Yamaha YAS-62 Vs. Yanagisawa AWO1 Vs. Selmer Axos

Jim and George compare our three best-selling entry-level professional alto saxophones.
Jim's using a Meyer alto mouthpiece and D'Addario Select Jazz Reed
Yanagisawa AWO1 - sax.co.uk/prod...
Yamaha YAS-62 - sax.co.uk/prod...
Selmer Axos - sax.co.uk/prod...
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[@rufusrepublic6910]

How I've always felt about these three brands was that Yamaha and Yanagisawa are perfect machines. They are in tune and do everything that you need them to do. Selmers on the other hand are like a living organism, they are each unique and have their own personality. Not everyone is going to like every Selmer, and not everyone is going to like their Selmer everyday, but like a relationship with another living being, its worth it to work through the rough patches so that your relationship can grow in ways previously unimaginable.

[@monkeyxx]

I always felt like they were cans of soup. The japanese soups had a little more fish and the French soup had the snails. Some people really like snails.

[@BeachBoi1000]

Selmer… is $$$$

[@nhr27]

I felt that way - Had my series iii set up a couple times to open it or close it. Bought a AWO1 and felt like a different/better play. You can just play it without working so hard. Plus, it is a lot less money.

[@betterthanisound]

This was a super helpful comparison. 0:05 - Yanagisawa AW01 - Set the reference point for sound here, great tone, well demonstrated dynamics and a good sense of the character of the sound as it swept through the dynamics. 1:05 Yamaha YAS62 - Another great tone, I found a little brighter than the Yani, but clearly able to play darker as demonstrated through well controlled dynamics in demonstration. 1:53 Selmer Paris Seles - Yet another great tone, definitely the darker of the three, softer but still a sublime dynamic range. I do not believe anyone would regret buying any of these, what I have learned over the years is that its as much about what we like and where we play as any review. For me I love learning and playing, and although I have played in the past in orchestras, where cutting through was a must, these days I spend pretty much all my playing time in my study and recording and will rarely venture out, the warmer the sound the better for my practicing ears, to that I am leaning heavily towards the Selmer here in this test. I already own a T901 and an SW01, and am in the market for an Alto, I am currently renting a Yamaha student model to see if it gets as much use as my other two, I am pleased to say it does and I have found it a great balance in terms of size and weight and controlled playability for home use, I think these three will be at the top of my list. Thank you

[@marktyler3381]

An old Yas23 is a ridiculously bright sax, but can be tamed, and is hard as nails. Quite useful for beat up situations. I doesn't get on well with all mouthpieces. I don't get on with the Yas ergos - but I guess that's because I'm used to Yamahas. Check of SHwoodwind for good tech reports on these horns.

[@zvonimirtosic6171]

After listening .. •• YAS62 has the clearest, precisest separation of harmonics in the mid range, with sufficient weight. It opens up the sound, each nuance can be heard. This advantage allows YAS62 to be used across different styles quickly. •• Seles not so well, because it 'fuses' and 'muffles' across mid-range. •• AW01 is lighter horn than YAS62, lacks mass and necessary brass, thus it sounds 'brighter' or 'lighter' across the range. Overall, Seles is not a bad horn at all, but must be set up correctly for a specific use (change of neck, reflectors, etc. which adds to the cost).

[@betterthanisound]

@@zvonimirtosic6171 I’ve no idea who you are, but thank you for your comment, I’ve read several of your comments across a number of posts, and you always seem to have a fair, balanced and helpful constructively critical opinion. Most helpful.

[@marijnkuijlman]

Tha Yamaha YAS-62 sounded a little bit darker than the Yanagisawa. The Selmer sounded the darkest to me. I prefer the Yanagisawa myself. I feel it sounded really clear, but also had a nice depth and fatness to it which gives the sound a little bit more freedom. I would put the Selmer 2nd and Yamaha 3rd.

[@ed.z.]

I’m sold on Yani. Even after being with my Selmers after decades which were amazing. The Yani felt so good to my hands and the tone was very flexible and gorgeous.

[@michaeldavis9954]

Having both of you in the video is a great format for a comparison.

[@normanfreund]

Interesting comments, from a listener with headphones on, I liked the sound of the Yanagisawa the best. The Yamaha appeared to favour more the pitch bend expression.

[@patg3424]

I owned Selmer Mark 6 and series 2 altos but I recently got the Yanagisawa aw01 elite model. Both Selmers were great horns. I think that the Yanagisawa that I own now plays more in tune and is more of a players horn. I fell like I can get more juice out of it too. All excellent horns btw. If I were to ever own a Selmer again I would love to get my hands on the Selmer series 2 Dragon Bird.

[@marklang7486]

Yamaha 62s are still the most versatile pro horns you can buy, after 42 years of production (40 for the tenor). Yamaha are sensible enough to know its a keeper. Built like tanks too (or at least they used to be).

[@rhrh2025]

I just bought a Yamaha 62iii (alto) and it's seems to be very solid, and played great right out of the box. I got the silver plated model, and I think I like the changes in the sound. I was expecting a brighter sound, but I'm not sure that is the case.... maybe more projection?

[@leycroftcoman5487]

The 62 sounds classy, after the AW01 was played .

[@michaelmullmusic]

thanks for the helpful videos! Nice to get direct comparisons and honest feedback

[@DynamixWarePro]

When I was thinking about upgrading to a pro alto, these were the first I had in mind. I like the current Yanagisawa's for their top build quality and centred tone, maybe not so much the brightness of the AWO1 (which is why I am going to get an AWO2 for the richer tone) but it sounds like it has the power to cut through if you need it to with centred, bright tone. The Yamaha 62 and other Yamaha saxophone models in general have great build quality and retain their value well. The 62 to my ears has a bit more depth than the Yanagisawa and a bit more of a broader tone but it is like Jim said, a blank canvas kind of sound that doesn't take you in any one direction. Besides its build quality, this is probably why the 62 has been one of the most popular alto saxophones, you can just stick a mouthpiece setup on and play in whatever style you like, even change the neck to one of Yamahs custom necks if you want a bit of a different sound beyond that. To me though, this is also why I like it, but also I dislike it as knowing what styles I want to play, mostly classical and some Jazz, I prefer a richer sound with more variation in it than the Yamaha has. The Selmer has that typical Selmer darker tone, maybe not a rich as other more expensive Selmers, and it does sound like it has more resistance, compared to the brighter more immediate tone of the Yanagisawa and Yamaha, which isn't a bad thing as it can give you more depth and control without going bright. I like how Selmer made a saxophone in this price range as usually Selmer saxophones are quite expensive and out of reach for many for that reason. They are all great saxophones but you should have added to this comparison the TJ Signature Custom and the P. Mauriat PMXA-67 and System 76 as they are in that similar price range as these currently but they could be slightly different in their sound compared to these three.

[@ldever3]

I just purchased an AW02 last week. But I never played an AW01 to compare to it.

[@itstoasty7089]

I found the Selmer more vibrant too than the other two

[@christian_florez]

Yanagisawa - 0:06 Yamaha - 1:05 Selmer - 1:52

[@philipzivnuska7321]

I'm partial to the Yamaha because of their tuning the LFA. I love their tuning of the upper register (>7000 rpm). Yamaha and Lexus. ; )

[@benjaminjames2941]

We need some soprano sax comparison videos

[@jazzbariman]

So from what I gathered from the video comparison is this: The Yani and Selmer have their own sounds preordained in them and Yamaha is a "blank canvas" with which I can create an original and varied sound. If this is a correct statement, why would I want anything other than the 62? I feel I want my sound to stand out from the rest of the players out there and be able to do more with tonal colors, dynamics, and effects that a "blank canvas" has to offer. On my 62 bari, I can go from freight train to cello and anything in between in a beat. That is a feature I like to have in a saxophone. That feature makes the instrument more fun to play because I am in control of all aspects of the playing of the instrument. I could be wrong on all of this, but despite your preferences for the Seles and Yani, it seems to me you make a better case for the 62.

[@marklang7486]

Couldn't have put it better myself.

[@Shmurdiak25]

Waiting for the same one for tenors

[@romih.7945]

I love the selmer!

[@PedroMoraisSax]

Yanagisawa 🔝🔝

[@rogerlachance632]

Would have been nice to include the P Mauriat Series 76 in the comparison....

[@erniewu27]

I am concerned that the AW01 is overly bright, would that be a problem if I want a dark and warm sound?

[@rhrh2025]

I heard a Yamaha 875EX Custom with a black lacquered body, and I thought it was a Selmer, which tells me that Selmer puts something in the lacquer, or softens the body, in order to get that sound! It's more noticable with classical players, in my opinion. I've heard pro jazz players on a Yamaha Z that sounded fantastic, and very Mark VI-ish! But, Yamaha saxes are built like tanks, and very sturdy, whereas the Mark VI that I had for years needed adjusting every 6 to 8 months! I'm now playing a Yamaha 62 iii with silver plating, and I've changed my setup to add some overtones to the sound! I might also add that Yamahas are very consistent from the factory! A friend of mine contributed to the design of the Yamaha 62 in the 70s, so I'm probably biased! LOL

[@skimanization]

I never had any saxophone that speaks or shouts for itself without you making it speak or shout and one day I went to a gig to listen to a visiting band in the end, I asked my fellow musician I came with what did he think about the alto saxophonist, and he said he was amused and amazed by the "shouting like sound" that came out of the saxophone and I asked him what was the make of the saxophone and he said that it was a Yanagisawa. I thought it was of a Yamaha series but he said he went backstage to the saxophonist to ask and that's why he was sure it was a Yani. I never played one but I would like to do my own research. Thanks.

[@petroanhel125]

If you put on yas 62 a top of the line Yamaha neck av1ag that make yas 62 a totally different beast. I have it on mine and I will never believe that neck can make such a difference for sax. With that neck my 62 sounds like a top of Yamaha custom saxophones. it will be great guys if you can test Yamaha custom necks on their horns to see what you think about it

[@lamusique8085]

Yamaha YAS62 (4) should be at the best price and capable for all style of songs! I recently got Theo Earth mouthpiece and Legere signature reed for matching YAS62. It’s really sounds good !

[@jedpetersen6833]

Something about that Yamaha though... 🙌🏽🔥

[@davepierremusic3974]

Excellent review as always and really love your channel. I was wondering what you thought about the pmauriat horns especially the system 76 dark lacquer alto?

[@BeachBoi1000]

The KZbin didn’t do the Yani sound justice as you mentioned. It’s too bright, 62 sounds better.

[@Rabittsfoot1]

I Would like to see a comparison with the Tenor line on these 3 TAS-62 Vs. Yanagisawa TWO1 Vs. the new Selmer Axos Tenor

[@vulgarbulgar75]

Which of those three alto saxes would be best suited to play Klezmer music? Please let me know. Thanks.

[@thebdcguy]

Jim how are the sales figures comparing that Yamaha to that model Selmer?

[@DERDM]

I have a Jumbo Java A45 and Otto Link Tone Edge 6* mouthpiece. Do you think both of these mouthpieces would work well with this saxophone?

[@leycroftcoman5487]

The good aspect of the 62 is the option to upgrade to a custom crook which will change its sound to your personal preference .

[@benjaminarmstrong5671]

The bloke on the left is a total Selmer head. In every video, he talks down anything that isn't a Selmer. To me, the Yani sounded like it lacked some depth, as they said lots of mid and some high frequencies. The Yamaha had a nice balance across frequencies that gives it a certain level of flexibility with some nice low frequencies in the mix that give it some real body. The Selmer was nice it sounded (and played when I tried it) like it was sitting in the middle of the Yani and Yamaha, nice but not the same depth as the Yamaha.

[@leycroftcoman5487]

I agree on this the Yamaha has a top edge but a more solid middle than the Yani.

[@robertomariarubino]

The Yany is clearer and easy to play for claascal.. i uese both, but play yany for exams: it full the room.

[@benjaminarmstrong5671]

I have played just about every saxophone on the market and I haven't found anything that works better than my yas 82. For me. Which is an important factor, instrument choice is a very personal thing and what you get from an instrument really depends on your technique. As a professional it all comes down to build quality and ergonomics for me and there is a very clear winner in those two categories.

[@OrgetSadiku]

Hahahahahah so true

[@olebirgerpedersen]

I' ve got a cheap Yamaha and a Selmer serie II super Action with a wonderful sound, but the intonation is tricky in comparing to the Yamaha. Do you think it would be possible to change the holes Position or should I seache for another instrument ? Sincerely yours Ole-Birger Pedersen

[@geoffreycox8687]

If Selmer made a Seles Tenor, I'd buy it. Deeper and richer than the others, the Yani has a beautiful sound, if a bit thin. The Yamaha sounds like a saxophone, very indistinct.

[@rohannvidia8683]

Hey boys i have a question... I already have yas62.. and my teacher tells me that aw01 is better than yas62 so i am confused shall i sell my yas62 and buy aw01 or keep it as is

[@T1R3DG33K]

This guy can play, hot damn I’m salivating

[@leycroft5031]

The 62 has more core to the sound than the AW01 . IMO.

[@Craig2760]

I had this on and wasn’t watching the video. My interest was peaked at the Selmer Seles. Been trying to get away from the edgy bright pop sound and go as warm and dark as possible. The Seles would work for me.

[@RickYentzer]

Exactly the same here, was reading on another tab while listening, and the Seles grabbed my attention. The other two I couldn't tell a reasonable difference.

[@birdy808]

P Mauriat 67 should have been there as that is a great selling instrument in the world. Out of these 3, I like Yani the least as it has a thin sound. The selmer has a warm sound and the Yamaha seems the most balanced and best resell value.

[@saxmajor71]

I had a Seles for about a year before I got a great deal on a used Series III and I could not recommend it highly enough. Agree with Jim's assessment - you are getting most of the Selmer sound and feel at a much lower price point (for a new horn anyway). The other two are fantastic horns, and not everyone wants the Selmer sound, but if you do, the Axos is a pretty great choice.

[@samueloluyinkaojomu6548]

How would you compare the Series iii to the Axos

[@saxmajor71]

@@samueloluyinkaojomu6548 Axos was more free blowing than the Series III and had a different kind of tone color. It still had that Selmer-y core, but wasn't as heavy sounding as the Series III if that makes sense. Tuning was a lot more even on the Series III. Not that tuning was bad on the Axos, but Axos's tuning quirks were closer to a Series II's tuning quirks. Ergos on the Axos were basically the same as a Series II, which is good or bad depending on your preference (I personally preferred the Series III ergos). Axos felt a lot lighter because it didn't have the C# tuning correction part, which I liked. That was my findings at least. Your mileage may vary, and for what it's worth, nowadays I play a vintage Conn so you might not trust my judgment on Selmers anyway 🤣

[@benjaminfalcone2074]

Tenor version after this Pls😁

[@mateuspocas6233]

I have a dought, i currently own a used yamaha 480, and want to change to a selmer axos, do you think its worth it?

[@vandenbrandenmerlin6629]

I recently tried the two of them. I am not an awesome player but I personally thought the Yamaha 480 was really good, in a way that it is simply classic sounding, a round sound, and it came out really easily, so I really liked this one. But the Axos had, as said Jim, a different sound, sort of original. You need to try it of course to find if the sound fits you but it comes just incredibly good. So in fact both of these horns are pretty free blowing, the Yamaha 480 had I think a slightly better intonation but the selmer has something particular. Hope I helped you

[@vandenbrandenmerlin6629]

Just for you to know, when I first played the Axos (my current horn is an old one not in really good shape so it may influence a bit), I just thought "whaou I like this horn"... Now we need to see in the long run 😁

[@itstoasty7089]

Found the Yanogisawa alot more vibrant

[@brucesmith3740]

action seemed more fluid on selmer

[@brucecopithorne8870]

Surprised that there was no discussion about the keywork feel and response, or ergonomics comparison. I had a Selmer SA80 for years and sold it to adventure into Tenors, and need to get an alto back into my life. For me the Seles actually was hollow sounding to me. I did prefer the well rounded tone of the.AWO1. I think the juicier AWO2 would probably be about bang on for me.

[@marktyler3381]

And build quality and ease of repair

[@op14435]

Aw02 sounds dull compared to aw01

[@Staylor7326]

That Selmer is also around the same price point as the yamaha Z and EX. A better contender would have been the Selmer as42, though that is a Selmer USA horn, and I'm not sure if it is available in the UK.

[@DynamixWarePro]

The Selmer is cheaper than the Yamaha 82z and 875Ex. On sax.co.uk website the prices for the 3 are currently: Selmer Axos = £2,350, Yamaha 82z = £3,559, Yamaha 875Ex = £3,949 so the Selmer is around the similar price to the Yanagisawa and Yamaha 62 shown here.

[@AcevedoDMA]

All three are very close in price actually. All within $300 US I think.

[@marktyler3381]

@@DynamixWarePro The Yamaha 82Z is a nice horn but a pain to repair because they have catered to the classical guys and ditched the adjuster screws. Also any sax player can adjust these if needed, and after it going in the overhead luggage for 3 months that is often needed.

[@monkeyxx]

9:31 smart man...

[@robertomariarubino]

Yanagisawa forever

[@khalidsharif]

Selmer Paris is warm and greatest horn ever

[@nhr27]

AWO1 all the way.

[@Tracksafe]

Reviewers need to stop comparing horns to “that selmer sound.” A beautiful thing about saxophones which are not selmer….is they are not Selmer.

[@marky_sax]

😎

[@cornelgrama1092]

No doubt, Yanagisawa the best from them .Round sound all over low and high registers.Selmer little more fat sound in the lower register but thin in the high ones.Yamaha is good but not close to those two ,maybe a custom Yamaha will be better but the 62 is not going to make the cut.

[@333-i7d]

3:13 3:13

[@francistaylor5097]

Whiskey and cigars next time chaps.

[@teacher5376]

Sounds. Instruments. Classic, jazz , rocks and rolls.at open areas. In doors. Subways. Airport walkways. Voices travel only 3 meters. Saxophone 's over 1 kilometer 's .....louder than me and you.unplugs .....( sos devices....life ' saver....) foods .waters.oxygen 's ....

[@skyflyr1015]

Whaaaa?

[@saxboss1]

This is an ad for the SeleS

[@zvonimirtosic6171]

A kind of, yes, it is an ad for Selmer. Overall, Seles 'fuses' and 'muffles' harmonics across mid-range, so its sounds 'darker' but in reality it can't separate them as well as YAS62 or AW01. Seles is not a bad horn at all, far from it, but must be set up correctly for a specific use (change of neck is necessary, reflectors, etc. which adds to the cost).

[@marklang7486]

If I hear the expression 'that Selmer sound' one more time Ima gonna scream!

[@geraldc.7859]

@@zvonimirtosic6171 no need to change pads and necks just select a different cut of reed . If that doesnt satisfy next select a different mouthpiece to change the sound .

[@zvonimirtosic6171]

​@@geraldc.7859 That horn has intonation + tonal consistency problems, which points that its neck has issues, and overall, who-knows-what-else. Axos is not up to real pro specs, and any such review belittles Yamaha and Yanagisawa when this Selmer's 2nd rate approach is compared to Yamaha and Yanagisawa superior saxophones. Those companies don't deserve such poor treatment only because Selmer can't figure out how to make a good pro level sax at that price point.

[@zan77460]

Yamana lost this.

[@paulrovira873]

The yanagisawa sound better it has a rich deep tone