What is the best tenor saxophone Yamaha YTS82Z Custom Tenor Review

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I'm a long time Yamaha fan (play an original "Purple Logo" YAS62 alto) but is the new tenor 82Z tenor the best TENOR on the market? Find out in this video as I put it through it's paces!
In this video:
00:00 Which Saxophones are we comparing
3:25 Trying out the Mechanism
4:45 How is the tone?
6:29 Checking out the Intonation and Altissimo
7:40 How much does it cost?
9:40 Putting the Sax through it’s paces. Playing in 4 different styles
16:08 How did it play? Summing it up.
18:15 Why not try Sax School?
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[@BruceWL]

I bought a YTS62iii 4 months ago. I love the intonation across all octaves. I cannot afford the 82Z, so the 62 is perfect for me.

[@timmoore7258]

I played the lil brother yts 52 for years, great horns!

[@Nevwit]

Thank you again Nigel, this series of tenor reviews is so interesting and enjoyable. To me the 82Z sounds perfect for commercial funk/blues. It has real oomph!

[@c51n50m]

No need to test any more tenors. The 82Z wins hands down in all categories.

[@javierviudez6782]

Ja

[@jacquisutton8675]

What an awesome sound. You and this saxophone suited each other perfectly. The best review so far. I play a Custom Z alto which I just love for all the reasons you highlighted.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cheers Jacqui. I’ll bet the alto custom Z is a great horn.

[@dominickcorsoe5543]

I've been playing yamaha alto and tenor 61 since 73 and 74.They have been wonderful durable horns. Had both of them on the road playing 5 an 6 nights a week . I wouldn't mind a couple of new ones though.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Me too!

[@paulhillman8299]

Interesting comparisons. I play the YT875 Custom, an early 1990 model. As with the 82Z, the intonation is great. I recently altered to an F1 neck which gives it a bit darker, warmer sound. However, your playing of the 82Z has got me thinking - I need to start saving!

[@jvirott]

Thank you for this show. I’m trying to find my next tenor and this was really interesting. You ara a fantastic player, every sax will sound very well on your hands. Cheers

[@jamesdavis6432]

Great vid Nigel!.. I’ve just ordered the 82z silver plated... I’m changing from the YTS 62.. I can’t wait to get it after watching your review! 🙏🏼

[@alexwillats]

I'm really enjoying these reviews Nigel, they're great! And I'm so pleased you stick to the same pieces of music for each test - it makes comparing them a lot easier. I think the Custom Z is a great, modern horn and I got the impression you felt very comfortable playing it, probably because of your Yamaha alto and past 62 playing. For Ben Webster / Hawkins style ballads I think the bronze, silver & brass Yanagisawa sounded the best. This Custom Z does 'modern' well, and could be darkened with the right mouthpiece. That said, I've realized it's easier (for me at least) to brighten a dark horn that to darken a bright one. Just my 2 cents! Keep up the awesome videos! 😊

[@ggauche3465]

I play a Yamaha Alto YAS-62/iiis and bought it secondhand about 5 years ago. I think it's great and i love it.. I had some issues with the low notes but managed to adjust that whole G#/C# mechanism so it hums. I recently bought a secondhand Yamaha Tenor YTS-21 and have had a lot of trouble with the low notes as there is no easy adjustment for the C# arm. I'm not a pro player by any means but I want to spend time playing and not fiddling with the mechanism. These days, during Covid getting to a tech person is not easy as I live in the bush.

[@marklang7486]

I'm a Yamaha guy through and through. I've been playing for 30 years and always gravitate back to them. I owned a Custom Z tenor when they first came out. Great horn but I came back to a purple logo 62 tenor which felt like home after playing a PL 62 alto for a long time (and still do). Great video.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cool. Great to hear that Mark. I’ve had my PL62 alto since I got it new in 1987!

[@dazzab4244]

Wow. Fantastic. I play a YTS62ii, I would be keen to buy an 82 if it would make me sound like that, but I think it might be more related to skill! Beautiful job Nigel.

[@dereknelson7760]

Good test presentation! I also have an 82Z tenor, I got the unlaquered model, with no high F#. As you suggested, I feel it is a very free-blowing, versatile instrument. It is so well-tempered it will let you play just about any style or sound you can conceive. I am also a repair tech, as well as a player, so I plan to make several modifications to my 82Z in the near future. I want to solder together the bell-to-body connection to enhance the resonance and response, especially in the low end. Part of the plan would be to record before and after test patterns to see if we can hear any difference.

[@motivation89742]

I own this saxophone and love it

[@gsuns2268]

That sounds so awesome Nigel

[@garyreid6165]

Hello, Nigel. I have seen the Trevor James Signature and the OW Lineage. Great performance on those horns. I decided to give you my thoughts on each of these three here. The Yamaha 82Z has a very stable sound. I saw one in alto sax once, it looked beautiful. Its owner told me that he didn’t care for the Selmer when he played it because he thought the Sellers had a more metallic sound. I have played an intermediate Yamaha tenor and I was impressed with the workings of that horn(especially, the octave key because I had a lazy thumb and I can engage it effortlessly). The Trevor James Signature was as flawless as a sax can get. Great sound and mechanisms in that horn. The OW Lineage, in my opinion, had the best functionality of all the tenors that you have tested. It was free blowing and it seemed like you didn’t have to put a whole lot of air into the horn. If I were to hand you the best tenor saxophone, it would be the OW Lineage. I have read a lot about the Yanigasawas. They are well built and well tuned saxophones. I just haven’t tried one out. I know you have a lot more to explore(which is not only informative, but a lot of fun). The best of luck in your epic quest to find the great tenor saxophone for your sound.

[@jnmkkmnj]

The saxophone sounded fantastic on all three styles that you demonstrated. A young man that I helped get a start on saxophone who is now a school band director loves his Yamahas. He is very discerning and I will just say that his university saxophone teacher told me in his freshman year that he would go straight to his doctorate and take a university teaching job. He really is a spectacular player. As you probably know I recently purchased my first soprano saxophone and I chose the Yanagisawa WO 20 bronze. The 20 series is reported to have an improved key mechanism over the 10 and I have to say that I find it fantastic. It helps to tame the tremor in my left hand and the effects of the arthritis in both hands. I think the bronze body does actually produce a warmer darker tone which I was looking for. I only mention this because I think you should get your hands on a 20 bronze before you make your final decision. You are such an incredible player that when you make your final decision it really will not involve what others have to say nor will the hype put out by the various companies have to say about whatever particular model you are demonstrating. You will just know. Should vanity prevail over matters of the mind and heart then you should consider the TWO 37 solid silver as it would be a nice complement to your beard!

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Ha! Thanks John. I do like the WO37 but that’s a bit fancy for me! Great to hear you are enjoying the bronze WO20 - I’ve heard great things about them!

[@JUNIOR-cl4ol]

I loved the sound of it all especially in the jump jive section

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cheers

[@ruicalcada6149]

I play Yts 32 from de 1990, great sax , perfect tune, but them i bought a Selmer mark 7 from 1980, its amazing..perfect sound, very good projeccion the best i play so far...

[@wongfortpin8753]

Enjoying your play!

[@petegalindez9961]

I’ve played the YAS 62 since I bought it new in 1998 (it’s not a purple logo though). It has the upgraded tilted table but still has the single piece bell key guard so it’s technically a Mark I. I changed out the neck to the G1 in silver, but that’s the only mod I’ve done. I also have a black lacquered YTS 82Z Custom Tenor that I got for a steal and have been playing it for about 6 years. Absolutely love it! Since getting it, never thought I needed to upgrade or get another sax. I use a Theo Slant Sig 8 HR mpc with a Silverstein lig that I just recently purchased. Been fiddling with reeds lately, trying a bunch of synthetics and natural cane to get the right sound. But, I do find the sax very versatile. After watching you play I would say you looked effortless playing it. You can’t go wrong with it. That said, those Yanis with the multi metal finishes are reallllly pertttty. I’m looking at the AWO33 for my collection. Good luck!!!

[@paulcotgrove2870]

sounds well lovely tone im thinking of trying one out

[@jeremyryannoel]

I currently play on a 62 tenor from 1992 (Yamaha believes it’s newer despite its cosmetic condition when I purchased). Your video definitely has me encouraged to look at the 82Z’s.

[@AustinSaxNinja]

Nigel, Love the videos. Very helpful as I'm looking to upgrade my tenor soon. I currently play a Yamaha 62 and I agree with your assessment of its sound. One thing I did to improve it is I switched to using a V1 neck from the 82z and it sounds much better. I love the 82z and am going back and forth trying to decide between it and the Selmer Reference 54 or 36. I'd love to see you compare the Reference 54 vs the Reference 36.

[@sundogstudio1]

Hey Nigel, I love what you are doing with these play tests. To us amateurs it"s hard to tell the difference based on the You Tube sound but as a player I'm sure you are noting the differences. I am waiting with bated breath for your final choice. I know it won't be an easy one. Cheers, mate.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cheers, it’s a fun process and hopefully gives you a bit more info about them too.

[@blessedministrie1206]

Please i need to learn how can i do

[@davidclaro152]

Wow! You sound amazing on that horn. Thanks for your video.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Thanks!

[@lovethewordofgodjn321]

Beautiful playing and tone 👍

[@a1saxy]

I love these video reviews Nigel. Thanks. Please review the P. Mauriat Tenors

[@patemblen3644]

It sounded bloody great! Had some of that lovely liquid sort of quality that I like, I still want to hear the Yani.

[@michaelcottrell2108]

I have a Yamaha 82z tenor and it is the best . I have a selmer mk 6 and a Yamaha 875 ex custom but nothing compares with the 82z .Tuning is spot on the tone is beautiful and the low notes are easy to obtain ..it's very easy to play and is very forgiving! It is a tad bright not anywhere as bright as the 82z alto . which makes its a great solo instrument!

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Great to hear that Michael. I agree, it’s a brilliant instrument.

[@patrickmarino8110]

Nice core to your tone on that horn. Best I've heard you sound and you always sound good! I love the yamaha saxes. I owned a yts 62 silver plated horn . Great horn but the bore was small and it sounded more like an alto than an tenor. Sold that horn and bought the yts 875 silver plate. The horn is over 20 years old and plays and looks like brand new. Great intonation and an incredible tone. I believe it's the same horn Plas Johnson played on the pink panther. My other horn is a cannonball raven tenor. Big bell stone series. Dark big sound with lots of core a little spread but still centered an focused. Great for big band playing. Thanks for listening. Keep up the great work. Patrick

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cheers Patrick. The silver plated Yamahas do sound great.

[@zaxophne]

Hi, I have the 82Z II alto in normal laquer, and the 82Z II silver plated Tenor. I really love both of them. I bought the 82Z II tenor after upgrading my previous alto (875EX) to the 82Z II. Havn'et looked back.

[@puntila8]

BRAVO ON THE KORSAKOV'S BUMBLE BEE!!!! You play all awesome but that one is amazingly AWESOME! Thanks!

[@bobblues1158]

Hi ,Nigel this series of demos is so informative, thank you so much. I am in complete agreement with your assessment of this horn. I play Yanagisawa TW020 unlacquered bronze. It will do all of these styles well but the Yamaha sounded more at home on the Wilton Felder solo and on the Sam Butera songs than the TW010 that you had. I must add that you sound superb on all of them!

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Thanks Bob. I wonder if that’s because the Yamaha is a bit brighter than the Yanagisawa saxes, so more naturally suited to the pop and blues stuff. Your TWO20 is a great sax too though.

[@ShadowSpartan9x]

I'm so close to buying an 82zii!!!! I'm currently on a late 1960's conn 10m with underslung octave key and a Theo Wanne Ambika 3 7* metal. One month away. Can't wait!!!!

[@pjsax4033]

Hi Nigel. I was given a mouth piece and I don't know what it is. It sounds great. The writing on it is. Steve broadway / new york and A on the ligature. Many thanks Pat

[@stellavardi825]

Nigel..i have not tried a tenor as yet ..however i do play the yas 62...and i love it...i love the sound of this yamaha tenor ..i personally liked the brightness..i love that they are so versatile..i find my 62 so easy to play ..for me ..i would go with the yamaha...🤗

[@brianmatthews232]

Great playing esp the street life solo 😀

[@jsaxxwatkins4342]

Yes I love the Yamaha saxophones. I am playing the 62 3 series with a V1 silver plated neck and I have a custom Z tenor on layaway at Sam ash right now as we speak. I was going to trade the 62 in for it but it played very well so I have decided keep it lol 😀🙌🏾🎵🎷. I appreciate your videos I am also a Legere Reed artist . Keep up the great work bro.🙏🏾🎵🎷

[@richardcasey7521]

The 82Z is a wonderful playing horn. I owned one but sold it because it just didn’t have the ‘sound’ I preferred. There are 5 or 6 great new tenors on the market these days.

[@arvitrekking]

I liked the sound of this horn. Nice.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cheers!

[@frankzona9867]

Nigel, a great sounding recording and a great sounding horn. i recommend Yamaha to all of my students, even though i play Selmers. They are so well built and sound great. Like you i'm thinking it's time for a modern tenor. I have a 1935 B/A and a MVI. Both play great but I'm curious as to what a modern sax would do for me. Not just sound but mechanism. Loved the Yani review and now the Yamaha, so keep those reviews coming. Thanks

[@davepierremusic3974]

Great information as always Nigel. Please check out the P mauriat, especially the system 76. Would love to hear your thoughts on the one.

[@markburrows9178]

Having a lot of fun watching these reviews. I like the yamaha 82Z, but it seemed to have smaller range of sounds, ie sounded like a yamaha whatever you played, than the TJ sig Raw. If you can get Dave Farley to lend you one you really should try the Andy Sheppard Signature tenor. Keep up the good work.

[@rickg6293]

Nigel thanks for the comparison videos..I currently have a mark 6..trevor james raw..yani aw10..p mauriat 67r...all great horns..but my ishimori vintage is the best sax I ever played

[@patrickmarino8601]

I have an 875 silver plated yamaha with an M1 neck. I bought it around 2023. The sound is really awesome because of the core and resonance with that neck and the heavy silver plate they used. It's a custom 875 and the neck is interchangeable with all the modern necks they make now. I would like to hear my horn with a gold plated V1 or a gold plated M1 neck. I think all the sax players with the custom 875 horns would like to hear it also. If there is any chance of you demonstrating these necks on one of those horns especially in silver plate it would be insightful. Thanks for listening. Patrick

[@Dannybluegill]

My experience has been that both the 82z and 875ex are very flexible towards the type of sound you're looking for but you do get a more native dark/classic sound from the 875 over Z. That's all preference though. Tenor seems to have a bigger difference in them than alto from what I've felt. For over a decade I've been playing a YAS-875. Was looking at the 62 but couldn't shake the fact that the 875 pumped out a sound that got me excited. It's a strange feeling but it was just right.

[@timmoore7258]

Well I made my choice today. I have a black enamel z coming. I played a 52 for a long time. Great playing man.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Awesome. Congrats on your new sax!

[@guydelorme417]

I had a few Yamahas. The one I enjoyed the best is a Yamaha a YAS82z raw versus the same thing black. There was a notable difference in the sound, the raw one fits the rocker style. I wonder how a Yamaha Tenor raw it would sound today to compare with the one you just tried, certainly not the same sound. I am not sure if they still make them. The Yamaha in question here is not really made to sound like Ben Webster. However great on the next three tunes. The instrument is priced right ( I think Selmer is overprice), and really well made. You cannot make a mistake when you buy Yamaha Product. I like this type of video, it keeps us informed of new products. I like it more when there is a contest of course. Great stuff,

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Thanks Guy, great to hear you like this format of video. I agree - you can’t really go wrong with this sax although the brightness of the sound isn’t right for anyone. Interesting about the RAW finish, that would be fun to try too.

[@timbly5824]

Try the ishimori Woodstone. I played a Tenor at NAMM 2020 & loved the feel, action, dark sound until you pushed it & you have a killer funk sound & the intonation was spot on.

[@julienm702]

The 82 custom Z is my Tenor sax for 16 years now. Never found better yet, even Mk VI.

[@ajd711]

Hello Nigel, thanks for all your educational videos. Can you please share what you wound up purchasing and overall reason?

[@erickruse4679]

Nice review. It would be interesting to see a music channel go shopping in their neighborhood and show how they would go about picking something from what is available to try at the stores in the area "today". Sort of an assessment of actual market and how to deal with it. It would even be interesting to see what you find out there, and if it is the same situation as my area, which is huge music town, with a miniscule selection of tenors in the city to choose from. Based on what I could find in 2019 when I was shopping, there were literally 4 new tenor saxophone models for sale that you could actually try and buy on the same day in my area, a "professional" P Mauriat system 76 unlacquered which had issues with the springs repeatedly popping out or getting stuck during a single one hour test. , a Midrange/Professional Buffet 400 that was impeccable, an Eastman 52nd street that was perfect, and one Yamaha that had super-light key tension that i didn't care for. That was the entire selection between the 5 stores that advertised that they carried horns. (based on google searching and visiting those stores). Maybe there's some hidden sax shop that I can't find on google...

[@jsaxxwatkins4342]

And to add I'm playing the 62 3 series on alto and tenor lol . But I have to get the 82 Z in Alto and Tenor .I just love them ❤😀🎵🎷

[@hornmanmusic1542]

great demo of the 82Z🙏....I love the 82Z! I play a silverplated one and it's FANTASTIC! love the extra brightness in the sound..compared to a Mark VI for example...it cuts through more. Nice video👍

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cheers! Glad you are enjoying your 82z. The silver plate does give it an extra zing!

[@hornmanmusic1542]

@@McGillMusicSaxSchool yeah...thanks😀...by the way....love your Videos VERY much👌🙁🎷

[@stephenrose9154]

I have a Yamaha YTS62 which is okay but the middle G gives me problems quite frequently in that it often comes out as a high D# which takes some of the joy out of playing it. I bought it mid 1990's. The Yamaha Nigel is playing sounds fabulous.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

That’s interesting Stephen. I don’t have that issue on my 62 alto. Also the 82Z seems a big improvement from the 62. I was surprised at the difference actually.

[@rickycornwall6221]

Are you going to try the sx90 r shadow. Like the vids. Would be interesting to see the comparisons on the bari daxes . Thanks

[@craigray4775]

It did seem to have a more modern sound as I recall some of the other reviews. It seems like it projected well. Overall appeared the keys were very quick and smooth as one would expect. The barky element to me was more in sight in Streetlife and Buona Sera which really made them pop. By playing the same songs in the reviews it really helps to compare the sounds of the saxophones. I would think this sax would be a good choice for someone who played a lot of funk, rock and live gigs. Whereas, I'm playing a student Cecilio Mendini Tenor, doesn't really compare to any of the reviewed but it's fine for me, a student. I would sound just as awful on any of the reviewed saxes as I do on mine now. In a few years I'd love to upgrade when I've earned it.

[@THESAMMUSIC]

I use 82z ul Alto with R54 neck , really feel that's Great combind !

[@LuisPabloGasparotto]

Great video as usual! It would be nice you also test the latest version of YTS-62, the neck was updated and improved. Also, I'd love to see a P. Mauriat test, maybe a PMXT 66 or 67.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

That’s a great idea Luis - I didn’t know the latest 62 had a new neck. Very interesting. Also, I’ve had so many requests for a P.Mauriat test - I’ll need to check one of those out too.

[@lisawanderess]

Of course the Yamaha Custom Z is the best sax in the world! Thats why I got one! It was literally passionate love at first play... having played an old Conn tenor since the 80s the difference was like going from an dude ranch horse to a well trained Grand Prix Dressage horse (I’m into horses so was the closest analogy I could think of) My unlaquered Z is just soooo responsive and almost always in perfect tune every play. Now I’m itching to replace my old Selmer S-80C* mouthpiece that I’ve also had since the 80s and really see how far this love affair goes, but I have to say, I think my Custom Z is THE ONE! 😍🎷💗

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Great to hear that Lisa (love the horse analogy btw!)

[@johnw832]

Very nice playing , i had quick listen back at other saxes--soundwise ref 36-great tone but dont know how it feels when playing. Yamaha and yanagisawa similar- perhaps yamaha more of a blank canvas to work with but the yanagiswa sounded distinctive and nice-you seemed at ease playing it; the RAW-sounded weak or hard work in parts

[@Pat_S]

I had a Selmer Omega in high school and then a Selmer Paris super action 80. I stopped playing for years and when I came back, the 82z was my choice. Alto tenor and soprano.

[@robshaffer624]

I have two 82Z’s, both without the high F# key. One is laq, the other Un laq. I started on a Bundy II then a Yamaha 61 (early 4 digit), then I just had to have the 82Z (Jeff Coffin is one of my favs).

[@saxsib]

My tenor horn yamaha 82zul and this best horn in my life

[@paultunnicliffe7007]

These videos are so good Nigel. I have been playing a Yts62 for many years and love it. I am curious to try the 82 so this video is perfect. One quick question. I do find the 62 quite heavy, how does the 82 compare on weight?

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cheers Paul. Great question - I didn’t find the 82Z heavy at all - I’d say it’s pretty comparable to the Selmer Reference or TWO10, so probably similar to your 62.

[@rickstokes2239]

I played a Selmer SA80II for a long time and started looking at other horns and picked up the 82ZII and paired it with a Theo Wanne Brahma 7* and have been very happy. As you said the Yanigasawa do seem to have slightly better key work which I experience in my Yani Alto AW020, so a Yani tenor may be in my future. Thanks for the review.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

You’re welcome!

[@cliveastle9372]

Thanks Nigel. Your enthusiasm, comfort and confidence on the yts82Z shine through! I think you played better across all genres in this vid than the other vids. I play 82z sop and 62iii tenor (with an 82z V1 neck on order). Like you, I find it easier to have the same yamaha ergs across instruments. Have you tried the 82z neck on your old yts62?

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cheers Clive, that’s interesting to hear. It would be a fun test to try the 82z neck on a 62 - I think there is a fair bit of magic going on with that neck.

[@terrywells1655]

Wish you would compare it to the 875 they sy its a classical horn but some of my favorite music is played on a 875 and its definitely not clasical but you would make both sound good thanks for playing

[@velvetimpulse]

Very interesting, Nigel! I have a question though, I had assumed the Yamaha 82z was more of a Yanagisawa TWO20 contender, not a TWO10. Just from price points and description. What do you think? Nevertheless, the Y82z is one of my top contenders for a new sax at the end of the year.

[@chukwuemekajosephokafor8681]

@McGill Music Sax School i play yamaha altos 280 and 62; the 82z is a great instrument; the sound is thicker than my 62; tried it when i visited sax.co.uk

[@robertdedios8693]

I used to own and 82Z they are great especially in a live setting but a bit bright, especially on record, note there are work arounds in mouthpiece and production. I moved to yanni T992, killer horn, super smooth nice in the key work but only had one sound... at the end of the day went to vintage selmer... that move killed me on price and sacrifice of intonation... well with it though.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Really interesting to hear your process here Robert. I understand your thinking too. Definitely a tricky choice between price / intonation and tone character.

[@derekakien7379]

All MkVIs sound different to me. A little dark so I play a bright m/p to even it up.

[@robertdedios8693]

@@derekakien7379 agreed. I ended up with a SBA but logic applies similarly. Honestly for me it is EASIER to make a dark horn bright or play with more edge than it is to make a bright horn darker, warmer or more spread

[@Samuel-ge7im]

Hey Nigel good to see you again. Hope you and your family are well. I wanted to ask, have you tried out a YTS62?

[@bernierossi8062]

I play an 82z and have done for four or five years. Like it more than my mark vi and the Yanagasawa I used to have (model before the WOs) and naturally my cannonball that doesn’t get used often. Nothing tops the 82z for me as it is so versatile.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cool, great to hear that Bernie. Sounds like you are an 82z fan!

[@bernierossi8062]

Absolutely, took a journey to get there but it just feels right in my hands and does everything I ask of it

[@mikeaustin1]

Newbie here, played for a month and have taken to it. About to buy my first (and probably only) sax. Really have my eye on the YTS-62, probably not going to spring for the 82Z. You said you liked the 62 but it didn't "quite" have a versatility you wanted. I plan to mostly play loud rock/R&B cutting stuff. Any reason the 62 isn't more than enough for that; what more would I get at my ability with the 82, which I can also afford? I play several instruments and probably will never be a "sax first" guy but for what I want, seems more than enough. By the way, you play REALLY smoothly, even on these "throw-up" demos! (Also, Wilton Felder is hard enough to imitate on the bass, never mind sax. That guy was tremendous).

[@lovepeaceblues]

Great Horn! Am a bit of an old school horn owner, 32 10M Conn Transitional (Chu Berry) May have mixed up the 10M bit! and a 1936 Beuschar. This Yamaha definitely is a lot warmer than the Selmer reference series and "pops" like mad!!

[@denn5431]

I've always been a real geared so this one is actually a great instryment

[@robalexwar]

Interesting about the price comparison. In Australia the 82Z and TWO10 are the same price (can be bought for $6299 AUD - about 3500 pounds) The Yamaha sounds great but I like the Yani better :)

[@jackiemoody6559]

I love my 82Z tenor just as much or more than I love my YAS62iii alto. I am a huge fan of Yamaha.

[@tristansmith9149]

Seems like a wonderful instrument to me, beautiful in all styles - particularly with such a talented player. :-)

[@joeirizarry4640]

Thanks for the video’s. They’re very informative. I would love to hear you on a Yanagisawa WO2. If you’re looking for a bit warmer sound, that sax should give it to you. Im in the market for an O2 and would love it if you were my “test dummy.” No offense of course. Good luck in your search. You sound great. You kid that your old, I used to dance to Street Life in the clubs in NYC back in the day. 😸😸

[@seandennis3148]

I just AB tested this 82Z test with your Yanagisawas test, tune by tune. (Seeing it's the same four tunes.) I preferred the results you got from the 82Z.

[@jazzman_10]

Eastman has just upgraded its 52th Street model... It might be a good moment to check it out... 🤔😬😬

[@markflopresti]

I'm playing on the 82z previously owned by Michael Wilbur so its extra special to me!

[@DynamixWarePro]

3:02 - "the 875 is more of a classical saxophone" while it may have been designed that way, if you listen to Simon Bates the English saxophonist who plays on 875 soprano, alto and tenor, he proves just because a saxophone is made for certain music styles, you don't have to play them that way as he gets a big fat funky jazz sound on his 875's. I love how well Yamaha sexes are made and how with them, you can play different models and they feel more or less the same between them to play. I do find while there are differences between the models, besides the 875 which I like, I have never been blown away by the sound Yamaha saxes, maybe because they kind of have a more middle of the road sound that won't take your sound in any direction unless you work on it a lot while other saxophones do have more of a distinct tone.

[@lawrievanniekerk9748]

I currently play a Selmer MarkVI, but used to play a Yamaha YTS 62 which I thought was excellent, and very comparable to the Selmer. The Yamaha had a high F# which the Mark VI does not have. Must say I love the sound on that 82Z. Of course no one puts on laquer likeYamaha!! (if that's important). Of course maybe the sound is just "Nigel"!

[@javierviudez6782]

A very good sax like lots of them (Yanaguisawa Tw010 ,Tw020 , Selmer), but you ocasionely say, the mouthpiece you are using and I thing it is very important for us to compare, thanks

[@ArtBusker]

El YAMAHA 82Z UL es el mejor saxofón actual,. a mi criterio.... Supera ampliamente a todos los construidos hasta ahora.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

They are excellent saxophones for sure.

[@paulrichmond6867]

I loved the old Selmer Mark VI I played when I was a teen. Ironically it was a school horn, but despite that as a new player I thought it played like a dream. When I went to buy my own, I got a more modern, used Yamaha because I could not afford a Selmer Mark VI and the used Yamaha was in far better shape. I have been playing them ever since. In my experience the Yamaha was (is) more versatile than the Selmer. Tried others but keep coming back to my Yamahas for their ease of play and versatility. I had a chance to play a friend's Yani horns. Great horns that I would put on par with the Yamahas. If I were looking for a new horn, I believe it would come down to which finger positioning one would prefer - Yami or Yani and the slight difference in sound one was looking for. Because I have been playing Yamaha for so long, I would lean towards the more finger familiar Yamaha. Nigel, it looked like you were having a great time playing both the Yama and Yani, plus you sounded great on both. Either would make an excellent next horn.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Thanks Paul, it’s a tricky choice but I’m also testing something else which is coming up on a video soon - might make my decision easier...

[@paulrichmond6867]

@@McGillMusicSaxSchool Nigel, keep the videos coming. Thanks for including us on your journey. Sharing your thoughts and experiences helps us all on our own personal paths. As we all can appreciate, we have limited windows into the world of saxophones and music in general - especially all of us closet musicians who play these days for our own enjoyment. Coupling your amazing, diverse musical talent with your outstanding ability to clearly & effectively articulate your points, results in dynamite videos, each of which contains a golden nugget! Can't wait to experience more horns through your upcoming videos. Thanks and stay safe, Paul

[@AGC828]

When it comes to brass instruments something I've always looked for is the "bark". Is it htere? That texture. For some reason that's what I've come to assoiate with the "sax sound" or a "trumpet sound". As personal as sound is. To each his her own. Interesting legends like the late Clarence Clemons liked Keilworth's. And a vintage horn (forget the brand)/model) ....which to my ears sounds somewhere between a Yamaha Custom Z and a Yanaigawawa. ....knowing what really makes the difference is the mouth piece and neck...

[@agigcbo]

Interested to know if you have yet moved to a new tenor beyond your Guardala or if not, you’re leaning toward a specific mark/model after doing so much testing?

[@TonyAguirreJazz]

Love the Yamaha. FYI, I noticed the G# cluster on the new Yani WO10 is smaller than the 991 and 901. I have big hands and preferred the Yamaha's For a darker tone, go with the V1 neck

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Great tips. Thanks Tony.

[@Kingink7]

How would you compare the 82Z to the 875EX? For instance which do you think would be better at what? What are the physical differences, I.e which is heavier, thicker walled, etc. which one stays in tune better, what are the strengths and weaknesses of both, please respond I’m trying to get a new saxophone and the decision between these two is driving me up the wall, the Wilton Felder piece you played made me cry it was so good, how would that piece sound in the 875EX if you used the same set up?

[@Stouzough]

Great videos again. I'm living in Japan now so I'm I'm slowly giving up my home country beloved Selmer bias. However Yamaha is a great company, but the Yanagisawa sounded in my opinion even better.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cheers, which do you see more of in Japan: Yamaha saxes or Yanagisawas?

[@Stouzough]

@@McGillMusicSaxSchool Yamaha is overwhelming, basically because there are so many Yamaha schools everywhere close to station to learn the music. Yanagisawa is more for the connoisseurs, although fairly easy to find.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

That’s interesting. I love Japan - played a Jazz festival a few years back outside Tokyo. Cool place.

[@nielst.e.2302]

Thank's for a great review. I went with the 82z tenor, because it was the most versatile horn with a lot of potential nuances to the tone, compared to Selmer ref54 and 3 mark 6' and a series 3 i tried. The Selmersvej sounded fantastic especially the ref54, but they were one-trick-pony's, the 82z had more flavours, which inspirer me more. But I needed to go through a bunch of mouthpiece/reed combinations to shape, a subtle sharp top. I've tried it with Theo Wanne Durga 3, Slant sig 2 hr and Ambika 2 metal and select jazz, Van doren blue and legere reeds. The legeres ruin the Sound, and they also put some harshness to Your sound compared to older videos. I ended up with YTS82z standard laquer ( the black one was somewhat dull in comparison), the Ambika 2 metal 7* and standard Van doren blue 2H or select jazz 3m. It sounds fantastic try it, all genres covered. I changed the thumb rest and hook to the metal ones, looks and feels great, doesn't change Sound ;-) I've also mounted the reedgeek klangbogen, and it actually makes the low B an C# pops out easier.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Really interesting Niels, thanks for sharing. Definitely a good plan to find the right mouthpiece that complements the sax. I haven't tried the Ambika metal, but used to use the hard rubber version which I really liked - super dark.

[@nielst.e.2302]

Thank’s for fast and kind respons Nigel. I actually subscribed Your channel only to pass on my experience (and because You do a great job) I haven’t subscribed KZbin channels before;-) Well the Ambika is not that dark with the 82z, but it allows for great somic scope from airy smooth jazz to over the top R&B funk rock sax when pushed. I favor the throaty sound, of this setup, and I know You have an Ambika, so if You still have the 82z try them together with a vandoren blue og select jazz. Have a nice evening

[@gunnarhedby8326]

Thanks for this video. Have you heard about the brand Weissenberg, a Taiwanese company, which in my view also has a wide range of well-built saxophones which might be interested to consider as a comparison to the more well-known brands.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Thanks Gunnar, I haven’t tried any of their saxes.

[@apistosig4173]

You made that Yamaha sound great across all four music styles but - your Ben Webster and bluesy takes were very impressive.

[@zvonimirtosic6171]

It was hauntingly beautiful; the subtones and bends .. Mr McGill produced them more than Ben Webster himself! I think Ben would kill for this modern saxophone!

[@apistosig4173]

@@zvonimirtosic6171 No - I doubt that - Ben was a masterful player who mastered his sound, He would have achieved this on any decent horn.

[@zvonimirtosic6171]

​@@apistosig4173 Mr McGill played both SBA and Ref36 saxophones in previous tests, and Ref36 is a better instrument than SBA. The mechanics, intonation, sealing, tonal separation in mid-range, etc. of modern saxophones is much improved and one can hear more details. Recording equipment (mics, etc.) is better too. Ben Webster would be delighted with all new improvements. We don't often see how spoilt with good choices we are.

[@ajkirkcaldie]

Price vs the TWO10 surprises me. I know when I bought my 82z in Australia, the Yanagisawa was considerably more expensive here

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

That’s interesting AJ. I had a Yanagisawa soprano years back which I bought new in Australia and back then they were similarly priced to the Yamaha saxes.

[@JudeMaddenSongs]

I bought the 82Z custom ASP Atelier ( I think it was the last one) and I love it compared to my vintage Conn, it is so versatile and easy . it is brighter but with a good MPC you can change your sound. My only regret was it is an unlacquered version and it is going to look like i dont clean it for the next couple of years. PS you didnt mention the oversize screw on the neck , what is your view?

[@ajkirkcaldie]

Those Ateliers are another level! Love them!

[@saxman7131]

I’m playing an early Custom Z with G1 neck (black & gold) Durga 9 and Fiberreed Medium carbon. I like it but it needs some shop time. I also play an Antiqua winds pro one. Also played a Guardala like yours. You sound great on this tenor.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Thanks Scott. Your setup sounds great. I really liked the neck on this new custom Z tenor. Can I ask why you moved away from your Guardala tenor?

[@saxman7131]

@@McGillMusicSaxSchool I started finding it hard to play altissimo on it when it popped right out of my other horns. I finally sold it.