Yamaha Beginner Sax Comparison (YAS-23 vs 26 vs 280): What Yamaha Doesn't WANT You To Know!

[@SaxTuition]

Right now, you could purchase 2 brand new Yamaha YAS-26’s in Canada for the price of one YAS-26 in the USA. Did you know about the massive price difference? And what do you think of Yamaha’s current sax lineup? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

[@lukasalihein]

I did know about the price difference but am mystified by it - the YAS -280 is usually under $1k USD in the UK. Maybe they price the 26 so high because they sell to institutions (schools)?

[@voltagestorm1787]

My YAS-26 says it was made in China, does that mean it's worse?

[@lukasalihein]

@@voltagestorm1787 Probably not - as long as it's a Yamaha the quality control seems to be very good, even as the company moves production around. But that's just my impression.

[@voltagestorm1787]

@@lukasalihein alright, thank you

[@camthesaxman3387]

Seriously, what's the point in getting a professional level sax if the 280 does it all? Engraving and an articulated low Bb key aren't worth an additional $1000.

[@richardcasey7521]

A Yamaha YAS-26 is really just a YAS-280 without the high F# but with nickel plated keys and key guards. I’m a professional repair tech and player and earlier YAS-23 is a completely different horn from the YAS-26 and 280. Only a few parts from the 23 fit the 26. The 26, 280 and the 380 share the most common parts and are better players than the 23. I have disassembled them all and play tested them. They are all,very good but the 26, 280 and 380 are just better. Yamaha necks will fit any all their models. Personally, I use a 380 with a 480 neck which is likely the same neck used on the YAS-62 pro horn.

[@SaxTuition]

Awesome advice, thanks Richard!

[@SaxJockey]

Why is it that some folk swear by the YAS 21 and YAS 23? I bought a brand new YAS 275 in 2007 for a very good price, great Sax. Upgraded to a used YAS 62 Mk I some years later for a great price. I did back to back tests and preferred the tone/playability of the 62 (although I did reject a YAS 62 Mk II). Sold the YAS 275, but soon regretted that when I wanted a Sax for all weather outdoor work, so also bought a used YAS 25; another great Sax. A few years elapsed between after owning the YAS 275, but that seemed to play better than the YAS 25. For what it's worth, I much prefer the older style hard case (hinges and clasps) as opposed to modern zip fasteners. The nickel plated cups on the earlier Yamaha's seemed to be more expensive to produce, stand up to repairs better (heat sources) and yet many folk only associate them with student instruments?

[@willemsaxman6393]

Bought the YAS 23 a year ago for fun revised and with selmer suitcase for 700 euro (i play tenor the martin) . Didnt realize what a jewel i bought until i see your comments. My first impressions when i tried it where correct, its very nice playing sax.

[@ItsSamori]

You convinced me that I need another new instrument. Once I save up enough, I'm buying one and binge watching all of your videos. You just seem so happy talking about the sax and playing it. Thank you

[@richardcasey7521]

I think you have overlooked the secret gem of the Yamaha line, the YAS 380. The 380 has the same key mechanism as the top pro models and any of the other Yamaha necks will fit it. The 380 isn’t sold in USA music stores so I needed to import mine from Japan. I consider my 380 alto and 380 tenor to both be excellent pro horns.

[@SaxTuition]

Thanks for pointing that out Richard, I’ll look into it!

[@manuelvalencia9407]

Thanks for the updates on the Yamaha's. I bought my oldest daughter the 280, and she and I love it. I still have my YAS-23 (that definitely needs pads and cork replacements). Yes, the 280 is a great step up from the 23. However, I'm still keeping my 23. I currently play a Selmer Ref. 54, but my 23 is and has been a great back up horn. Wow! I'm surprised that the 280 is not available in the US, as my daughter and I are Americans living in Japan, where we got the 280. I love your videos. Cheers mate!

[@jessebrook1688]

The 280 is sold in Canada, which makes it a decent value when you factor in dollar conversion. The YAS-300AD Advantage is the same sax as the YAS-280, but the price in the US is even worse than the 26 right now. Yikes.

[@xianreiss]

I used to have a Yas 23 for many years and then sold it. After sometime I decided to get back into playing and bought a John Packer JP045 for 200 dollars from a dealer that buys out high schools old stock because they ended their music program. Currently I am considering "moving up". I think the YAS 26 sounded pretty good. A little warmer than the 23

[@AM-eh5ey]

2023 just started learning Alto as an adult. Live in New Zealand. Currently playing on a hired sax from music shop. Just purchased a new YAS 280 awaiting arrival - got it from the UK and even with freight and import duty it was under half the price of a new one here in NZ - they are charging NZ $4250 here for a new instrument- an absolute rip off so it was better to purchase from overseas. Thanks for the video comparison on these it was very interesting.

[@dianashantirosewilks8725]

Hi, I live in NZ too and have been looking at buying overseas options for a Yamaha, thanks, hope you are happy with it

[@davidcudlip6587]

Just picked up a Yamaha YAS 23 today. I'm a beginner and I had second thoughts on an Eastar sax that I purchased. I'll probably gift the Easter to the local grade school or a kid that might want to start learning sax and is short on funds. The YAS 23 seems to have a long reputation of a work horse budget sax.

[@camthesaxman3387]

There's also a Vito brand saxophone that is a YAS-23 and made in Japan by Yamaha, but stamped with a Vito logo instead. It's exactly a YAS-23, but sells even cheaper. I have the tenor version of it, and it's a fantastic horn.

[@charlienyc1]

And 6 to confuse things further, there were Beaugnier-made Vito horns. Some of those were made in France, and some were French parts assembled in Elkhart. Oddly enough, they're overall very good horns as well.

[@josegrullon6693]

@@charlienyc1 That's is true I have the Vito Alto yas 23 excellent horn, made in japan from Yamaha.

[@jessebrook1688]

The one drawback to the 26, as someone who watched them being repaired from my vantage on the brass desk, is that the epoxy that connects bell to body cracks on a good number of them and needs to be replaced. It's not a huge worry, but it is not a problem that the 23 had. I like the sound of the 26 over the 23, though. 1980-2013 is a huge span of time, and that's the lifespan of the YAS-23. The predecessor to the YAS-280 would be the YAS-25 in Europe or a bit in Canada. They weren't made for as long as the 23, but it is mostly the same, and also features the high F#. The YAS-32 (Europe) or 52 (North America) was the previous step up to where the YAS-480 is today, but was a better saxophone.

[@paulready8897]

You had me on the price on the yas 26, definitely could see the justification of the high price with the diamond keys and real gold. I’m looking at the 400 series or higher, in used condition.

[@IceManTX69]

I still have my YAS-21 from around 1980!! I also have a Yamaha tenor from the 1970s but it is in storage and I am uncertain of the model number.

[@charlienyc1]

YTS- something!

[@mcrodmens01]

Hello, I am learning how to play the sax, and I would like to know your opinion about: which sax do you think is better, "The Better Sax Alto Saxophone" VS "YAMAHA YAS-280".

[@SH1974]

2428 US$, that's really massive and not explainable. Here in Europe we pay around € 2650 for a YAS-62 pro horn, or around € 1800 for the intermediate YAS-480, while the student's YAS-280 is available below € 1k! (Btw: currently exchange rate € to US$ is exactly 1:1)

[@SaxTuition]

Thanks for the perspective!

[@Nestor_Fernandez]

Hi and thanks for the video, I am not sure if you are aware of this, but the legendary series of these saxes started with the YAS-21. I bought mine brand new in 1980 and I still play it and love it. Regarding the YAS-26, the price seems to be the same as a YAS-62 which is an excellent pro sax. So this looks like a price distortion

[@rmoraespinto]

I like the sound of the 23 first.

[@JamesLamb]

Thanks for info... and now my saga... When I was in college I sold my old Bundy alto from high school. Later in life, I had more income; went to a music store and tried 5-6 used altos... a YAS-23 was the best sounding, so I bought it. Then I moved to that giant island you live on (?!) and after a few years joined a community band. After a season, the horn started clicking (uh-oh), and someone said "looks like a screw missing". Mind you, the pads still seemed ok. I took it to a shop; first glance the guy said maybe replace a few pads; not too much. But then the actual repair person looked at it and said the horn wasn't worth the necessary work (but gave me a price). Mind you, the horn does look bad, since a student had it or it was a rental before me, but it still sounded good (maybe a minor dent?) I was so annoyed, I checked in with another shop in Brisbane who was up for fixing it (I sent photos). Then the pandemic struck. So much for all that. In another comment, I see you say they're worth repairing... OK, I survived the pandemic. I'm ready to get on with my life. I've still got this YAS-23; not sure the shop in Brisbane still exists, and well, I guess maybe I'll just buy a new beginner horn because I sure don't want to spend professional horn money at this point. But the community band doesn't have any openings; I need to go check out another band I heard about before I lay down the cash. I love playing in a band; besides going to the beach, maybe the most enjoyable experience I've had on this big island - even though my skill level is maybe still about where it was when my parents talked me into quitting band, freshman year of high school. 😞 p.s. I'm a slacker... only being in the band motivated me to practice; otherwise, I'm off and on trying to practice piano, which doesn't create as much spit.

[@stallionstudios]

I just bought a YAS 26 here in Canada used at L&M for 550 (tax included) that came with a case, couple reads, strap. Sounds like I got an awesome deal. Its used but looks like it was not played much. Looks new.

[@AnimeDogLover]

Is it still possible to buy the 23 new? I cant seem to find any new in the usa Used models are priced higher than 500$

[@jond3929]

I personally liked the YAS23 sound best, but i could see people being more attracted to the sound of the 26 or 280 instead. The 23 to me has a certain "brightness" to the sound that i personally prefer. As far as price goes, here in canada i can get a 23 for about $450 USD. The 26 is around $1400 USD.

[@ronhowe5933]

Thanks for a great article. I think the price hike is down to anti-competitive trade import tax's in the USA, as they like to encourage US favoured goods. Similar thing happens in the UK at the moment when buying from the USA ... massive import and export duties and outlandish postal costs between the US and UK. Me, I've been playing Yamaha saxes since the late 1970s and owned some original Purple Logo 23s and 32s and, still own a Purple Logo YTS-62 bought new in 1981, as well as a 1991 Black Logo stamped YTS-32. They are all remarkable horns that stand the test of time and are certainly value for money here.

[@Alsound44]

For the price of a yas26 on U.S you can get a yas62 in Europe which is a legendary pro horn…

[@SH1974]

Almost! If You have in mind that € to US$ is currently 1:1, the cheapest version of the YAS-62 in Europe (€ 2649 at Thomann) costs just 10% more than the YAS-26 in USA.

[@patrickdaly2361]

As a person who has just retired,and is now restoring my YAS 23 to get back to playing again,I am finding it somewhat difficult to get a set of pads for it,their seems to be no problem with pads for the 280 obviously being newer on the market, My question to you is are the pads for the 23 and the 280 similar ?. You might let me know if you can. I must say your presentations are excellent and most interesting from all aspects. Thanks again.

[@SaxTuition]

Hey Patrick! I honestly don't know how similar the pads are for those 2 saxophones, but getting pads for the 23 shouldn't be a problem at all. Any quality sax repairer should stock them, or you can order them directly from www.musicmedic.com/replacement-pad-set-for-alto-saxophone.html

[@camthesaxman3387]

When you buy pads, you measure the inner diameter of the cup and buy the size based on that. I've had no trouble with the musicmedic pads fitting my YAS-23.

[@bigdawg6404]

And the tenor 26 are now going for $3216 USD. I quess the reason is because a lot of Jazz cats in America have given the 26 great reviews. Many pro olayers use it their entire career. In fact, Yamaha no longer tefer to the 26 as a "student horn" but rather their "standard model" & for good reason. Its a great horn !

[@gradkison]

What about the YAS 25? Did that just get skipped? Not being a jerk here - just would like to know - as it seems for us in the US that it really never was a thing here. I would assume that the YAS-26 was an upgrade from the 25?

[@maxinahunt8652]

Wow. I’m in Canada and I have a choice between a 26 in almost new condition for $1000 (they say replacement value of $2000) that is a two hour drive away, or a 23 also in good condition but with some cosmetic wear and tear, from a friend locally, so much less than $1000. As a beginner (ex clarinet player…) I should go with the 23. Right?

[@SaxTuition]

Go with the 23! As long as it’s in good condition 👍

[@maxinahunt8652]

@@SaxTuition wow! Thx for the response. I wasn’t sure if you’d respond to an older video. I will be purchasing your course and chat more. 😃

[@Bino-zm9bl]

I just bought a 1980s YAS23 for $150 but haven't taken it to the shop hopefully it doesn't need much. At what price point would it not be worth repadding/new corks?

[@SaxTuition]

That’s an absolute bargain! Well done 👏🏼 a YAS-23 is a great instrument so it’ll always be worth repadding / servicing unless it has serious body damage

[@TradIrishHarper]

I just spoke with a local shop here in the US to see if they could get a good YAS-23….their response was yes….that cost would be $1200 because they get professionally reconditioned. Um….thanks but no thanks I’ll find a 280 somewhere and call it good for that price.

[@notallgarbage]

What about the yas-275?

[@Cosmin189]

Very good one with a powerful an light tone

[@ossorrera]

what about the yamaha professional line Jeremy, YAS 62, YAS 82Z and YAS 875, will you make a review on those?

[@DocBree13]

I still have/play my yas23 that my parents bought new in 1980!

[@8upJoker]

If you had your choice between a Yamaha yas 23 or a Jean Paul AS400 which would you take?

[@goodboyringo9716]

You should add a link to a YAS-280 tenor also

[@emmadumba5984]

I’ve played Yamahas for quite a while but it’s weird how the beginner sax sounds heavier than yas 26 and yas 280.

[@brianbogle5050]

I play a YAS-52. It was made in about 1980. I always meant to buy a "better" horn but have never found one. I have a five digit Mark VI tenor. A YSS-62 Soprano and a Mark VI Bari. All great. I 've never found an alto I liked more than the 52. I bought a 2000 or so YAS-62. and it was good. Very good. But the 52 is better. Go figure.

[@Cosmin189]

I think yamaha yas 275 is a saxophone that can be used by a beginner and also by a pro . I think is a little better than the yas 280 because the tone is more light. And the price is the same as the 280. But the 280 is also a very good saxophone .

[@trantrongdat2567]

Hi i have an used yas22 . How is it compared with the yas23 ?

[@geraldc.7859]

It is a massive price difference highlighted here well done .

[@patrickmarino8110]

I play the 875 custom silver plate tenor sax with the m1 neck. Fantastic horn. Yamaha should have stayed with this horn instead of the new models. I wonder if the materials they use to make their new saxes is really a down grade from the older models. Thanks for your time. Patrick

[@blessythebrave]

What reed do you use? It sounds great

[@robstevens9590]

I have tried the YAS280 (in Australia) and the YAS23 (in the US). Both horns are great "student saxes". I only played them for 2 weeks, but my impression was that the 280 had a clearer, brighter tone, whereas the 23 was almost "sluggish" by comparison.

[@camthesaxman3387]

I notice a difference between my YAS-23 and my YAS-61. The 23 feels a bit more resistant, but plays high notes easier. I do wonder if that's just due to leaks, as the pads in it aren't in good shape.

[@zizjzjjsjsj]

280 480 just like modern sax with clear sound while 23 just as last 90s😂

[@drronclark]

I would love to see what the difference is between the YAS-280 and the YAS-62? Is it just the neck (crook) or is the bore different? If it is just the neck, it seems like a good deal to put the 62 neck or the VI neck on the 280 and call it good. Thoughts?

[@SaxTuition]

I think the bore is different, although I don’t have anything specific to back that up unfortunately. The YAS-62 has ribbed construction which gives it more of a solid feel and adds a little bit of resistance - its slightly less free blowing but in exchange you have a bit more tonal control. Apart from that, it’s made in Japan, has finer engraving and the ergonomics will feel a bit smoother. I’m not 100% sure the 62 / VI neck will fit on the YAS-280 either - I think the neck receiver is different on pro models. The bottom line is a good player will always make a 280 (or a 23 or 26 for that matter) sound great, and won’t be too put off by the few drawbacks they have - however if someone makes saxophone their whole life they’ll probably appreciate the craftsmanship and the few added benefits on the pro models 😊

[@GermarDerron]

I have a V1 on my 23. They are not made to fit the student horns but they do . . . kinda.

[@jond3929]

Ive played guitar for over 15 years and suddenly feel like picking up something different to go along with it. Theres a YAS 23 for sale near me for $575 CAD (about $420 USD). Should I buy it?

[@SaxTuition]

Sounds like a good deal! Just ask them if / when they last had the saxophone serviced 😊

[@ds1755]

What’s the difference between a YAS-23 and a YAS-23A?

[@GermarDerron]

I don't know but my 23 has the adjustable thumb - and I feel it might be that

[@ds1755]

@@GermarDerron good guess

[@b1rdr6]

Do you think that making the switch from trumpet to saxophone would be difficult?

[@SaxTuition]

It’s a completely different instrument, however I’m sure what you’ve learnt about controlling your airstream will help you on sax 😊

[@gilbertus5]

i have an old yas 23 and is hard to play high f sharp

[@CalebTBrown]

The only thing I can think of is that the yas-26 is made in Japan vs the 280 in Indonesia. In the States, I personally have an affection for Japanese made instruments, and unfortunately don’t share the same for Indonesian, although I’m sure they’re both of the same quality. Japan is a whole lot closer to Australia so I can see it costing less there simply because of proximity. And I’m sure Yamaha knows they can charge more for a “Japanese Domestic Product” to us Americans.

[@SaxTuition]

Hey Caleb, both saxes are made in Indonesia :)

[@Salty24]

I’m currently playing the YAS 280 and really enjoy it. I know this is a whole other video but what would you recommend as the next step up to intermediate saxophone? Maybe in the 3K range.

[@SaxTuition]

Hey Armando - great question! Personally I think intermediate saxes are a little bit overrated, if you’re feeling like your ready to step up from the 280 I’d be looking at the Yanagisawa AW01, Yamaha YAS-62 or the Eastman EAS-650 - they’re all in the 3K ballpark and are bona fide professional saxophones… I wish I could do a comparison between them but they’re a little bit harder to get a hold of 😅

[@dawoodal-kiyumi4467]

Thank you very much Jeremy for the valuable info. I have the 280 and I just realized that I'm blessed!

[@gregcampbell8888]

Here in NZ we also get ripped off by Yamaha. Their instruments are thousands of dollars dearer here than in Oz! I get around this by buying in Melbourne when I visit my son there!

[@weiixia201]

Do you know anything about the YAS-25? I bought a second hand one a few months ago for about 700 USD, it has the silver colour on the keys and the high F# key too. I don't know how it compares to the other Yamaha saxes though.

[@SaxTuition]

I actually don’t know anything about the YAS-25 - I’ll have to check it out!

[@Alsound44]

Yamaha yas25 is same as yas23 but with a high F# key, it was sold only in europe from about 1990 to 2002. They all are made in japan and is a great sax, i know some pro players that use a yamaha yas 25 as their main horn.

[@weiixia201]

@@Alsound44 I see! Thank you very much!

[@ireignsupreme2355]

Heck I couldn’t do without the f sharp key I’m going to save up for the gas 280. Nice jazz licks

[@machinegundroner9411]

I picked up a yas 23 for $300 US. They're a pretty common instrument in the used market in America. Most people sell them after their kid quits band class after one or two years. Don't every buy a 23, 26, or 280 brand new.

[@lyntedrockley7295]

But why that stupid key guard still? It shouts student sax! Is that why?

[@SaxTuition]

It's such a unique Yamaha thing - I haven't really noticed it on any other beginner saxophones... And I have no idea why they do it, except for the fact that they're all still classified as student saxes. Once you see it you can't unsee it! 😂

[@lyntedrockley7295]

@@SaxTuition Yeah. Some years ago I saw in a shop window selling paintings and 'art' pride of place given to a large painting in oils of a 'jazz musician'. Meant to look like from the 1930s this waif of a young black man in stained collarless shirt and rustic hat proudly holding his sax...... a bright shiny Yamaha YAS23. Obvious from the key guard!

[@camthesaxman3387]

Haha, the artist probably painted the first sax he looked at, even though it wasn't vintage.

[@Rayquesto]

I wish I watched this before dropping $2k on a yas 26 just before the recording of this video.

[@johnmulcahy9903]

I bought a YAS-280 from ebay second hand, good deal at 750 euro

[@gusmarrero]

amazing video and i agree with you. If I needed a sax I would 280

[@angelmmorales4643]

Thank you very much, you save me for making a big mistake as I was ready to buy a Yas 26. God bless

[@keipy7672]

I’d rather a Yas 23 with ur skill than a yanigasawa with my skill😅

[@nik5632]

Hahaha, that joke about diamonds and gold was great. Thanks a lot for your helpful videos!

[@Jwellsuhhuh]

I actually believed it for a second, he sounded so serious

[@rafreyes4985]

...WOW! Thanks for letting us know. BetterSax did a video a while back comparing their beginner model, Better Sax EAS112 vs Yamaha YAS-26 and it seems that Yamaha Lost that comparison. Do you think Yamaha is doing the same thing with their Tenor Saxophones?

[@leycroftcoman5487]

BetterSax has commecial interests .

[@SaxTuition]

Yes! I saw that too - it was a great comparison. Obviously there was a bit of bias in the video but he acknowledged that - after all, it’s his own model of sax! The only other consideration I would say is that the Yamaha YAS-280 is much closer in price to the Better Sax alto so perhaps that would be a better comparison as a potential buyer. And yes - I should have mentioned in the video but the YTS-280 and the YTS-26 are the tenor equivalents of these saxes. They’re both great too!

[@dme7689]

Really? Better Sax picked his own model? Shocking!

[@frankgreen8137]

Buy a LyxJam and end the madness. Or better yet the Jean Paul AS400

[@weedguys2384]

I bought yas 23 on ebay and I like it a lot. Tequila.

[@MrGuto]

nice video, but what is the secret Yamaha doesn't want us to know about?

[@SaxTuition]

Hey Guto! The YAS-280 is not officially listed for sale in the US, or listed on the Yamaha website. The YAS-26 is also sold for roughly half the price elsewhere, making it a pretty bad example of price gouging for American customers. Apologies if you found the title misleading in any way - it’s mainly aimed at those based in the USA, and a bit of sax trivia for the rest of us 😊

[@MrGuto]

@@SaxTuition got it, thank for the clarification.

[@fernm4096]

😂Diamonds and gold neck

[@ruckanitepreacher5618]

Because Americans will pay the stupid inflated price. And they want Americans to just go ahead and buy the 480 or 62. $$$

[@yuudee3132]

any cheap entry soprano worth to buy？