Testing 1000 Saxophones

[@RandyRockSolid]

I live in Fort Wayne and its truly a pleasure to be able to just drive to sweetwater and get any kind of musical gear i need.

[@Invisible_Hermit]

I can only imagine; it has to be like Musician's Heaven in there! I live in California, but I'd gladly make the trip out there just to check it out!

[@MistaSaxy]

I live very nearby and haven’t gone there but I’m thinking of going

[@brhim5731]

Once you have a Better Tenor I will DEFINITELY be one of the first to pick one up! Super happy to see another sax player pushing the scene forward.

[@bsmith993]

Wow! Thank you for bringing us the "Dirty Jobs" of Saxophones!! Mike Rowe would be proud. I refused to believe... until I saw it here, that is... that so much human interaction took place and so many talented people would have a part in bringing an instrument to market while still being affordable and practical for beginners. Congrats on all that you've accomplished here.

[@bettersax]

Thanks Brian!

[@bobblues1158]

Great Jay! Really interesting and when you ever do a tenor, I´ll be the first in line! This also show the level of interest in playing an instrument for enjoyment is on the rise on a global level. Music is a gift for life. No matter what level one wishes to go for. The whole trip is fun.

[@bettersax]

Tenor is in the works Bob and I’d love to hear you play it when it’s ready.

[@supersaxysaxman3565]

@@bettersax do a bari

[@cmelo_n]

@@bettersax if you do it for tenor, you have to make a Bari too

[@samuelbrooks3430]

I’m

[@HonestSaxSound-unEdited-]

Thank you Jay for your wonderful video! Many thanks to ALL TECHNICIANS!! his work is very important for us all. Regards from Argentina.

[@kevinbrettsax]

Awesome to see the process. Was wondering when we would see more about your sax. Congrats! This is huge!

[@Invisible_Hermit]

I just bought mine, and I'm so excited to receive it! Jay, I would love to go into the nitty gritty of my story with you, but I know you're an extremely busy guy! Suffice it to say that I'm a lifelong visually impaired 59 year old lover of music and multi-instrumentalist who has always wanted to play the saxophone. I have recently purchased a visual aid device that will now let me read sheet music; that, coupled with this ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS saxophone, along with your AMAZING online lessons, is going to make me one happy camper, and hopefully, a saxophone player worthy of this beautiful creation of yours. Jay, I can't thank you enough! I was up all night last night watching a ton of your videos. It's people like you that give me hope for humanity. Many blessings to you and yours, and I wish you ongoing success! I'll see you in the practice shed, my friend! 🙏🙏🙏

[@honor51]

Cool tour, thanks. Many years ago Moe Koffman (fine Canadian Sax/Flute-ist - wrote Swingin' Shepperd Blues) told me that he visited the Selmer factory in France to play & choose his alto. Said he tried a lot of horns, each was a little different, all great.

[@drronclark]

Wow Jay! Thanks for the look at the outstanding quality control involved behind the scenes on the Better Sax. Your design, built by Conn-Selmer and double checked by Sweetwater, gives it one heck of a pedigree. Bravo!

[@bettersax]

Thanks Ron!

[@colinsax]

Oh my gosh this is so cool. I’m actually from that area and am planning to try and help out with their marching band workshop sometime in June. Keep the music alive 🎷🎷

[@DrRocketTurner]

Thanks for the tour Jay-you are really hands on guy! Great work! 😀🚀

[@iandolan_]

So cool to kind of see the process they go through to make sure each Sax is up to standard. Thanks for the vid!

[@troykurek]

Thanks for showing us the behind the scenes. Makes me happy to not only see someone pursue their passion, but to be able to make a living from it. I mean, how many people can say they have their own mouthpiece line, let alone their own saxophone line?

[@bettersax]

Thanks Troy!

[@eddiegarcia835]

Hey Jay, I just wanted to say thank you for being a great inspiration and an amazing Saxophonist. You motivate me to pick up my horn and play everyday.

[@bettersax]

Thanks Jose, that means a lot to me!

[@armandoalvarezfleites1873]

Congrats on the better sax alto. Great job.

[@peterknudson9106]

Hi Jay, I have kept this vid at the top of my list since you released it and finally got the time to watch. Great to see how my BetterSax sax's brothers and sisters are being quality controlled.

[@gikasmarkantonatos2168]

I’ve just moved to Indiana from Illinois and these two places are on the top of my adventure list. I feel like a kid in anticipation of a trip to Disneyland.

[@gib321]

Very interesting- the double quality control process.

[@fbales]

Thanks, Jay. Gives me confidence in my Better Sax saxophone that I just purchased! 😁🎷

[@kylydian8435]

Hah! Jake is one of my best friends from college, awesome to see him featured so much in this video!

[@GuardiansGuide]

Such a cool video, J. I’m looking forward to hearing about the new tenner coming out, and would love to have one as my first. Take care

[@RussellCorwynActor]

Very impressive. Never knew you had your own line, Jay. Very cool to see you’re working with the best; very familiar with both!

[@peteschmidt9525]

Congratulations Jay🤩 I just started playing, love all your videos and am a loyal fan of Sweetwater. I'll definitely be checking out the Better Sax when I'm ready for an upgrade.

[@bettersax]

Thank you Pete!

[@txsphere]

Great solo n that Caravan video Jay!

[@garyreid6165]

Congratulations on your Better Sax line, Jay! I once owned a Martin alto saxophone. It was in an old Conn case that was falling apart. It was my first saxophone. I didn’t know that Conn-Selmer didn’t make saxophones in this country. There is a short film called Mr. B. Natural. It was released in the 50’s and was sponsored by Conn. You can see it on Mystery Science Theater 3000( it preceded the film War Of The Colossal Beast). You can see it on KZbin. The film took a tour of the Conn facility and it showed the manufacturing and testing processes for each of the instruments. Of course, being on Mystery Science Theater 3000, it gets riffed on. The Sweetwater facility looks awesome! I thought the music stores in 52 St. in New York City were impressive but the Sweetwater facility blows those stores out of the water! More tour videos, please!

[@TheEverymanSax]

Very cool. Dave Koz plays an old conn curved soprano over 100 years old - one of my favorite soprano tones!

[@cdstoc]

Wow, I had no idea that no saxophones are made in the US anymore, but then again, I own a Selmer Mark VI alto and Eastman soprano and tenor saxes, and used to own a Yamaha, so I guess I should have known. I can vouch for Sweetwater, the best support in the industry. Music & Arts canʻt hold a candle to them. Great behind-the-scenes tour!

[@kingzephyr9897]

You have done a first rate job Jay! A great horn at an affordable price, backed up with a pro set up by Conn-Selmer techs, followed by a second check by Sweetwater. I have been rebuilding an old Rogers Dynasonic snare drum from the 1960s with parts from Sweetwater. They are awesome! They always have the hard to find parts in stock when no one else does, they ship fast and have great customer support. I get an email when I place an order, when it ships and another after it arrives to make sure I am satisfied. tu es l'homme

[@DrRocketTurner]

Wow, impressive quality checking! You are “hands on” with your product! Thanks for the education and tour Jay! Rocket 🚀

[@aidanisdead4921]

Pls post a vid ab the best mouth pieces for alto

[@wisconsinmel]

How exciting for you Jay!

[@paulready8897]

Awesome video, very interesting to see some of the behind the scenes stuff that saxes go through before they are sold. I’ll have to buy my sax from Sweetwater just for the free candy lol. Looks like an amazing store to check out, also to test different instruments before deciding which one to purchase.

[@SteveDew]

Sweetwater is such a hip place. I hope you got to see the performance pavilion, in spite of the weather. It was a bit better when I saw Tower of Power for the first time there in September.

[@javierm_uk1588]

A bit of an infommercial, but as far as those go, quite an entertaining one! It's easy to notice how Jay was a sax technician himself, and shows great respect for everyone involved in the process (as it should be). I don't need a Better sax (what? everybody needs one, heheh) as I own a YAS 280 , but if I was on the verge of buying one I would definitely take the plunge after watching this video. Looks like there's high quality control...twice!!

[@donkalescky3235]

I love your sessions. The Caravan performance was GREAT!!!

[@reedc4295]

This is SO friggin cool Jay! Thx

[@NatashaEstrada]

What no white gloves?

[@samuelpacheco1222]

Can't wait for the tenor !!

[@bettersax]

on the way!

[@bcfoxtrot]

I haven’t played saxophone for over two decades, but after finding your channel, I am thinking about picking it back up. I started with alto for three years, then tenor for four years and ended up at baritone for my final three years before stopping completely. Personally, I love the sound and the weight of the baritone, but I don’t think I should dive into bari straight away. Would tenor be ok to get back, of should I start at alto first?

[@OifelOifel]

I'd buy a Better Sax Baritone in a heartbeat

[@D1Snobs]

Cool vid. Waiting on that Tenor.

[@machinegundroner9411]

I realize I'm two years late watching this video, are there any plans for a Better Sax Baritone Sax? I just saw a Better Sax tenor come out recently so when's the Bari coming out??? My college kid needs a bari comparable or better than a Yamaha YBS-62 for a reasonable price. The used Yamaha bari market is thin and expensive.

[@wowtuninglancs]

Hello Jay, I have a Conn-Selmer '710' alto sax (made in China). I bought it virtually new for £220 (under $300). Having had a Yani tenor and then a rubbish no-name tenor this alto is a pleasure to play.

[@Ashton_Wray]

Hey i live in Peru Indiana!! i knew sweat water was here but i didnt know that factory was here! i guess you learn new things everyday. Also love the vids.!!

[@danaplayz1754]

Wow I actually kinda learned a lot about saxophones on this channel

[@lyecats]

Very cool video! I hope to visit that area to see it for myself.

[@Some5520]

It's crazy to think that this is all done in my home state of Indiana

[@vangoughpicasso]

Your advice on Parks was Clutch… Keep it Jazzy Blues Singer Allen B😎

[@TreldarForPresident]

As a Hoosier and an owner of a Martin Com II this was great

[@xavierperez3368]

Great video! I’d love to see a Rigotti/Better Sax partnership on great reeds at a better price.

[@thomaslloyd2385]

Saving up to maybe get a Better Sax alto🤞🏻 Might go with a tenor if those come out anytime soon though… just get a better tone on tenor no clue why. I don’t know if this was ever thought about, but I’d love to see a rose gold lacquer Better Sax, I think those would be beautiful.

[@gortis_thegreat]

It’s great to know that someone at least went to Indiana.

[@karenbutler147]

Whoa! Really neat!

[@armandoalvarezfleites1873]

Hi jay. Would you consider comparing the Eastman 52nd st baritone to your Yanagisawa B901. I think it would be a cool and informative video

[@kwootamuckbear9294]

I plan on buying one of these for my collection 👍🏽Do they check for sharp edged screws. I’ve cut myself pretty good on one of them. Sax plays great and I’m glad I made the purchase of 2 of the first series and will definitely buy one of these. Thanks for all your efforts. 👍🏽🎶🎵🎷

[@tannerruby8292]

Hay , This is a amazing video and wanted to say you have been a great resource for saxophone stuff!!! And what is that lick that is in your intros on most of your vids?

[@bettersax]

thanks! that's the Better Sax lick.

[@tony_T_]

Posted on my birthday :)

[@rickg6293]

Hi Jay….will you be adding a tenor saxophone

[@bettersax]

Yes!

[@jeffkamp]

I live in Elkhart! So cool to see that you were here. Will you be attending NAMM this year?

[@janreirodriguez8199]

Congratulations Jay! Where was it manufacturerd then?

[@bettersax]

These are built in a Conn-Selmer associate manufacturing facility in China.

[@shlomobinstock6697]

Jay. Watched this video a couple of times and was really impressed. Are you working on a tenor? I hope so. Keep well and keep the video's coming.

[@bettersax]

Thanks! Yes, we are developing the tenor now.

[@johnwhyte-venables2167]

@@bettersax Yay

[@MildleySaxySaxGuy]

Hey Jay, I was wondering if one day you might be able to review the Alto Saxophone Yamaha Yas-200AD?" It's the one I currently play and I'm not sure what to think of it. I can't find any good reviews for it and the ones I do find aren't the best and was wondering if you would maybe be able to review it? Thanks!

[@stangetz534]

congrats on your business success

[@simonsimon5124]

Looks and sounds solid...

[@Lichoepicsax]

I will get one !

[@johnwhyte-venables2167]

Wonderful - and well made vid. But question: clearly SEVERAL people play test each horn. How do they clean out and sanitise the sax interior so it's virginal for the new owner?

[@harleyfanREF]

All nice and interesting Jay, but how could I get one at a reasonable price to my place here in Switzerland?

[@bettersax]

You can order from sax.co.uk

[@bread-jb2bu]

Hi, I am a student saxophonist and I am looking to get a new mouthpiece. Do you have any recommendations for classical alto mouthpieces under $100?

[@tctc2470]

Great stuff Jay. Love your videos. But correct me if I’m wrong…wasn’t the Sax only $699 three months ago? The price went up 30% when it started getting distributed by Sweetwater???

[@bettersax]

The original model was introduced at $649. It has been replaced by this upgraded model that costs more. Also the shipping is free from Sweetwater which offsets some of the cost.

[@tctc2470]

Thanks Jay. I am definitely interested. Sorry to ask but what is “upgraded”?

[@ekaufman4800]

@@tctc2470 the upgraded Better Sax now includes the high F# key. I just ordered one as my 'travel sax'

[@Abdulmalik-gd3lm]

Hi . I am from India. I saw your youtube vedios . I realy impressed . Can you help me a cheap and best saxophone. Here in India chiniese product is every where. I confused to the quality manners.. Thanks

[@dannyweiss4903]

Hi, Jay. If the Conn Selmer factory in Elkhart rigorously examines the Better Sax saxophones, what is there for the Sweetwater technicians to do? Thanks.

[@bettersax]

They are double checking.

[@curtisvalle5141]

OMG... did Jay say....;overseas;?!! Elkhart is hallowed ground

[@EdenStoneReal]

now forget about the saxophones. i want the candy

[@ahdiemusic9509]

Wow! Wish I could get one

[@jont4504]

Great insight Jay, Any news on the Tenor version?

[@bettersax]

In development.

[@jont4504]

@@bettersax can not wait, waiting for your Tenor before i decide between alto and tenor

[@MrGuto]

Did you get to see a horn that was rejected by the technical inspection? I'm curious what kind of issues warrants a return, and how often those happen?

[@bettersax]

Usually it is for cosmetic issues like scratches or uneven lacquer.

[@billskar2002]

Where exactly are your saxes being made if not in America?

[@alanslusher2741]

Jay, is there any plan to expand the line to soprano, tenor, and baritone?

[@bettersax]

Tenor is next

[@HonestSaxSound-unEdited-]

Just a question Jay.. i have a tenor Selmer-Conn comercialized by Conn-Selmer-Steinway, Elkhart Ca., and it is a very good horn made in Taiwan.. are they still made there? Thank you!

[@antonioespecializados9586]

Great job!!!!

[@bettersax]

Thank you!!

[@texasstuff1281]

Jay, wish I had waited a year and I would have purchased your Sax rather than the John Paul.

[@MrFidelios]

Thanks Jay. great backstage tour! one question though, I don't know if I understood correctly. Are your Better Sax horns made in another country ? and get shipped from overseas to Selmer-Conn? If so, where are they being made? Why?

[@bettersax]

Carlos, there is no brand of saxophone currently made in the USA. All saxophones are imported from other countries. These are made at a Conn-Selmer associate factory in China.

[@deevan42]

When's the Bari coming? 😄

[@berniecawson6197]

so cool man

[@Lawiah0]

You look good with those three masks on, Comrade.

[@j.r.1210]

Presumably, the Better Sax altos go through some type of quality control at the actual factory, in China. When they arrive in the United States, I see the value of careful fresh testing and setup, but doing it twice, at two places just down the road from each other? Having both the wholesale distributor and the retail seller unpack, play test, and pack up the horns again seems redundant. It's a lot of handling, and it probably adds to the cost a bit.

[@robstevens9590]

If I ever need to replace my alto, I know where to go!

[@friskyobject4126]

I know tenor is next in line but are there any plans for bari?

[@alanhirayama4592]

I wonder who got the serial number 1000 horn?

[@jovanjonathanmulindwa7805]

I really love it. I would wish to get a sponsor to by me a horn

[@TonyAguirreJazz]

Nice Jay! BTW, I heard Sweetwater sells over 1K guitars a day. Hopefully you get to that level. ;)

[@bettersax]

That would be a lot of saxophones.

[@grongus]

It is very interesting to find out how quality checks are done.. Would be also great to tell and engrave on them where are made even though we all know they are made in China or Taiwan... Hard to fully understand these global industrial secrets ..

[@bluessax5089]

That’s a lot of saxophones 😅

[@wildman166]

Great video, good luck with your horn and mouthpieces . That was crazy in the distribution center . But for me sadly sweetwater is too $$$$$$ . 5100.00 for a Yanagisawa TWO2 ? But hey if you can afford that price more power to you . Keep up the great work Jay !

[@reedc4295]

Where you finding it cheaper?

[@wildman166]

Brass Brass barn , Sax.Co.Uk . They are in the $3500- $3800 range .

[@paulhudson409]

Hey jay been following you since 2017 and and have become a better sax player but I want to get a good and with perfect sound alto sax. How much are those

[@bettersax]

Click the link in the description for updated prices.

[@markjosephawa2641]

Sheesh!!🔥 I want one😩❤️💯

[@playerdrip187]

Lol I’m the 2nd like. Please review the Pmauriat pmsa 185 if you can

[@malthuswasright]

Any news on distribution to Europe yet?

[@bettersax]

Yes, they are available from @sax.co.uk the link in the description will take you to their page if you are located in EU.

[@playerdrip187]

Cool I’m the 2nd like. Please review the Pmauriat pmsa 185 if you can

[@dannyweiss4903]

BTW. I Love your channel.

[@Trevayne4]

Great video! When you say the horn is manufactured by Conn-Selmer does that mean it is made in the USA?

[@bettersax]

Ed no saxophones are made in USA for decades now. These are made at a Conn Selmer associate manufacturing facility in China