I Got My Saxophone Repaired by a Master Technician in Tokyo

#bettersax #saxophone #yanagisawa
Jay Metcalf visits the Yanagisawa Croche workshop in Shinjuku, Tokyo where the chief saxophone technician, Mr. Yamada does a quick adjustment on a WO33 alto saxophone.
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[@edmundbloom9243]

I've never been to the Yanagisawa shop, but I have some friends who swear by them. I've always been in awe of the Ishimori shop, also in Tokyo. The upper floor of their shop is full of master saxophone technicians. It is unbelievable how much better a sax plays after their work. Japan is filled with people who take immense pride in their skill and their work.

[@bettersax]

Absolutely. I visited Ishimori as well and will post a video.

[@chrishiggins8387]

@@bettersax Can't wait for this video! I loved visiting the Ishimori shop last trip to Japan.

[@saiskanda]

Something oddly satisfying about observing a master craftsman working on their craft!

[@BrunoNeureiter]

It'd be a bliss if you made a beginner to expert course on sax repair. Everything you should know to repair saxophones to a pro level. Maybe that day horses will fly. In my country it's very difficult to find a local sax repairman. And even then, if the reviews are bad, you have to ship your sax for hundreds of Kms, which is something I avoid

[@BrianBurgess-jg6bs]

Years of experience & knowledge- priceless. Great post Jay cheers

[@bettersax]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@omarortiz5487]

Thank you for documenting all of this and sharing it Jay… really cool!! 😎

[@bettersax]

My pleasure!!

[@joncelentano]

Great video! The technicians there are amazing. My one and only visit to Tokyo was in 2011. I had a day off on a tour and seized the opportunity to visit the Yanagisawa shop. I’ve never been treated better in any shop anywhere! The staff was very welcoming and helpful and I spent about 3 hours there trying horns. Can’t wait to get back!

[@bettersax]

That is awesome!

[@Horaheehoo]

going to school to become a repair tech for all instruments myself, i would be happy to work for yanigasawa with a pro like him. has all the tools to do it way faster than me

[@fbales]

I love watching technicians at work.

[@colinanderson8667]

I love the respect for the repair man , i always learn for your videos , this one was particularly good, cheers !

[@HonestSaxSound-unEdited-]

Many thanks Mr. Yamada, and all technicians and luthiers!! Your art, knowledge and work are so important for us all.. and for the whole world that loves music.! Thanks and blessings for you all❤ Great video Jay, congrats!

[@bettersax]

Many thanks!

[@marcobadilla8773]

Nunca he conocido un reparador tecnico nervioso, arrogante, estresado o mal educado. Parece que es la norma. Mi trabajo soñado en un pais que admiro. Bello saxo Jay, felicitaciones

[@EricPalmerBlog]

Enjoyed this. Spent a year and a half in Japan. So glad you got to visit. So cool you got to see someone in your peer group (instrument repair).

[@HirosatoKanai]

Welcome to Japan! Hope you enjoyed much there!!

[@MasterObet]

Kanai-san? Borutesu?

[@HirosatoKanai]

@@MasterObet 5!

[@MasterObet]

@@HirosatoKanai i knew it. It's my brother from Japan hahaha

[@bettersax]

Thank you. I had an amazing visit.

[@frankzona5459]

This is a great video Jay. Watching Mr. Yamada practice his craft was fascinating and makes me appreciate the work of my local repair tech even more. Thanks for sharing this.

[@bettersax]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ezrashoaf9354]

I would love to have this guy fix my Bari!

[@MegamanGaming]

Just the speed and precision at which he works is astounding. Wow

[@marike1100]

The whole cleaning between the keys thing warmed my heart. I’ve been bringing my Yanagisawa alto to top guys in NYC for years and I don’t remember seeing anything cleaned. I’m probably misremembering though. ;)

[@dukejpn]

Your videos are perfect for me to learn many about both saxophones and easy-to-listen English! I'm thrilled to buy a saxophone for the first time in 20 years and re-learn it.

[@bettersax]

Glad you like them!

[@MikesBigBand]

My good friend Tetsuya Tatsumi [trumpet player/band leader] took us to this magic shop in the year before covid where we met Emi Kondo, a virtuoso musician who play/tests the saxes after the jobs were finished. A happy 992 sop/alto/tenor series owner.

[@ClaraDigifu]

Woah! That's absolute mastery and artistry right there. Didn't know the lighy tube inside the sax was a crucial element for repair. I also own a Yanagisawa W01 alto sax and I have no idea if my luthier also does this sort of repair for revisions, and I dunno if it's any close, but I guess so. The amount of talent you need to be this good at fixing a saxophone, I don't even think I'd be this good at even 1/1000th of what he does haha. Wasn't aware at all about the new changes too. Thanks Jay and arigato Yamada-san!

[@pherja]

So cool to see this process! I would trust Japanese technicians with just about anything.

[@mattyharrismusic]

Love these adventure videos, Jay!

[@bettersax]

More to come!

[@saxophonistscorner]

Nice video! Thanks for posting so much of his process, that was cool to see!

[@allanjmcpherson]

When you talked about adjusting the keys before setting the adjustment screw I felt that deep in my core. There's one repair tech who works on a lot of the saxophones my students rent, and the number of times they've rented a sax, I can tell the adjustment's off, and the screw is already tightened as far as it will go! It absolutely drives me nuts!

[@costamoreira5825]

Respect master technician's. Love to see this. A beautiful mechanical machine.

[@7deepbreaths.sounds]

GREAT VID Better Sax!! Thank you!! I have owned only one Selmer over the years...a Selmer Series II Super Action 88 Tenor, in my twenties...in my fifties now! ...and playing on a Jean Paul Alto. Ironically ...I'm getting the best tone I have EVER gotten since I started playing as a teen. My mouthpiece is a Jody Jazz...I hope to try out a Yanagasawa alto soon. Thanks

[@normalizedaudio2481]

They are much more polite than mean old Mr. Selmer.

[@serzok1]

I was in that same place in 2014. Great memories. Those technicians work fast. Love the Yanis and Japan

[@benjaminasher6770]

Wonderful video, very interesting. How does one become a saxophone technician? I would love to become one, I find it all fascinating.

[@Zhiperser]

There are band instrument repair schools in Red Wing, MN; Renton, WA; and Sioux City, IA. Otherwise you'll need to find a tech willing to take on an apprentice. The first two schools are a year long and the one in IA is 2. It's a good place to start. You can find a position focusing on a specific instrument after you learn the basics of repair for everything.

[@marcosax5555]

It's one of my favorite videos. Very interesting!

[@w2tty]

Japanese craftsmanship this amazing

[@saxman220]

I have had my instruments looked after by him for a long time now. His work is excellent. 山田さん英語かなりいけますね！

[@nicksavage4763]

GREAT TO SEE. Maybe Gotta Go to Japan to get that TLC for my WO20 Yana.

[@furtherdefinitions1]

I loved living in Japan I visited the Yanigasawa factory back then.

[@xethanndonttryme6983]

Just leaving Japan. It’s amazing out there you guys! Definitely worth a visit especially if you’re a musician too!

[@bettersax]

It really is!

[@henryholt1359]

Great Video . Japanese, master craftsmanship.Much appreciated for your work Jay.

[@bettersax]

Thank you very much!

[@manuelvalencia9407]

That man is a legend in his craft. Can he overhaul Yamahas? My YAS 23 needs a complete overhaul.

[@liamparker928]

great video interesting how they work on saxophone and how they adjust things

[@tebs2]

Great content Jay!! Thanks for sharing

[@bettersax]

My pleasure!

[@enispenvy9174]

Love my AW02. These guys are the best.

[@dudemaster8575]

Very interesting to watch a work made by Company. Because i heard about a tecnician that invent some gimmicks to sell their work. As example: precise leveling every pad open and close.

[@やきにくん-k9s]

Black belt!! (黒帯) I‘m so grad you know how much we LOVE saxophone.

[@robelias2589]

very nice and your Tenor Beauty to with the silver . and I hope have a good time over there . think so

[@davidburckhardt7672]

Yanagisawa is still kind of magic. A company on it’s own planet. Japan has such a culture of excellence. Kaizen. Thanks a lot for sharing and commenting.

[@ShadowUnanimous]

Take me with you on your next trip to Japan. Lol

[@ericmyrs]

You should make a Sax Shop review series! So people know where the good ones nearby are.

[@komaboi19]

Not that I'll ever be able to afford a Supreme, it was still nice of you to mention getting that cork installed around the 4:38 minute mark.

[@jimmymiller5465]

I used to watch Ken Beason work on my horns like this. I still can’t believe he’s gone .

[@SlabHardcheese]

thanks!

[@AnonMedic]

My Hollywood woodwinds alto came out a dumpster on my Best friends garbage rout. After determining it wasn't stolen, and was a chucked retired rental from a company that closed permanently due to government lockdowns.. I spent $14 on a repair kit from Amazon and replaced the pins, seals, and springs. What was an unplayable sax for 14 bucks became like new sounding. Im a master automotive technician so ive R&Rd more complex things than a sax. But it still took about 20 hours of working on it for my first sax R&R ever. It also took much referencing of the exploded diagrams of the sax. But it was worth it.

[@Simon.the.Likeable]

Hope you get a budget mouthpiece, mod it and keep us informed. I don't know who else loves a dumpster sax story in this world of Selmer Supremes and silver Yanis, but I do. Good stuff!!

[@bradyjohnson8396]

I think we’ve all been wondering what the TOTAL number of saxophones that you own is! You should do a “sax tour” for a vid 😀😀

[@bettersax]

Will do!

[@darrellloftin4784]

That was cool to watch.wish I was smart to be able to do that.

[@FoulOwl2112]

I certainly wish there had been some sort of guard protecting the palm keys of my Super20. My high F key got snagged on something and snapped right in half. I had it soldered back together. It's almost imperceptible. But still....

[@dinith.kalhara.]

Thank u japan❤

[@Trevayne4]

Wonderful video!

[@bettersax]

Thank you very much!

[@thefoosa7342]

Jay, this is probably a silly question, but where is the high G key on the SC WO10??

[@mikegraziano1562]

Great video, now for a video at all the major brands repair shops! Also at famous USA shops too. I find it crazy that you're a Yani artist but have your own brand of Selmer Bundy sax. Do they let you do that because it's not a pro horn? BTW they should have dropped the Bundy name all together and called it a new series.

[@Green-Official]

Great video!

[@bettersax]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@davidclaro152]

Where in Tokyo is this place? What’s the name of the place?

[@bettersax]

It’s in Shinjuku and the name is Yanagisawa Creche

[@jeffreyharrison4045]

Very cool video!

[@robm667]

Best your sax sounded? 😄 Truly you did sound great for those short burst of notes.

[@paulready8897]

Very interesting. That tech must have many years of experience. Like all Japanese he gives his all when doing a task. He does the job completely and correctly. Also Japanese take great pride in what they do. Unlike most other cultures.

[@russelegler393]

Where did you take formal technician training, or did you learn through informal exposure and experience?

[@bettersax]

As an apprentice

[@fzzyslips]

how did you schedule an appointment with them? did you just call them on the phone number on their website or was there another way? gonna be going to Japan in December and this is a top priority on my list!

[@bettersax]

They made time for me since I’m a Yanagisawa artist. You should write an email to them to book an appointment during your trip.

[@peteboynton4536]

Hey Jay, I picked up a WO33 in January of this year. I love my new horn! The only thing is the lacquer has come off on all the touch points and the palm cup keys. I have other horns where this has not happened. I asked around some Forums and apparently this is pretty normal for the Yany's starting somewhere around the 900 series. Have you seen this as well on your horn? I am not into shine, but had I known, I would have gotten an unlacquered horn.

[@bettersax]

This is typical on Yanagisawa saxophones. Depends on the person but it’s common. Saxophones should look like they have been played though so it doesn’t bother me.

[@chocolatte629]

When I bring my horn in for adjustment (T991), I’m sure they never do most of this stuff!

[@blueytm]

That's NICE !

[@kevinmureirhi3205]

How much would that cost

[@akualezlihope7301]

Need sax repair for my old Conn tenor. I covet such service shown here.

[@bobdownes162]

Am I correct in the beleif it is not Fast Glue that is used on the screw? My bassflute has a screw that easily becomes loose.

[@MrGuto]

he's fast!!!

[@MichaIsraelKovler]

Hi Jay Thanks for a nice post! Wondering if you could let us know how long did it take him to do it and what was the cost? Thanks!

[@jimmymiller6068]

I never understood why even top brands use tiny resonators, maybe to keep the weight down? Ken Beason swore about using oversized resonators. I prefer them even if it does add a little weight.

[@dougjsax]

Jay what was the newest innovation to replace the plastic ball in the C#-Bb linkage? It’s mentioned at 9:59. I ask because coincidentally, the little ball has now come loose twice in my otherwise-new AWO20.

[@bettersax]

It’s a silicone band that fills the space.

[@dougjsax]

@@bettersax thanks, Jay!!🎷✌️

[@pbnj4lyfe298]

I'm glad someone asked this question, because I was wondering what it was too. Is the purpose just to keep the movement from squeaking? Great video Jay!!

[@jpdj2715]

As this sax once was adjusted or regulated perfectly, the question is how it can get this dis-justed. The metals are relatively soft and that opens up for parts getting deformed, but not a root cause in itself necessarily. It seems like this specific Yani can be played with the lightest of touches, now after perfect adjustment (as Mr. Yamada apologises to not have more time for adjustment, the question is out there what still could have been done better). So, could it be, Jay, that playing all sorts of saxophones that generally have lost their perfect adjustment each in their different ways, simply means that a player is pressing the keys of all too hard and that way speeds the process up? Are you, Jay, aware of, this one has a very light touch, so I adjust my touch to that? And then you okay a set and your stand with sax falls over, yes, shift happens

[@jamiemeansjamesmusic]

Thanks for the great video Jay. One question, do you play your Yanagisawa about as often as the BetterSax alto saxophone?

[@bettersax]

Sadly I have neglected this amazing Yany since the BetterSax alto came out. I brought it back to its birthplace in Japan for this trip and I’m glad I did.

[@ShotsOf152]

How about a video about pad resonators.

[@triple_9k876]

awesome!!

[@David_Xr]

Hi. I'm from Spain and have an Alto Yanagisawa A5 of 1972. I wish I could send it to this wise lufhier tin order tto gett a deep renewal. Do you know if they accept mail/courier sending or where can I address to get this info? Greetings from a keen folower of your channel!!

[@dooday1]

How do you travel with instruments?

[@davidclaro152]

I’m in Osaka, Japan, and I have a YAS-23 that needs the works. I’m sure there are many leaks, a lower key that’s out of alignment, and other things. There are no dents or holes. I have 2. questions. 1. Is it really worth it to overhaul it, since I’ve noticed that it’s more cost effective to get a YAS-28? 2. Are there places in Japan, primarily Osaka where I can take it that won’t make a huge dent in my wallet? Thank you always for your videos and advice.

[@takuyafunaki2889]

Go to Fukunaga-gakki in Amagasaki

[@tomswift3835]

Uh-oh, I detect a nit which needs picking. At 7:04, "thinner" grease would be LESS viscous, not more.

[@kdssap01]

Great video, they only fix yanagasawa sax?

[@bettersax]

No they fix all saxophones.

[@新田たつふみKindle電子書籍]

I know Yamada-san is very professional.

[@darudek6016]

hello! i got my yani awo20 4 months ago and the lacquer is terrible, some bronze spots turned green and gold, and i had to take my yani to a repair shop 3 times. i have a big competition coming up un march and april, but after that what should i do?

[@Ramiro-d5w]

Hi jay how do I get one of your sax in a TENOR I am wanting to get one for my 83 birthday inSept 21 and I have made myself a promise that I am going to learn to play the sax nomatter what and I have seen mosst of your lessons on the computer and you will be my teacher some people think I am too old to learn and get my lifelong deam accomplished so HELP please

[@bettersax]

You can order one here: geni.us/saxophones Never too old to start.

[@dougiesakurai3386]

Can we buy a Yani there and are they open to visitors? If so, can we have the address or contact info?

[@bettersax]

You can try the horns but they don’t sell them. Many Yanagisawa dealers in Tokyo. It’s in Shinjuku and you can get the address from Google.

[@adenoidhinkel34]

How much did his work cost?

[@thefifamaster2532]

That's cool

[@frizzzzzzal]

kewl

[@davidwood351]

Did you have an appointment? If not, you were fortunate they serviced your instrument no short notice.

[@bettersax]

I’m a Yanagisawa artist so they made time for me at short notice. Otherwise you definitely need an appointment.

[@davidwood351]

@@bettersax I’ve noticed your nice new Yanagisawa horns. Oooh.

[@paulready8897]

In the video Jay states he had an appointment

[@yoshitravelsjapan]

Please bring the better sax to Japan We need affordable and good saxophones 😅

[@bettersax]

Working on it!

[@bernards8050]

A really nice video but I'm just a little shocked at how many bending corrections were needed for a horn that "had no problems to mention". I kind of hoped the technician would wear cotton gloves.

[@bettersax]

That’s the difference between a horn sealing 97% and 99.9%. All saxophone adjustments include some minor bending.

[@tophotoproducciones1]

Quiero un soprano yanagisawa 😂😅👍✨

[@Cantbuyathrill]

6:58 "...with a thinner, more viscous oil" Correction: If the oil is THINNER, it cant possibly be MORE VISCOUS. Viscosity is a fluid's resistance to flow. In other words, the more viscous the oil the LESS thin it is.

[@AMMstudios]

I really don't like bending the f bridge key into adjustment. Or ANY key for that matter. Why bend when you can simply just add or remove cork on the adjustment arm? Or float the pad if necessary. I set my key heights and adjustments (with no materials or pads on) basically one time (if necessary) and it's fine forever. Unless it's physically damaged of course. If you bend a piece of brass back and forth over many years in order to fix leaks, you'll have a horn that can't hold adjustment. I've worked on hundreds of horns, many vintage that have this regulation problem due to key arms being bent back on forth over so many years (SO many techs do this). If a sax leaves a factory, you play it, works fine, then over time a leak forms without you physically damaging horn, why bend the key?? Reverse whatever CAUSED the leak such as a compressed cork or pad that shifted a bit. Seems like a lazy fix to me, unless it's truly bent out of geometry. And yes I know many factories, including Selmer, bend their keys into place. But once it's set, it's set. I'm by no means trying to bash anyone on this but, after 12 years of repairing specifically saxophones, I really can't wrap my head around this; perhaps someone can enlighten me.

[@BitSax]

Want to know why?

[@AMMstudios]

@@BitSax Yes

[@johnvermicelli5649]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@stangetz534]

the guy i took my horn to turned a screw and that was it. smh

[@jimmymiller5465]

Tiny resonators.

[@kaivrock]

i've had saxophones most of my life. I'd say 8 out of 10 repairmen are crooks, idiots or both. It's very hard to find a good one.