£300 Saxophone Vs. £8,000 Solid Silver Saxophone

Jim and Michael take a look at the differences between an entry level Sakkusu Alto and a rather spectacular Solid silver Yanagisawa AWO37 Alto
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[@Hammertime1041]

It makes me beyond stressed to see that massive contrabass Sax propped high like that in the back

[@T91here]

In my experience the price of the mouthpiece says a lot more about the quality of the sound than the price of the instrument.

[@kirin8735]

Sound quality is part of it but the ease of playing is night and day between

[@websoupe]

@@kirin8735 I agree with you, the action is very important for the ease of playing and the sound you can get from the instrument. And some saxophones play quite well and have no sound (as I would say in French). I compared a good Yamaha made for beginners, a Selmer Serie II and a Selmer Mark VI, it was amazingly obvious.

[@nicolasfagel6077]

Indeed. I remember a friend of mine playing on a very old saxophone with no mark. And he plays it with an old Dukoff D6. And he makes it sound fantastic!

[@joeblankenship377]

Indeed. I've been thinking about getting myself a tenor sax at some point in the future, and I'm definitely thinking of going all out on the mouthpiece while going with a reasonable lower price sax.

[@T91here]

Joe Blankenship too right, I got a Drake mouthpiece which cost as much as the tenor sax that I bought second hand, and it sounds amazing. It handles a bit rough, which is to be expected because it hasn’t been properly restored yet. Still saving up for that, haha.

[@user-kl4de9xv4s]

Michael, I dont care what anyone says, the first thing I noticed was your shirt and I love it! I would wear it for sure.

[@MrReedmonkey]

This is sax geek heaven...thank God I don't live near this shop, I would have a restraining order on me. Thanks guys

[@mrpug999]

I’ve been shopping for a horn for my 9 year old son to start on. I began my sax journey also at age 9 many years ago, playing sax through my college years and continuing so as a hobbyist and collector since. The player is the #1 factor - put a decent player on any instrument/mouthpiece set up and it still sounds like them. While the trained ear might be able to tell the difference on an a/b test, in a real world scenario that simply never happens! One thing I would say is that when you play a new/different axe, some of them feel better in YOUR hands and sound better to you. (The public may be none the wiser) The net is that some horns inspire you to practice/play/perform more. When I first played my Selmer I was blown away by the experience of playing it. Everything felt/sounded right. Overtones came so easily that I struggled to control on my other horns. I spent a lot of hours in the practice room with the horn. The odd thing is that when you’ve level’d up your playing skills, most of what you’ve gained still translates back to student horns. For the hobbyist with disposable income, by all means try out all the horns and get one that inspires you. For the beginner, any quality horn will do to get started.

[@Danox94]

don't even own a saxophone yet,I just like to watch videos about them LOL. keep them coming

[@paultasker6114]

Get a saxophone!

[@joeblankenship377]

That silver Yanagisawa is definitely a dream horn. I got to play one briefly several years ago and you can easily feel what makes it a superior horn.

[@joeldiaz222]

Lovely to see you guys in these videos! Hope to see more!

[@starzgd5800]

11:52 right here is a famous Charlie Parker lick

[@Coderedpirate]

StarzGD cool blues lick!

[@koolkiwikat]

Love the unbiased view point, I was expecting a dump to be taken on the entry sax.....the desire is still there for something better!

[@ignacioriosjr603]

I’m glad Michael is making the videos. Just another talented person to add tot he already talented group at Sax.co.uk!!! Jim, I not only enjoy your playing, but also your commentary as well, You are quality!!!

[@saxworldwide]

Thank you Ignacio, unfortunately our beloved Michael has just moved to Japan, however we'll be sure to get him in for more videos when he visits the UK!

[@andylopez0731]

12:04 "that is LUSH!!" "ok"

[@Stouzough]

I enjoyed the testing of the Yanagi. And so gorgeous.

[@aidan4473]

I have played a solid silver soprano and it was amazing

[@on-sunny-day]

Mine is PGP ones. I always attracted to silver color ones. It looks great. The performance in this video is wonderful too.

[@miguelcardenas4609]

I've always wanted to have a saxophone, so I've seen all your videos to know what it's like to have one. I fell really happy listen to you.

[@helicopter_traffic]

Miguel Cardenas I have a pretty basic one and play with my section and it’s a really nice experience. I’m sure you already know a good mouthpiece/ligature is important but don’t you forget it!

[@miguelcardenas4609]

@@helicopter_traffic thank you :)

[@hansmathiasthjomoe4817]

Thank you for the video. You should performe a blind test with several listeners. Throw in a plastic saxophone in the blind test as well and see if it’s spotted. In this test I’m pretty sure that you hear a difference because you expect a difference.

[@Tonaka656]

That was night and day. That Yanagisawa is so lush, wow.

[@landocycle]

That’s a very dark sound he has on the alto - love it!

[@BernardoBeraldi]

The AWO37 is a dream.. congrats men!

[@T.H.W.O.T.H]

Love the saxes Michael - but that shirt! Did you get dressed in the dark again? 😃 🎷

[@WolfZemPpz5225]

Very impressed with how well Tywin Lannister plays alto saxophone :3

[@geoffreycox8687]

As we can't hear it elsewhere, can you do a comparison between your new Custom Yamaha 62 Tenor and the usual 62 as you seem to have corrected some of the aspects which gave me reservations??

[@mariorescio1843]

I also really like your mouthpiece, which one are you using?

[@Da_padilla]

I went from a student model yamaha to a purple logo 62. Big changes and to think there is better saxophones than mine!

[@Woolley_like_sheep]

id love if you guys did a podcast all about sax stuff

[@MT-ip9rs]

I got a new cheap sax for like 100 and something and with the mouthpiece it came with I couldn't get a sound out of it. Swapped it with my old mouthpiece and I could play it.

[@louisarcher9615]

Great video, sax.co.uk! I am still of the view though that, on the whole, saxes don't produce wildly individual or 'better' sounds from brand to brand, or even as they go up in price. I agree with the guy in the video - the cheaper horn "ain't that bad" . I couldn't hear a great deal of difference between the two horns if I'm honest. I'm aware it wasn't really the focus of this video - but my suggestion for players looking to 'change up' their sound - which I assume would be of interest to viewers on this channel- would be to look into effects pedals or EWIs (both of which sax.co.uk stock, I believe) - instead of buying a new horn. Perhaps this could be the focus of a future video? Anyway, thanks for the thought-provoking video, sax.co.uk!

[@robertscalio8863]

Very nice demonstration...however, I'm the proud owner of a King SilverSonic Alto Saxophone, from the late 1960's era. I was extremely fortunate to discover this perfectly brand new, dry horn in a small town music shop in my area. The seller, also had 5 other King alto horns (not SilverSonic), but incredibly preserved, and like new. Once I had my grip on the SilverSonic, the magical sound convinced me to make the purchase on the spot. (In 1999). No horn, before, or since my King SilverSonic Alto sax, have I played with such passion, and fulfillment. I've sold all of my other saxophones(including a very fine Mark VI), since retirement, but will never part with the SilverSonic. The silver bell and neck, deliver an illuminating, and unsurpassed performance, even during a rehearsal. The beautiful professional sound of your very expensive alto, with silver accents, gives a sondage rapproche', yet the vintage, is a bit lackluster. Except for the player's quality demonstration, the better sax, would leave me...in search of. Just my opinion, fellow musicians. 😎

[@raleighfagerhaug7386]

Loving Michael's commentary :)

[@emiliomunguia578]

Could you compare the Aw037 vs Solid Silver Selmer Series III?

[@benjaminmarks8765]

I traded a 6000usd mk vi for a 4000usd king super 20. Its about preference difference, not better or worse

[@scottyjackson6665]

Is that a white tea cup on top of Michael's bottle?

[@kanchanaakmeemana3789]

Hello, what brand is the neck strap?

[@robertw1871]

I’m happy to see a shop that’s not just knocking a super inexpensive beginner instrument while trying to sell everyone a 2 to 3 thousand dollar entry level instrument… as long as it’s playable every player has a price point. When I learn my $300 dollar sax, I’ll be in the market for something in the 7 to 10 thousand range, just as I was with my guitars. Thank you for being honest, because nobody in the high end market will be put off by something 15 or 20 times less expensive that’s still decent….

[@baronvonmaximillionsnell2757]

What mouth piece are you using on the sakkusu saxophone?

[@pedrodavidrodrigues3481]

Hello Friends!! I would like a piece of advice please.. it's mainly about alto saxophones ... I was looking foward to buy an alto sax with a very Dark tone, without projection... So, what would be the recommended saxs with those characterist of having very Dark sound with low projection ?? Cheers!!

[@epfirmin]

I would experiment with mouthpieces, ligatures and reeds rather than the saxophone itself. Thick reeds (3H up) will give a darker tone when played softly (more breathy/fluffy/ballady) and a smaller tip opening mouthpiece (< 6*) would give less projection. Hope this helps.

[@eddiemosssax]

7:35 well said, sir.

[@jazzygiraffe8589]

Is it worth going to the pro model for the feel of it rather than the sound? I'm happy with my sound but the keys just feel inprecise and uncomfortable to play, like the springs have no energy.

[@erginyilmaztenor]

what is the between solid silver and sterling silver?

[@erickruse4679]

I didn't think the cheaper horn sounded bad until i listened back and forth. After that it was like listening to an intricate kazoo, compared to a saxophone.

[@salihkayrak3289]

What is your reed and mouthpiece size ?

[@christianmccullough1745]

I love how y’all think it’s hot, I’m from the south USA and it’s been over 100 for the past two weeks!

[@jonas4196]

100 what? Apples? Miles?

[@christianmccullough1745]

100 f

[@christianmccullough1745]

Zoe K everyday!

[@mndlessdrwer]

The main difference between expensive instruments and cheaper instruments is largely down to how easily they can play their entire range, how reliably they can hit those notes with the same accuracy, how easy they are to tune, and the particular timbre of the sound that the instrument produces. The first three are based on how accurately the instrument's body is constructed, how accurately and precisely the tone holes are drilled, how well the risers are fitted to the tone holes, how well the keys are fitted and seal, and how tight the fitment is between all of the pieces of the body. The last aspect, the timbre, is almost entirely tied to the materials choices for the body. Which material you choose, be it metal, wood or plastic, and which variety of those materials you opt for. Brass is the most common for saxophones, but there are numerous alloys of brass, each with their own timbre, but you can also choose a different metal, like silver, and get a different sonic characteristic from the instrument. Sometimes that requires modification to the design to keep the instrument tuned the same, but usually it impacts the secondary, tertiary, quaternary, etc. harmonics rather than the primary, so it impacts things like perceived decay, ringing, mellowness, etc. Wooden instruments, for instance, typically have damped tertiary and quaternary harmonics and can sound darker, whereas silver has an emphasis on tertiary harmonics and can sound brighter. It is always fascinating to find instruments made from odd materials to see how that impacts the sound you get out of them.

[@BeachBoi1000]

Yes! The difference is very obvious to the player but the listener is quite different. But the sound is really richer with Yani. But the Selmer still sound sweeter…

[@gsco82]

I guess that makers of Chinese-made saxophones have made big improvements, as yours is the third KZbin channel to give them positive reviews. I tried a Chinese soprano about 8 years ago, and it was quite poor compared to the Jupiter student model which I played at the time.

[@zvonimirtosic6171]

Manufacturers of cheap saxes invest zero in R&D. They copy, then tweak upon solutions that came from decades of hard work of established manufacturers. That's how they "improve". They quickly steal the market by stealing the solutions of others. These saxes are "cheap" because they are stolen property! It is an ethical issue. A musician who works hard to advance own talent should NOT support them.

[@03Venture]

...it’s the archer!!

[@jonaslenz1997]

i personally do not really like the sound of the silver one. to sharp/ slim in the upper registers. might be useful for specific styles, but for me it doesnt feel right. feels like its missing some typical resonance-frequencies typical for gold/brass instruments

[@xavierg5523]

I agree it sounds a little thin and piercing. But I guess it's just the nature of the beast. I kind of wished I had gotten an unlacquered custom z instead of silver plated.

[@seoultrip25]

Really?! Cant hear shet other than the yani “feels” better. Off to nasa lads!

[@frankgreen8137]

Entry level 7:52 silver yanagisawa 11:20

[@cavemansam8400]

Saxophone is like 90% mouthpiece + read confirmed.

[@BeachBoi1000]

@@cavemansam8400 I can’t play high notes easily with entry level saxophone.

[@oculusangelicus8978]

The Silver Sax is So much Richer. Silver Sings by itself already, if you had a solid Silver Ring and drop it on a hard wood Chopping board, it sings like a crystal-clear bell, so Silver is a much richer metal to use for a horn as opposed to Brass. Th Yanagisawa is an instrument that a long-time professional buys to use, and the Sukusu is more than fine for a student musician.

[@edepillim]

Not 7k of difference. But you are buying a work of art. I have a Selmer super action tenor, 1949 and a cigar cutter 1932. I’m thinking of downsizing because of the quality of cheap saxes these days and pocketing the difference.

[@gabrieldauz9396]

For me the lvl of importance is this 1 player 2 reed size/condition 3 mouthpiece size 4 sax pads is not leaking 5 sax brand 6 ligature

[@Coderedpirate]

gabriel dauz I think you’re going to far into specifics. I’d say something like 1. Player 2. Mp 3. Reeds 4. Sax 5. Ligature

[@gabrieldauz9396]

@@Coderedpirate nope it has to be that. Even mk vi and yas 875 can be bad if it has leaks. Reed strength/condition affects response which in turn affects ur overall performance

[@Coderedpirate]

gabriel dauz sure that’s true, but the specifics you list aren’t anywhere in the same realm. If you list reed condition you’d have to list mp condition, there’s no way your gonna get a proper sound with a chewed out tip or cracked baffle. You’re comparing quality to condition, they are not the same specifics

[@gabrieldauz9396]

@@Coderedpirate my point is u need gud brand, good condition and proper sizes that fits you.

[@jasonwg588]

hope to have a sax too🤭 but i'm still a student 🙁

[@yfructose]

No indefinite article there; and I think you meant 'sex'...(?)

[@MrChuck365]

Don't forget that the engraving is intense on the Yani. Remarkably, there is nothing measurable about anything these two said in over 17 minutes.

[@frankgreen8137]

They talk but their talk is unneccessary....better to just have them test play them and we can make up our own minds.

[@balirambhoir5088]

Pls give lowest price of alto sax co.

[@pauljordan6295]

Ohh my God!!! the Sakkusu sounds better for certain aspects!!! It really doesn't play 26 times badly than w037...The price of yani is like a jewel for handcraft job and silver but it really doesn't sound so much better...on the high notes i incredibly i prefer sakkusu...Crazy thing but this is the true to be honest..:( And Yani has is typical frequence on high notes that is like " laser", cold, too neutral snd thin. I don't like for jazz funk, pop...there is something "wrong" for those genres...For classical music Yani sholud be better..

[@sundararajureddi8303]

What flashed through my mind for a moment is that it’s been tuned by a Japanese ear. Listen to some Japanese music then try it again, see what you think.

[@frankgreen8137]

Yes, higher pitched and lightweight

[@nasserraffii]

Just add a little of treble to the cheap one you will get same results

[@gilsontopfstedt3554]

I liked the sound of the cheap sax better 😄

[@rollysj384]

00:06 .... 11:07 Hear any profound sound difference?.. Ah.. yes..a difference of £7,700

[@musicbabyplay]

😂😂😂

[@03Venture]

It’s not the arrow...

[@math469u]

what is the scale named that you play over?

[@T91here]

Proh4cker lol

[@kaivrock]

I'm not hearing any difference in the horns. Maybe a little bit smoother transition between notes in the Yanigasawa. But really, I'm hearing the mouthpiece and the player.

[@kirin8735]

Well duh, the quality of the sound does change slightly on a better instrument. The easiness of playing is affected extremely

[@aernan]

Dramatically different sound

[@jhubeJELLO]

are you telling me baritones will be affordable real soon?

[@saxworldwide]

You're in luck, the time is already here! Check out our Sakkusu Baritone, it's a great instrument for the money (£1,300)!

[@dylansypniewicz3518]

Oh wow such a cheap bari i play alto i have for 10 years i have a pro level alto for 8000pound

[@johnmarkconnolly6414]

I’ve seen and heard amazing things played on a student model and equally disturbing, out of tune and horrid tone out of a top of the line pro horn. Pro horns are generally made to higher standards - generally - and from higher quality materials. That said at least 75% of what comes out of the horn is based on the player, not the horn.

[@BeachBoi1000]

You need to sell the quality budget saxophone, make music more accessible to mass…. Then tempt them with luxurious saxophpne😂

[@LarryShone]

My god there's just no sound like a sax!

[@nathanhetzer757]

Sometimes I forget that there are people out there that are literally British

[@WalkOverHotCoal]

I wonder if you are a good sax player playing in front of an appreciative audience using a borrowed $500 al-cheapo, would they applaud less if they sussed out that it wasn't a solid silver with wonderful engravings? Is there proof that silver produces far better sound than a brass one by as much as 26 times? Sorry for being a skeptic. The owner of a silver unit would definitely feel good while holding one in hands. May be he/she might play a bit better because he/she feel damn proud about being the owner of a sax 26 times more expensive than poor Joe with his cheap copy. I am sure that poor Joe wouldn't be having a nervous breakdown accidentally dropping his unit.

[@frankgreen8137]

Charlie Parker played a plastic saxophone and made it sound great.

[@BariSaxGod25]

A solid silver sax just sounds like a not great idea.

[@lealtosaxist1117]

Bringing politics into this wasn't a smart idea

[@xxczerxx]

I think I like no-engraved saxophones. I'm not a fan of ornate-ness in general. I think it suits certain personalities.

[@simatbirch]

The guy on the right needs to RELAX.

[@musicbabyplay]

😂😂😂😂

[@LidlBigBoy]

Lush...

[@AutismusPrime69]

Wrong....silver is stonger than brass and normal temperatures. Quit making shit up

[@newscrews11]

Erm... not sure I see the point of this video. It barely escapes damning the Yakussu and bigs up a sax no one can afford to buy.

[@frankgreen8137]

They are all just businessmen.

[@AutismusPrime69]

Keep your queer politics to yourself....this is about saxophones

[@saxologist1]

I bet if you swapped the price of the horns you'd think that the Chinese horns sounds better.

[@frankgreen8137]

They listen with their eyes unfortunately