn is of least importance. Pick the model that plays best for you then pick the color that pleases you most. Then practice your butt off because in the end your skill is the greatest difference maker of all.

[Dave Dolson]

I am not claiming Yamahas are bad horns. On the contrary, they make a very nice horn. And I'll agree that there are probably some Yamahas that play equally as well as Selmers or Yanagisawas. Some may even play better over thousands of saxophones. It is just that I haven't come across one - yet. But then again, I'm no longer looking.

And when pointing to someone like Phil Woods who endorses and plays Yamaha, as an example, keep in mind that Woods is a world-class player likely to make even a cheap Chinese junker sound great.

But back to the original post - I'm glad someone else made the point that the black horn won't sound any better just because it is black. If your choice is solely the horn's appearance, then I understand that choice.

Like I said (and others have said), I think the price is high regardless of what retail may be. By HIGH, I mean not worth it in light of other options.

But take that with a grain of salt because I'm allegedly biased. If you end up with a black Yamaha Z at that price, enjoy it. DAVE

[playitfunky]

Playitfunky: Yes, it probably seems like I'm always "bashing" Yamahas, but from my perspective, a lot of new posters keep posting the same old questions about them. And to provide some balance in an otherwise sordid Yamaha love-fest, I post counter opinions.

Would you rather that I NOT respond with my opinions on that brand?

If you read all of my posts about Yamahas, you'd see I am not "bashing." I think there are better saxophones out there. You would have also seen where I acknowledge that others may disagree, that some love their Yamahas, and that some really good players use Yamahas, etc., etc.

My experiences are my experiences. I'm sorry they don't conform to your opinion. DAVE

Don't be sorry. I never said that I felt you shouldn't give your opinion. I just wanted to make sure that the person asking the question realized that how you feel about Yamaha is not a consensus on the board, or in the saxophone community.

I will add that I have played Yamaha's my whole life so take what I say with a grain of salt as well.

[jimmitch]

I can only say what happened to me on this.I bought a new yas 82 z about 4 years ago.At that time the local dealer said to buy a mark vi, if I was going to spend that much money.I didn't take his advice and I played the z for a long time always wondering how a mark vi would sound compared to it.Last year I bought a vi on ebay overhauled it myself, now all I ever play is the mark vi.Now don't get my wrong I still like the z but I just seam to just want to play the Mark VI.I remember people talking about the Selmer core sound and now I see what the mean.

[AndyBlackard]

Gary said something once that got me to wondering. Could it be that what a player needs from their horn changes as they progress and the same horn may or may not meet their changing needs depending on the person?

[Hurling Frootmig]

The best course of action is to play a horn. I think some horns appeal to certain players. Personally, I have always really liked the Yamaha altos . . . especially the 82Z's as I find there's something you can dig into with the horn much like you can with a good Mark VI.

[playitfunky]

I can only say what happened to me on this.I bought a new yas 82 z about 4 years ago.At that time the local dealer said to buy a mark vi, if I was going to spend that much money.I didn't take his advice and I played the z for a long time always wondering how a mark vi would sound compared to it.Last year I bought a vi on ebay overhauled it myself, now all I ever play is the mark vi.Now don't get my wrong I still like the z but I just seam to just want to play the Mark VI.I remember people talking about the Selmer core sound and now I see what the mean.

If you can get a good MKVI you can never go wrong with that IMO. Buying one off ebay that hasn't been played is IMO riskier then a Yamaha though. I have played more dog mkvI then I have Yamaha pro horns. I have played some Yamahas that I wouldn't have wanted to own. Every brand has its dogs.

it could be when you play a certain brand it's the luck of the draw that will form your opinion. Some people like Cannonballs but all 3 i have blown were just crap IMO. But 3 out of all the horns they have made is still a very small sample.

[playitfunky]

Having said that the most amazing horn I ever blew was a 5 digit MKVI. It wasn't for sale though and if it was it would have been at least 6,500. That's a lot more then I paid for my 1200.00 used YTS62.

[Dave Dolson]

Claude Lakey had what I thought was the best alto I'd ever played - a Selmer BA that he'd had completely re-done including the finish. With a horn like that, I coulda been a champ (well, you get the idea).

I must agree about most Cannonball's but their new "Vintage" model they displayed at NAMM was wonderful . . . clearly one for which I would open my wallet. Few other new altos have struck me that way.

I also agree about variances among similar models - that's why I advised (as did other posters in this thread) by asking my initial questions that ChaosSax should play the exact horn he wants to buy - and make sure the horn is shop-checked before delivery. A good set-up by the selling dealer can make a good horn great - and that was my experience with the one Z alto I owned.

Still am not convinced about that price, though. DAVE

[jimmitch]

The best course of action is to play a horn. I think some horns appeal to certain players. Personally, I have always really liked the Yamaha altos . . . especially the 82Z's as I find there's something you can dig into with the horn much like you can with a good Mark VI.
That is true I think my z is the next best thing to my Mark VI.I would never sell it.I have an Oleg gold plated tenor that sounds almost as good as my 5 digit Mark VI tenor.But I also find myself playing the VI most of the time.It would be nice to be able to try a sax before you buy. But around here theres no big store for that.

[SaxyAcoustician]

Certainly, Yamaha horns do not have that "Selmer core" to its sound. But is there a reason why they should? I for one am glad they don't. Yamaha brings to the table another option, another sound. So does Yanagisawa and Keilwerth. And they're all equally valid.

These days I appreciate all the differences and subtleties that different makes of horns offer.

[BYOB]

To answer your original question, ChaosSax, the neck problem is quite outdated, and is now long fixed (unless you end up with the bad luck to get an oldstock neck on yours). In terms of mouthpieces, the "Custom" Yamaha one that comes along with it isnt bad, but I'd consider it to be more of a student mouthpiece, so to speak. After buying it, go to your local music store and try all the mouthpieces you can, and see which ones you fall in love with.

[estagro]

...Having said that, the 82Z is a great horn though I prefer the 62 over the 82...

I'm with you on that. I happened to try both a couple of weeks ago and liked the 62 better. But the 82 is still a great horn. I would say try them and see what you like. If you like it black, the try to find one with that finish to try it. That way you'll know what to expect.