Yamaha Digital Saxophone Review - YDS-150

[@DeMariusJackson]

Is it gig worthy??

[@JorisPosthumus]

nop

[@jayleon2080]

no way!

[@jimbeveridge5185]

As I noted below On the gig ready check out the KZbin videos, playing mission impossible shige style ,jorgen Lund karlsen yds-150 versus real saxophone. 👍

[@borgfrancescluca]

I used in gigs before if it is finely tuned and good setup

[@gavidduettaremixes3087]

Maybe if ur doing synths on a fusion gig MAYBE… those sax sounds are awful though 😭

[@TheDavidmachin]

Great to see your review of this. These are great for practicing as they feel like a sax under the fingers, but you can use earphones. Practice transfers well to the real horn. But, the sounds are indeed pretty awful.

[@buxycat]

I didn't think this abomination was MIDI. I just think "saxaboom."

[@claudemiropacheco]

With a thousand bucks, you can get a nice student model. Until my neighbors start complaining about my real instrument, I will take a pass on this one.

[@violet_grapes]

Sounds great , but not as great as the actual sax's sound.

[@crashandflash1611]

As a non-musician, the concept of digital instruments are super cool to me. I love the advancement of technology and things like this will just keep improving! Thanks for doing this review!

[@DeMariusJackson]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@uhoh007]

That is sad.....so much coolaid. Digital instruments suck compared to acoustic instruments, especially in person. I say this as somebody with a bunch of synths old and new. Can't you hear how bad it sounds?

[@fredmcconnelliii]

This was an excellent review. Very practical. Very real world. Nice job and thank you.

[@gregoryjohnson2058]

Trash! It should be marketed for beginners

[@thomaskipfer1008]

Little spoiled with 6M, 10M, but, I loved the sound of the baritone. I also liked the pitch bend. Sop, Alto, tenor, the sound of digital don’t come close. $1078.00 is actually cheap. A good vintage baritone probably runs 8- to 10 thousand after paying for a rebuild.

[@ZratP]

I bought this as a first step to play the saxophone. Yes it seems silly but I am in a particular situation: - I always wanted to learn to play the sax, the problem is: it's a loud woodwind instrument that makes it impossible for me to practice in my apartment (living in Tokyo and instruments noises are forbidden). - I could have bought a sax, but having to go almost every day on those rental studios would be a pain (it's expensive and it's not super close), it would have just killed my motivation. - I decided to purchase this in February. I am not a total noob with woodwind as I actually enjoyed all my recorder learning at middle school and played around with a tin whistle for a couple for months. - I cannot practice the embouchure so yeah what I am playing is not really a sax, it's a sax imitation and a lot of sounds are cheap (I love the breathy tenor though - Tenor 4). HOWEVER, I am having a blast. The fingering is on point. I have started online lessons from bettersax (who also has a YT channel) and especially his Pentatonic Foundation. 3 months later, here I am, practicing with the YDS-150 at least 30 mins to 1 hour every day in the morning with my earphones, not making a single noise, being able to stream backing tracks from my computer directly to my earphones so I can play over them. I am focusing on the C Major Pentatonic scale (I play with the Tenor mode), doing exercises and patterns, developed my Play by Ear abilities, developing my fingering techniques and also started my first solo impros (of course really simple, relying on the Pentatonic Scale). I am also learning more about music theory and have been listening more blues and jazz recently. I will probably continue with this "Practice instrument" until I move to a house or apartment where I will be able to play with a real sax. I will buy a sax, take lessons with a teacher because I will be in that weird situation where my fingers know what to do but my embouchure will be totally rubbish. It will take time to adapt but hey. It was either this or not stepping in the sax world and I would probably have ended up with an instrument like an electric keyboard, an electric guitar or bass instead.

[@chasebarch8561]

Thank you so much for this! I have been looking into learning to play the Sax, and this has solidified my reasoning for getting this after DeMarius' review.

[@nestorms2384]

justo paso por la misma situacion , tu comentario me motiva a hacer justo lo que hiciste

[@JorisPosthumus]

yeah, it sucks bigtime:)

[@bobbybrooks4826]

It's like having a digital guitar that would automatically finger pick for you.. if the mouthpiece of wood and brass instruments is irrelevant all that's Left is the fingering

[@ang31mrtz26]

I'm an alto sax player and I already want this man.

[@jheitor10]

1 Week in Brazil with 150, I can study without disturbing the neighborhood. Cool. Let’s play Samba.

[@jodianna1240]

DeMarius, Hands down the best , most thorough review demo on this Yam... Wow. Just hit your Subscribe Button. I really need it for playing in the middle of the night because I do not want to wake up my Husband. Planning on using it under headphones. Hitting the scales is my goal. So ya think that is viable ? I got a couple of excellent sax's like a lot of serious players for the real deal. Just really thinking about fingering and hitting a lot of theory books under the cans. Nice job all around on this video. Thank you, Jodi Anna

[@DeMariusJackson]

Thank you so much! My wife doesn’t seem to mind when I practice with the YDS nearly as much! Scales and other things are fine.

[@jodianna1240]

@@DeMariusJackson I just got mine today from Sweetwater. Still got some snow blindness with it but now that I have had it for 12 hours and studied most of the 16 pages of the manual that were in English.... I now can say I honestly agree with you about the APP and going at it on my own. The charts are cool with all the voicings and the note diagrams. A nice tool for my practicing regime. Certainly want to use it wherever it works for me. No regrets at all. It may not be my Yanagisawa but is fun much like my Honda Metro scooter when I can't ride my Harley. Thanks again. Oh yeah, its almost 3AM and my husband is sleeping and my YDS-150 hasn't woke him up. Win !

[@DeMariusJackson]

Awesome! Which model Yani do you have? I’m thinking about getting one!

[@jodianna1240]

@@DeMariusJackson Yanagisawa T-WO1 Tenor Sax , got the sax about 4 months back. Supply chain made it difficult. On Yanagisawa's webpage it warns, Buyer beware of copies. I had mine double checked by a trusted tech during the first two weeks of purchase . Its a beauty. Total precision.

[@KoolWayne512]

Just😎🎷I have and you are dead on right. Supplemental fun 😎🎷 instrument. For super😎 windsynth sounds go with Akai 4000s with sound upgrades🤙

[@uhoh007]

At least the emeo gives you actual practice fingering. The sound cries for itself, and the plastic clicks are suitable accent. I have WX5/7 as fun toys, but a have a real alto and tenor. Only the neighbors prefer digital. You did a great job in the review, though.

[@geraldharper364]

You play better than it sounds. Sax vs Digital Sax. Biden vs Trump just my opinion..not yours

[@heitorcornelius]

Have you tried the travelsax2?

[@DeMariusJackson]

No not yet. I haven’t gotten my hands on one yet!

[@amirdelbrune8226]

Why did you stop posting 😢

[@jimbeveridge5185]

Luv your review, respectfully disagree with your point re beginners and gigs . I’m a beginner and it’s brilliant , I can practise fingering with headphones at night and then move onto the noisy sax when neighbours allow. On the gig ready check out the KZbin videos playing mission impossible shige style ,jorgen Lund karlsen yds-150 versus real saxophone. It’s not a Yamaha Cfx Grand piano but then neither is a Yamaha `Montage/Modx.

[@enantiodromia]

What a cheap sound. Toy-like, bland, boring.

[@thomasmione7704]

The sound of this instrument is 1000X better if you simply plug it into an amp/speaker. The sound you hear on this video is kind of cheesy but the sound when you have an amp/speaker is excellent. I purchased a Roland amp for a keyboard and it works extremely well with the instrument shown in this video. Plug an mp3 player into the amp simultaneously with the sax so you can play along with backing tracks. Once you plug headphones into the amp, you are set to play such that you can't be heard. Or, take your sax to a gig and plug into a big amp you can play just as loud as the guitar players. Alto sound is realistic; tenor sound is too, and the soprano sax sounds like a soprano sax! I haven't tried the bari yet

[@chrisjiang4748]

Excellent review! Right spot on! If one doesn’t like it, don’t buy it, period. Just as all other saxophones, all got loves and haters. I have a few dozens saxs and I’m buying this. It has lots functions that none of other sax can do.

[@atelierct6167]

It looks perfect for me for training in an apartment without having to annoy neighbors.

[@meldavis7183]

Would sound better played amped.

[@theanalogmonstazzznetwork3111]

It is useless as a MIDI controller. It sends all note attacks out at a MIDI velocity of 127. I contacted Yamaha several times and asked them to fix it with a software update but they have no interest in fixing this fatal flaw. It does feel great in my hands and it would have been a home run if I could use my wonderful SWAM VST collection with it. What a shame. 👎🏿👎🏿👎🏿

[@sammikinsderp]

Great review! Interesting product but I'm not very impressed with how it sounds.

[@amirdelbrune8226]

Still love your vids❤

[@BadMoonLLC]

Just wanted to say I have that same exact painting hanging up above my Piano! No idea where I got it from tbh, it was at my parent's old studio years ago and now I've kinda assumed possession of it, so it means a lot to me. Super cool to see it somewhere else! Also great vid, I'm looking at perhaps getting one of these instruments

[@elderbugisacooldude1171]

What is the reed like? I never got a good look at that.

[@richarddavies7232]

DeMarius even someone as good as you can't make that sound any good. Those onboard sounds are dreadful and sound cheap to me.

[@DeMariusJackson]

I plan on making a video with all the sounds…some of the non-sax sounds aren’t too bad

[@richarddavies7232]

@@DeMariusJackson cool look forward to it.

[@Warrendoe]

Disagree with you.

[@theanalogmonstazzznetwork3111]

@@DeMariusJackson The Tenor #4 and the Baritone #1 are the best sounds and are useable. 🤔

[@SamueldemoraesHitsViralmusic]

Hi DeMarius! Today, I'm celebrating 21 subscribers on my channel! It would be a great honor to have your participation! Wishing you success and good health for you and your family.

[@nandaethais_music]

I've been playing alto saxophone for over 6 years now and my teacher said I could start getting some gigs, playing at weddings, and events, but I have no idea how to start, or how to get gigs....do you have any tips? How to start playing professionally? Thank you!

[@SaxManNate]

Might be interesting as a wind controller but does it only cover the basic range of a saxophone? If so that really limits it I. The wind controller market where things like the EWI cover 6 or 7 octaves.

[@DeMariusJackson]

That is true!

[@doris782]

Brzmienie, tragedia, pełna porażka

[@oatmilk9545]

last vid on the channel?

[@kamerazalovlovnakamera8926]

It cannot be compared to the original instrument, this is a toy

[@chrisjiang4748]

But this IS the original Yamaha digits sax. And in my opinion ALL instruments are our toys.

[@unclemick-synths]

I passed it by because it doesn't have a bite sensor. For a few bucks worth of components it's a bizarre omission unless Roland has a patent.

[@unclemick-synths]

@@Sensei_Sifu the bite sensor is important if you are a sax player both for expression when playing the wind synth (lip vibrato and note bends) and if you also play saxophone. For the latter it keeps your embouchure in reasonably good shape compared to just blowing. A bite sensor was a must-have feature when I was deciding which wind synth to buy. For me, the AE-30 is preferable to the AE-20 because I play synth sounds (as opposed to "realistic" sounds) and I use the motion sensors and thumb pad in most of the sounds I program. The 5-pin MIDI connector is also essential for me as I use the Aerophone to control hardware synths. If you don't need the extra controls and you just use internal sounds (or something like SWAM on a computer or iPad) you might be satisfied with the AE-20. Edit: If I was buying a wind synth today, the AE-30 is still the only product on the market that meets all my requirements.

[@unclemick-synths]

@@Sensei_Sifu I haven't personally tried the S-1. Looking at the MIDI specification it unfortunately doesn't respond to aftertouch (aftertouch is a good match for breath) but MIDI CC 74 is the filter frequency so that might work - I use breath control of the filter frequency on my MicroFreak. Unfortunately the only way to tell with many synths is to try it. Luckily it's not difficult to set up the parameters on the AE-30. I have videos on my channel showing how to set it up for the Behringer Neutron. Edit: the S-1 responds to lots of MIDI CCs so it looks like it would be responsive to the motion controls and thumb pad.

[@Netraven001]

I've heard the "Bell" doesn't really do anything, as the speakers aren't even located in the Bell. And the mouth piece is only there for show. I'm contemplating the AKAI EWI USB since it at least has a bite sensor. That and it's a simple hook up using USB to something like my Surface. My preferred choice would be the old Yamaha WX series of wind instruments, but I don't have a midi interface to add into my setup. And I don't have the technical ability to know what to even look for. Maybe, are you able to do a video for complete newbs to get an old school midi setup?

[@DJ_TideWave]

Great video! Subbed! 🙂 How does this EWI compare to the Akai EWI solo? I know the Yamaha YDS-150 is far more expensive.

[@DeMariusJackson]

Thanks for watching! Having played both…I’d prefer the Akai EWI. It doesn’t have the built in speaker…but I feel it’s a bit more responsive and expressive.

[@DJ_TideWave]

@@DeMariusJackson I thought the Akai EWI Solo had built in speaker?

[@lvleclat]

Interesting sounds.

[@JorisPosthumus]

Are you living in Okinawa? I love it there, I did a jazz festival there some years ago, around this old castle

[@DeMariusJackson]

Really!?! I wish they still had jazz festivals here! There are some jazz clubs I’m going to check out now that restrictions are lightening up! I love it here too!

[@JorisPosthumus]

@@DeMariusJackson I know some cats more around tokyo, I have a japanese band but i am from holland:). There is a guy living in Okinawa, a dutch drummer Sebastiaan Kaptein. You might be able to hookup with him. And yeah, I hope Japan is going to fix it....problem soon.

[@Mrzapo78]

Hi man, greetings from Italy... One question: what's about chorus, delay o reverb effects?

[@danpinsonsax]

“The Lick” at 0:52 🤣

[@the_sockdolager]

My roommate works night shift and I haven't been able to practice properly in weeks so I'm going to buy this and see if it helps. Thanks for the review!

[@AndromedaTV]

I never play saxophone before. can I use YDS 150 to start to play and pratice?

[@randallburgess6393]

Cool

[@ЮрійСамоєнко]

does it make sound when you play with headphones? can I play it at night without disturbing my family?

[@peterpeper4837]

Great review. Pity it has such a small dynamic range I wonder how useful it is as a midi controller with a computer, does it come close to AKAI?

[@saaleh100]

Hi my Yamaha yds I’m blowing getting voice but any of keys aren’t responding.?

[@janinewilliams9545]

Nice demo. Thanks

[@gianlucawork]

I own a good old WX5 (alto and soprano player as well) and always wondered why Yama dropped the line of wind controllers until they released this one two years ago. IMHO, the worst mistake one can do is use this as a replacement for an acoustic saxophone. Bad idea. The saxophone sounds are not big deal and the inner speaker si totally useless. this instrument is a MIDI controller that one connects to a synth. Like those with piano keys, this one has saxophone-like keys. I never heard Michael Brecker playing its EWI to simulate its own tenor saxophone.

[@JBastio]

What about the WX7 and the other wind controllers...? So it's really not their first theoretically.

[@Josemagd]

Recomended for start with saxo?? (alredy Knowing solfeo)

[@pepsqueakyt1411]

Could you explain the octave key

[@DeMariusJackson]

It's the exact same as the saxophone...except you have to apply a little more pressure.

[@janeseddon5500]

@@DeMariusJackson I am on my second YDS. Yamaha honoured the warranty and replaced my first instrument. In both cases the Octave Key seized up. The "clicky" nature of the octave key suddenly seizes up with no warning. It needs a more robust rocker switch I think. Weirdly, the key still works, as it recognises the slightest pressure of the thumb. (you need to ensure you completely remove the thumb when you move to the lower register). I will be keeping this YDS until the Octave Key completely ceases working or the warranty grows close to expiry. Whichever happens first. I believe that further replacement instruments are difficult to come by. Don't get me wrong. I absolutely love playing this instrument. Even when the wife is away and I can get out the Tenor or Alto. The voices in the instrument need to be appreciated through an external speaker. The built in speakers work fine, but the YDS really excels when used with speakers with a little more oomph. I use the YDS around 7 to 10 hours per week and the Octave Key failures appeared around the 4th to 5th month since new.

[@Itz-All-Gud]

"All the condensation... " = spit

[@DeMariusJackson]

😂

[@yramhossoo8586]

Any ideas about the interferance noise, when you hook it up to a pro PA system? the white static noise is quiet bad I had to let mine go.

[@anijohn5955]

BEST

[@andybrown6981]

Does it have line out or is it a midi controller and have to use with DAW?

[@randomcankersore8772]

weird question: does it have an octave key?

[@DeMariusJackson]

Yes. The layout is identical to a saxophone.

[@루키7-o1k]

Not for me...akai is better one for me.

[@joblack1838]

Is the only way you can connect to an external speaker via a wired connection?

[@johndanis1700]

GREAT REVIEW!! Thanks for doing this.

[@fishingwithmichaeltv7597]

Those are some noisy keys

[@wendyscher2957]

That makes it sound even more like the real thing!

[@shirleyfrancis4515]

That tenor sax sounded strange. The last example sounded like an organ.

[@DeMariusJackson]

There are a bunch of alternate voices for tenor…I’ll make a vid on them soon!

[@michaelbenoit9240]

Ive always wanted something like this and I’m aware of the gigantic sax mute case thing. Would you say this benefits other saxophone players besides soprano players in terms of likeness?

[@michaelwagner5927]

I hated mine, pro sax player of 15 years. I bought an EMEO instead, far more expensive but way way better. The build quality of the Yamaha is terrible, sometimes key presses don’t register unless you press really hard and the palm keys aren’t rigid enough to play with an dexterity… if you’re starting out and want something to practice fingering with maybe it’s just about passable… I’d be tempted to look at a travelsax2 instead though…

[@daviddudley4843]

Your reviews are very practical. Have you reviewed the Emeo?

[@lyntedrockley7295]

so its trash.

[@saxmachine73]

sound horrid

[@wendyscher2957]

This might actually be cool as an (exclusively) bari player to take with me when I straight up can’t take my 20-pound, fragile instrument with me to a gig. I mean, the bari sounds aren’t too terrible. When I have an extra $800 lying around, of course. 😏

[@jimmyjameslee7189]

good review man