Shocking: The BETTERSAX CLASSIC TENOR Showdown

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

Get your free masterclass here 🎷www.getyoursaxtogether.com/masterclass

[@jazztime4]

Jamie, I was a school band director for 35 years. The quality of saxophones I encountered at every level (5-12) was all over the map and that was a constant factor in achieving a high performance level. As a performing Mark VI player my whole career, I knew what was possible with the right equipment. I can honestly say that if every sax student came through the door with a Better Sax horn, elementary through high school, I would have been ABSOLUTELY ELATED! Jay’s horns are incredible and definitely fill the need in music education for affordable pro-level saxophones!😃🎷

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

Well said.

[@victorbest5541]

so pleased you presented this BetterSax Classic Tenor. I bought one 3 weeks ago and I love it. I loved it so much I pushed the boat out and bought the BetterSax Burnin' MP and they really work well together. It is hard to believe the quality you get for this price. I think they compare very well to Yamaha, Yanagisawa and the MKVI. Great stuff, love your tutorials too.

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

Great to hear!

[@robfairbrother3014]

I have had mine for 5 months now and I am still loving it. There’s nothing about it I can complain about. As far as your blind comparison, the only reason I guessed correctly was because you can tell by your sound which instrument you are more familiar with. The differences are slight but they are there. 😊. Been waiting for you to get your hands on one of these to see what you think.

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

Well spotted!

[@chriselston7046]

I could tell that A was a bit brighter. I actually preferred the sound of B but not a huge difference. The deciding factor would be how they feel to play.

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

👍🏻

[@tuxsax]

Same here, sound wise I really liked B more, before knowing which one was it, sounded like with a bit more body, fuller, a bit darker, which I liked, the MKVI was brighter, but again, it could be because he felt more comfortable with it and was easier to get his own personal voice over it which is what he may like, more kinda "Brecker" sound...

[@keefieT]

I have the Better Sax Alto. Love it, great intermediate Sax as good as more expensive Saxophones

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

Good choice!

[@peteboynton4536]

I was in the market for a tenor because I was doing more and more gigs with Rock Bands and the alto wasn't giving me the punch I was looking for. I didn't want to spend a ton of money, and I had heard this tenor was much more than a student horn, and at a fair price. I cant wait to get my hands on it in two weeks. Thanks Jamie for the review!!

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

🙏🏻

[@hansmathiasthjomoe4817]

What’s the difference between a student horn and a professional horn? Are the producers selling the same saxophone for different prices where the difference is engravings? Everybody will hear a difference, because they expect a difference.

[@HahnJames]

I've been thinking of getting a tenor saxophone. I haven't played one in a very long time. This might be a great one for reintroducing me to the tenor. Thanks for doing this review, Jamie!

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

Go for it!

[@switch1e]

I think this video convinced me! I might purchase one of these in the next couple of days

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

Fab! Link in description.

[@denominator208]

Same!

[@robstevens9590]

There was a big difference between your Link mouthpiece and the Better Sax mouthpiece, but the difference between your horn and the Better Sax was minimal. If I buy a tenor this one is definitely on my radar.

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

Yup. Good comment.

[@MarkCasey-ub8sp]

Given the improved manufacturing techniques only a fool would throw $$$ at buying a horn they stopped making 50 years ago.

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

Me. Fool.

[@MarkCasey-ub8sp]

@@GetYourSaxTogether I bought a used '57 VI alto in '82 for £500. I bought a used 'Harrison' student alto last year for $250. Sold the VI and kept the Harrison. Sounded exactly the same but the modern keywork made it a hands down keeper.

[@manuelvalencia9407]

A sounded a bit brighter than B. Other than that, I couldn't tell too much of a difference. You sure are getting your money's worth with the Better Sax if you are comparing it with the Mark VI. Great video. Thanks.

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

Cool, thanks!

[@ADF-fe7fv]

The BetterSax sounds fuller! Nuff said.

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

Fair enough! 👍🏻

[@ADF-fe7fv]

“B” sounded so much better! Nuff said.

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

👍🏻

[@benhostetler268]

They’re a nice Yany clone and for the price it’s a good deal.

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

👍🏻

[@arrbeesax]

“Before the next bit, you know, the one where I play all the saxophones and you can’t tell the difference” 😂😂😂😂

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

🤣

[@avon57]

Those Chinese horns are getting better every day. Looks good for the money. In my opinion, with the stock mouthpiece, it sounded a little ho hum, like you had a sock in the bell. With the Link though, it came alive and sounded great. I picked the MKVI, but largely because of your level of comfort with the Selmer. I think this horn would be great for a beginner to intermediate, but maybe not with the stock mouthpiece. Good video!

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

Good comment thanks. 🙏🏻

[@jp2861]

Love the under-slung neck reminiscent of my Super 20.

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

Yeah it’s cool. 😎

[@studio9885]

Another attempt at begging you to do a break down of the great sax solo in Bad to the bone 🙏🙏

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

Well, you made me listen to it this time at least. George Thorogood right? Nice raspy solo. I won’t be covering it on the channel though, sorry. 😢

[@George-jo7mi]

Glad you put your Florida Link cuz I use a 6 Star Florida Link. And considering the Better Sax tenor and hoping to find a rental before buying or getting my old Yamaha YTS 61 out of pawn for $1300

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

👍

[@max_ridgeland]

I know Bundy makes the Alto for Jay, but it is not really clear who is making the Tenor. I like what Jay is trying to do, though. I was shopping recently for a new alto, and the pricing has gone stupidly expensive. I paid $2,100 for a Yani T-991 2-3 years ago in good playable condition and a new YAS-62 could be had for about $2800. Now the YAS-62 is pushing $3800. Being older, I usually use the buy once, cry once philosophy. Love my Yani, so I'll probably never replace it. For the Alto, I threw common sense to the wind and bought a demo Selmer Series ii so I never have to worry about upgrading. I could have saved $5k buying the better sax alto but I would have always thought about the next upgrade or tried to find issues with it. I find I practice a lot more when I love my instrument, and it just works.

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

Glad you’ve got what you need!

[@JorisPosthumus]

It would be more intresting to hear what you think is better, as the player makes up almost 100% of the sound. A goog player can sound on any horn so what the verdict? Better or?

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

The bettersax is a lovely horn, but I’d be unlikely to ever give up my mk Vi!

[@samuelsullivan9546]

I could tell there was a difference, but both were pleasant to listen to. If cost were no object, I would buy a Selmer Signature or Supreme, but if I were on a budget, I would buy the BetterSax. I would like to hear a comparison of the Selmer Axos with the BetterSax, both alto and tenor.

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

That would be good.

[@Tigerblade11238]

Jamie, as always, you sound great! I have the Better Sax Alto and Tenor. These are so much fun to play, and as a returning beginner, having fun is the most important part. That said, I want to comment on how much I enjoy the KZbin Saxophone community. It's such a positive and supporting group. Jay's channel lead me to this channel (which I love!), Dr Wally, Sir Valorsax, Scott, the London Sax shop channel, and so many more that I probably missed. Big thanks to all the saxophonists out there putting in the work for us to enjoy. ❤

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

What a lovely comment. Totally agree! 😎

[@emilemakram7816]

"I didn't notice any difference at all."

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

👍

[@kieraneatonpromusician2476]

I went a step further and turned my phone face down so that it was a blind listen. I correctly picked the mark vi but probably because I play one and there was too much familiarity. That said, the Better Sax tenor was really close so much so that I questioned my gut a few times along the way. I’d definitely consider one as a stand by based on your review.

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

Wow you did well. I could hardly tell the difference! 🤣

[@nick_cnc]

Bit late on this I suppose but picked "A" as the Mark VI and "B" as the Bettersax. In most of the blind playing clips it was a bit hard to distinguish, but once you played the full range scale on both horns it was pretty obvious. In "A" I could hear the almost nasally, focused mid range that 6's have, while "B" sounded like it had brighter highs and warmer lows but not as much of that mid range - almost all modern Asian made horns sound this way to me (not saying this as a criticism or negative, just what I hear). To it's credit, though, the Bettersax horns seem to have more of that characteristic nasally mid sound of a 6 that I find lacking in most other modern horns. Both sounded good and I doubt if I heard them played in a mix I'd know or care what either one was.

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

Cool! Thanks for the comment

[@waynestock17]

It sounds great! Would you say it's similar to a King Super 20?

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

Never really played a king super 20 so can’t comment!

[@MarkoSax]

I listened via smartphone and the A spoke for me: the sax has more dynamic, more low mids of frequency (possibly due to the metal resonator pads of the bettersax model, just i guess), but sounds good of the model from bettersax

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

Cool. 👌🏻

[@IvarsI]

I guessed right but difference in sound is very small. Main question is how Selmer feels to player. One could tell that Jamie feels more at home with sax A. And of course there is Selmer legacy 😊

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

My regular horn felt more comfortable of course. 35 years vs 35 minutes!

[@bernards8050]

I do not think that comparing saxophones using the tiny speakers on a laptop or cell phone can really be a serious comparison. But using a decent set of headphones or pods might be closer to reality.

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

👍

[@Artist-DoubleA]

What size tip opening does the BetterSax mouthpiece have, and does it have a baffle?

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

Doesn’t have a baffle - tip opening not listed. I’m gonna guess at 5*???

[@chuckseilnacht8403]

Jamie: did you have the setup gone over before you demo'd or is it straight out of the box?

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

Came from sax dot co in the uk. Not sure if they looked it over. I believe it’s straight out the box. I know the Bettersax qc is super high. Which is more than can be said for Selmer!

[@tkdterp8]

I have the Better Sax Classic Tenor and LOVE IT!!! ❤

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

Awesome. 🙌🏻

[@garydahms36]

I bought the classic tenor a few weeks ago. For me, while it sounds great, I’m really struggling with the placement of the alt F key in relation to the left hand B key. It’s so tight, that is, there is just a sliver of space between them that I’m constantly either hitting the alt F when not trying to, or getting my left index finger pinched underneath it when releasing the B key. This is my third tenor so it’s not like I don’t have experience with the layout. Anyone have any ideas of how to approach this issue? The Sweetwater tech I’m dealing with said to take it to a tech and have it adjusted. As I look at the hardware I don’t see how that’s practical. BTW, I’m tall and thin so it’s not like I’ve got fat fingers.

[@travlak]

I took my tenor to a tech who said my tenor had the opposite problem: the front F was too far away. He bent it and my tenor is now more playable. I hadn’t even realized that it had been a problem. I assume it’s a simple matter for a tech to bend the key the opposite way.

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

That’s defo a tech thing. I’m not sure! 🤔

[@stratsboneless6270]

first :D

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

👍

[@shirleyfrancis4515]

I got it correct. The Mark VI is tiny bit brighter

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

Cool. 😎

[@ToolTechSoftware]

You tried the Signature Raw XS once. How is that campared to the better sax? If you could remember?

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

Oooh. Hard to remember!!

[@ToolTechSoftware]

@@GetYourSaxTogether sorry for my spelling. It would be interesting to campare. The Signature has been a lot more pricy lately

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

@@ToolTechSoftware probably cos it’s wicked!

[@nebneb2814]

Awesome stuff

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

🙏🏻

[@thepianokid27]

Wow Jamie I was completely wrong with the A B comparison results!! Honestly thought you sounded a slight tinge fatter on the Bettersax but u did sound really pristine and clean on the MK VI! Both horns sounded great btw but I’m just blown away that you can get so much sound out of a horn that costs a good 5 times lesser than a solid Mk VI. Bares real testament to a good job well done by Jay and his team. I am now seriously considering one simply because of ur review. Thanks again!

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

Awesome!

[@1241fifeanddrum]

I bought both the alto and tenor. They play amazing well .... big sound, great action, great pitch. I sold my Cannonball saxes because the Better sax plays as well if not better. That said, it is NOT my 1948 Super Balanced action, or for that matter my alto 1936 Balanced action. To me, there is no comparison, BUT they are great back up horns. Far better than many that are much higher priced. Bravo to Jay for a great horn for the price.

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

Wow! That's great

[@davidwood351]

I could see the color difference of the saxes, even with the blurring out. The Better Sax is an outstanding instrument. I have the BS alto, but can’t justify getting the tenor, I recently bought a SBA…😮

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

Well spotted.

[@hugovandermeer1566]

Very similar to the Yanagisawa TWO 10. Very nice. The Better sax tone was clearer than your selmer, to my ears.

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

Cool

[@bccoregon]

I correctly guessed the Selmer, and always do in all shootouts no matter what the Selmer compares to. But I shudder at the Selmer cost, so I'm looking hard at other makes. This video is impressive, as is the Better Sax horn.

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

Great

[@hugovandermeer1566]

@ £1,390 a steal!

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

👍

[@johnbergmann2896]

As a huge fan of both you and Jay, I love to see you two doing things to co-support your work. I do some limited tutoring with beginners and I point them right at you and Jay on all my materials.

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

Thanks so much!

[@ronhowe5933]

Similar to robfairbrother, the only way I could correctly guess which horn you were playing, was that your blurred figure looked a bit more animated with horn B as you were chasing the high and low notes, meaning that you looked a bit more comfortable with horn A. So, as to be expected, they sounded the same. I actually picked up a BetterSax alto as a spare horn last year and, it plays well; with a bit of setting up on the spring tensions, such as the octave key mech'. But I've been gigging it when I need to play alto. I think I like the cognac colour.

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

Good detective work!

[@kwootamuckbear9294]

It’s how you make your money folks☮️🎶🎵🎷

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

🤷‍♀️

[@daveminke2946]

Wow!

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

🙏

[@EricPalmerBlog]

Looks like you got yourself a cool backup horn for your gigs :)

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

👍

[@EricPalmerBlog]

Have a great day Jamie!!!! All the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

Thanks! You too

[@maxwellsmith2133]

Haven't watched the video yet, but if any of yall know, how would it compare to something like a yts-62? Edit: after only watching 5 minutes, it's definitely something I'll be buying when I graduate highschool Edit 2: yall I guessed wrong, guess I need to get it huh

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

👍🏻

[@robfairbrother3014]

@@maxwellsmith2133 You will love the Better Sax! I was playing alto until last November when my wife s niece leant me her YTS-62 which I played until my Better Sax arrived in February. I really like the Yamaha. It is well built. But it is a student horn. However, between the two, there were two immediate and big differences to me: 1 ) the sound and 2) the ergonomics. When I first played the low end of the Better Sax, I thought the room was going to implode, especially playing the Bb! It sounded not only louder, but a lot fuller than the YTS. As far as ergonomics, I struggled a lot with the transition between C#, B and Bb on the spatula keys of the YTS and there was a noticeable thwump sound caused from the high rollover between Eb/D# and C when those two notes had to be played back to back. I am pretty certain you will love the Better Sax! Jay really put a lot of effort into giving us a professional like horn at a budget price.

[@kwootamuckbear9294]

Go Jay Metcalf 🎵🎶🎵🎷

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

🙏

[@jeroenneve5807]

The problem with these sound is: 95% of the sound comes from the player, in this case from Jamie. (in terms of technique, idiom, experience, etc.). Find a good mouthpiece, and affordable sax that fits in your hands, after a few months start experimenting with a few reeds and be happy with your instrument. Unless you buy a no-name lowest bidder sax from an anonymous outlet, a bettter sax, jupiter, yahama, etc beginner horn should be plenty to start out. Start working on a full sound first ( Stop Biting !!!) before you worry about tone colour. I recently got an early seventies shooting star Conn to play on. It should have a darker tone colour than my YTS-280 (which is considered "bright"). Well, I don't hear it, and I'm sure that's all on me.

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

Sure thing.

[@SveJEimoNISTAimoNIJE]

I failed to guess the A - B test. And I would have lost the bet if I had one...

[@SveJEimoNISTAimoNIJE]

You gave it a good advertisement... I am selling my Yanagisawa t990μ with bronze neck if anyone is interested?

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

There you go!

[@lottierose8668]

i still wouldnt be happy with it , selmer all day for me

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

Fair enough