The BEST Soprano Sax? Yanagisawa SW020 vs Yanagisawa S992

[@RoseCadenza]

I can really tell the difference. Maybe it's just me, but there is a big difference. The S992 sounds really great only for jazz. It kind of has a harder tone. The SW020 sounds really great for both classical and jazz. I have to say that I like the SW020 more than the other. And I don't even play soprano sax. I've the other saxes (alto, tenor, and bari), but I really want to learn to play soprano sax sometime. That would be so much fun. :D

[@DynamixWarePro]

I liked the sound of the W020 more than the 992 as I found it had a warmer more focused, more rich sound and when I heard it in the blind test, I instantly liked the sound a little more than the 992. Both great sopranos though.

[@knurmi42]

The 992 sounds a little meatier, the sw020 sounds smoother to me. Meaty is hard to do on a tiny horn.

[@VitoBb1978]

The darker, warmer, softer tone is what i go for in my soprano. My S991 has served me very will over the years. Between the two the S992 has the sound that i just love. Thank you Dan for another informative video

[@erickruse4679]

I liked number 2 a lot better. To me, the #2 sounded like a fuller tone with a timber more toward the middle of the range. I guess i would say it's darker?

[@zangsax]

The WO is less bright which I like. I have played a 901 for about 6 yrs after 25 yrs of a VI. I play the 901 because I prefer a 1 piece horn. I owned a gas 62 and yas62r in the past. Love the 901.

[@catherinesnowdon5467]

I got a Yani tenor. Excellent. Got a TJ sr alto never out of workshop. Wish I got another Yani. Only expensive initially

[@MARKLINMAN1]

Can’t wait to get my SW020!

[@LuanneFose]

Thank you for the comparison, Dan. I have been wondering about the differences. Personally, I liked your sound on the 992 better, but like you said, maybe it is because you are so comfortable with it. It was weird, but when I closed my eyes, the W020 sort of sounded like a clarinet sometimes, which I didn't like. I like a soprano sax to sound like a soprano! BTW: For the future, it would be helpful when you do a blind test comparison to sort of play the same tunes on both saxes instead of switching it up because it is easier for the listener to remember what they sounded like. Thanks for all the great videos!

[@7quercus77]

I also hear some similarity to old large bore clarinets. But isn't typical for all yanagisawas? Yanagisawas - clarinet and Selmer - oboe?

[@MrSaxobari]

Hi Dan Thanks for the nice video. Is your 992 a Bronze or Brass model? I do owne the bronze 992 model. Also is that your stock neck on it?Looks a little darker in colour then your horn. Best regards from Canada Mario Malette

[@dogsterooni]

the 992 is bronze. the 991 was brass :)

[@Caglarsax]

I have a sml paris for 5 months today I tested a yanagisawa. I was surprised all notes can be played without high effort .i will certainly buy one soon

[@InTrweb]

All I needed to hear was the intro 👍

[@mornestrydom5837]

Thank you for your video. Currently playing on a Yamaha 475 intermediate instrument. Can get a Yani s991 (second hand, excellent condition) for a very good price. Now with the economically difficult times caused by COVID-19, many people seems to sell off some of their instruments. Sad situation, but one may pick up some good deals. I “assume” a well-looked after 991 would be a good upgrade for me. What’s your thoughts?

[@uTubeMiester]

Hi Dan, Thanks for this comparison. I think it would have been better if you played the same tunes on this comparison. However, I was immediately drawn to the sound of sax#2 a few seconds after you played it because of its darker sound which I'm honestly drawn towards more for my other alto and tenor saxes as well - I have both Yani brass W01 and bronze W02 models. In fact, I prefer my Selmer SBA alto more than my Mark VI because it has a darker sound. So maybe it's just me who prefers a darker sound. Anyway, thanks for this video. BTW, can we request a comparison between the S-W020 and the new curved model SC-WO20? Thanks.

[@tankyang4725]

Are other people also having the problem where the wo20 lacquer keeps fading

[@Humbardi]

another factor that influences how they sound is the mouthpiece/reed combination ... what mouthpiece and reed were you playing to do this comparison ?

[@DanForshaw]

I pretty sure I say in the video that I used the same mouthpiece / reed on both saxophones and my setup is detailed in the description to the video... If you're not sure then here danforshaw.com/equipment/

[@Humbardi]

@@DanForshaw I visited your webpage and found that you were playing until 2019 on a Selmer S-80** and now on Syos ‘Dan Forshaw’....

[@Filippo-Parisi]

They sounds thiny to me. But the new one is a bit big and dark as sound, so I'd choose it, if I would keep having soprano with two neck. I'm looking for a straight curved neck one.

[@V15lol]

its the mic/his tone

[@billducker7404]

Tried Series 3. Dan?

[@markteague8889]

Unquestionably, the W020 has a richer and deeper tone. I’ve always preferred that. Kenny G’s bright edgy tone grates on my nerves in most of his recordings. Wondering how much of that is a consequence of a curved vs. straight neck. I had the opportunity to play a Yamaha YSS 675 in our high school jazz ensemble during my senior year. I believe it only had the curved neck in the case. Seems like it produced that same sort of deeper richer tone. Have thought about purchasing a soprano several times over the years, but was baffled by the myriad choices. Maybe this comparison kind of settled that for me.

[@katrinarose2210]

Before I know the difference between sax 1 and 2, I have to say, even without my headphones on, I can tell a difference and I like sax 1 better than 2, and I'm assuming that sax 2 is the sw010

[@abadjoseph]

Thanks for the video! How would you say the new Yanagisawa compares to the curved Yanagisawa sopranos? (I've also seen the curved neck, used with the straight body...)

[@carlwilson4375]

I just bought a Yanagisawa S901 Soprano. What do you think of the a Yanagisawa TW-01 Tenor saxophone?

[@jovitajazz]

Do You think that it’s better the WO20 instead the WO10? Which horn is more easy blowing?

[@DanForshaw]

WO20 is my choice

[@MikesBigBand]

Dear Dan, I'm re-sending a comment I made on an earlier vid you did on the S992 in case you don't check older vids? Dan, I am the happy owner of the Sop, Alto & Tenor 992 saxes however I am having probs with getting the alternate/front high F to speak without other key assistance whereas on tenor and alto it pops out perfectly. I am using the stock Yani 5 m/pc and various cane reeds. I also have to push the m/pc on all the way to be in tune or use an old Buffet m/pc I have. Any suggestions?

[@DanForshaw]

Hi Mike I'd suggest it could be down to your embouchure, but that would be a guess without actually seeing / hearing you play. The soprano is much more difficult to master than the tenor or alto. Perhaps you can book a consultation via my sax.coach website and we can take a look?

[@KonstaSednev]

What's model mpc?

[@pabslondon]

When Dan says 'maybe if you're watching in a few years time and the country isn't at a complete utter hopeless standstill' and you're actually watching in 2020 and the country is at a complete utter hopeless standstill

[@ToddMarshtoddalanmarsh]

Sopranino Saxophone?

[@jaywills5776]

Hey Dan. Are you coming to the Joshua Redman gig in Cheltenham , May 4th

[@DanForshaw]

I'm trying to get to Cheltenham this year, just depends on schedule as I've some recording dates in the diary around May Day weekend.

[@donearnhardt6336]

Just stumbled on this video and was wondering, do you have any thoughts about the Yanagisawa curved soprano vs the straight one. Not knowing anything really about sopranos, a couple years ago I decided to buy an SC991 because I was more comfortable with the curved shape having played alto fo many years and tenor off and on for many years as well.

[@rolfgeisler3421]

Which song do you play at 5:35?

[@DanForshaw]

I think that’s Ruby and the Pearl (just before it was Sunnyside of the st)

[@rolfgeisler3421]

Ah, thank you 😊

[@zjsjf3435]

You should play the same song to compare

[@eriksax]

You sound better on the new model. Your horn requires some adjustments to key heights, leaks, etc. The new model was well... new sounding.

[@chris-fd9vr]

What’s the name of the song at 4:39 ? It sounds so awesome.

[@DanForshaw]

Cavehill Stomp by yours truly

[@chris-fd9vr]

Dan Forshaw thank you.

[@vrufino]

I also play a Yani, but curved soprano. When it first arrived, it did need some tweaking by my repair man. Could that have been the situation with the 20 right out of the box?

[@joannethefairy5390]

I prefer the Selmer Soprano saxophones because they sound so warm and have such a good resonance.😄

[@lukasbulle8620]

5:34 How is this song called?

[@DanForshaw]

It's the end of 'Sunnyside of the St' after that it's 'The Ruby & the Pearl'

[@pimeye]

Keep the 992. The W020 is too focussed and less lively than your 992 and sounds less like a soprano. I have an S901 and SC900, one day I might start playing them!

[@joelgarrett422]

Dan, you mention that SW020 is very easier to play than the older version because of new engineering. However, the version that is harder to play may make you better play because it make you try even harder to get great. Just a thought, continue to do a great job!

[@markteague8889]

Mechanics around here joke that BMW stands for “Bring More Wallet.” Rotfl. Sorry your Bimmer failed on ya’. The Krauts don’t have any magic dust they can sprinkle on their “motor cars” to make them last forever. Although admittedly, I really loved the sound of my friend’s ‘96 M3. That little inline six went all the way to redline and begged for more. Swiss watch of engines.

[@janeriley8063]

Thank you. Bronze?

[@topolinik]

Bellissimi strumenti. Io sono rimasto al soprano S900 che comunque suona molto bene. Saluti.

[@wjbcllc]

What’s the full description of the 992 and how do I get a used one?

[@raishwretch]

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Yanagisawa-s992-soprano-saxophone/283800716072?hash=item4213d74328:g:1OgAAOSwSWZeW8XZ

[@lgo8513]

I have one for sale.....only because I’m unable to play it because of a shoulder injury........

[@7quercus77]

@@raishwretch Do you remember the price? I am considering to buy used S992. Asking price is 2650 Euro.

[@MrSaxobari]

Hi Sorry In sound,no difference at all,or barely ! They both have pretty much the same charcater. I do have the Yana 992 Bronze straight sop. Love the ergonomics,plays easy,and in tune,but i don t like the character in sound from day one.. But,they are great saxes,no doubt..

[@TheOwenValentine]

The 2nd one

[@MARKLINMAN1]

What song in the opening? Thanks

[@DanForshaw]

Take Five, Paul Desmond / Dave Brubeck

[@ArtBusker]

Me gustó SW20

[@aidan4473]

What do you prefer the straight or curved neck?! Comment below!

[@DanForshaw]

Always curved neck - I should have mentioned it in the video, lots of reasons why, but primarily I chose to play with a curved neck twenty two years ago and it's what I've got used to.

[@aidan4473]

Dan Forshaw what soprano would you recommend for someone looking for one on a budget and looking to try it out? I have looked at the Sakkusu ones. Sax.co.uk’s beginner brand

[@LenStarry0617]

my venus china curved soprano cost $250 only had a better sound than this thousand pesos japan made