YAS-62III Vs. Selmer "Mark VI"

Review, Comparison and performance of Dolphin Dance on each instrument.
To skip ahead of all the talking...
5:40 - YAS-62 Demo
7:30 - Mark VI Demo
I've made this video to demonstrate the qualities of these two fantastic saxophones. Yamaha and Selmer Paris are both extremely prolific saxophone manufactures. Many of my saxophonist colleagues instruments use one of these two brands. The Mark VI is the most sought after vintage saxophone while the Yamaha models: 62, 82 and 875 are extremely popular modern saxophones. The 62 in particular was one of the first high quality saxophones to come out of Japan. There are many other quality brands but these two are widely considered to be of the best. Please enjoy the video and my performance of Herbie Hancock's "Dolphin Dance" of both of these fine instruments!
P.S. Sorry for the slight audio sync issue at the beginning. My audio recorder ran slightly slower than the video recorder so I did my best to align both tracks.

[@marcvandeneynden]

I had a VI from 1966. I sold it for a fortune and bought the YAS62. The Yamaha is simply fantastic without all the flaws of the old horns : better ergonomics, easier altissimo and better projection ... all this for a fraction of the price of the VI.

[@BeachBoi1000]

Why they someone just make Mark 6… or only Selmer knows how to make them?

[@joseceraia]

@@ytinf1090 I agree with marcvandeneynde.My Mark VI tenor is perfect in tune and even cooling down it stays quiet well in tune.BUT recently I bought a Super Action Serie II ALTO and it is very difficult to play in tune.Put it down for one song and , it cools off and very hard to play again in tune My YAS62 has not this problem , or much less. OK , nearly all wind instruments have that oroblem but within acceptable limits which you can overcome during playing, but it is widely know that this is the weak point of Selmer.On the other hand ,that is what you pay for a brilliant tone of the Selmer instruments. I try to manage it as good as I can, and I do not sell a Selmer for that reason.

[@joseceraia]

@@ytinf1090 After being a professional saxophonist for 60 years + I know what I am talking about. But what should the world do without people like you?

[@joseceraia]

@@ytinf1090 go fishing

[@马锐-v7q]

I like the sound of mark vi, so sweet.

[@mikeschouten4732]

Do a blind tone test and 90% of viewers/commenters would have no idea what horn is playing. The Mark VI sweet tone will always be prominent when the brand of the horn is on the screen (power of suggestion and all). I can make my old Yamaha YAS-61 sound a lot darker than the VI in this video. Having said all that, I like seeing two great horns showcased.

[@dynoroad]

Not to mention the inflections the player might put on each horn depending on their expectations. Only double blind tests are sufficient for a truly non biased comparison.

[@Kevin-ek1su]

Mark VI is a more dark, peaceful, and beautiful sound when the 62 is more bright, powerful, and also beautiful but not as much as the Mark VI.

[@davidclaro152]

Both sound great. Yamaha has a bit brighter sound than the Mark VI. Even my YAS-23 is still great, just change the mouthpiece. The sound choice is really up to the player’s choice. Just enjoy sax!

[@anquaviousshahab1678]

David Claro mine is yas26

[@gabbysax3351]

i have yas 26, which mouth piece is the best ?

[@davepierremusic3974]

Thanks so much for this great video Sir. Is it possible for you to so review on the p mauriat system 76 alto?

[@larrybarker3815]

The VI did it for me. But to be fair the Yamaha sounded good.

[@rhrh2025]

I've owned both of these horns! First of all, the Selmer was made at a time when horns weren't nearly as consistent as they are right now. I had a bad one, and got rid of it! The Yamahas are much more consistent, and built like a tank! Selmer is pricing themselves right out of the market, in my opinion. And for classical players, the Yamaha gets a great classical sound with a Vandoren mouthpiece!

[@18-tube-wattamp64]

I knew players back in the day that said the same thing: there were inconsistencies at times. It would be worse now: all Mk 6’s are…50 years old or more? That’s a long time for other problems to develop. But when they were right they were great!

[@rhrh2025]

A good one was a great instrument, but they had to be worked on quite a bit. Nothing too serious though. I had mine about 12 years, and probably had it overhauled (pads, corks, etc.) about 3 times!

[@rhrh2025]

Learn how to spell "MECHANIC!" It might help people take you more seriously!

[@madyeti3224]

I think part of it is what you’re used to. I know a pro Yamaha guy that just bashes anything Selmer. Also a bigger part of it is that the horn is set up properly and in good playing condition. I’ve had a 72 mk VI alto since 9th grade (40+ years?).. A few years back I picked up a three year old slightly used yas62iii for a steal.. because I wanted to try out a (modern) horn. I took it to a local shop to get it checked over. Over the year I switched ack and forth. My impressions were.. it was heavy, built like a tank. The modern key work was nice, especially the palm keys. (Getting used to the key work makes the IV seem awkward). For me the added key work of the high f# key is unnecessary. Things that bugged me was kinda a sharp edge going between the C to D# low pinky keys. There seemed to be some cost cutting on it... the plastic finger pads on the keys are plastic, which tend to feel slippery after playing for an extended period...the key guards and some of the hardware looks simpler then the Selmer.. This was a limited edition (vintage bronze finish with silver plated neck and key work) which looked great..but to me the engraving looked simple and cheap. Now over the year the horn didn’t seem to play that well and I decided to sell it. I took it in to a different shop to have it checked over and when I got it back it was a whole new horn.. It does have a more modern.. more focused sound.. screaming out high F# G was was easier then my VI...but also for me the tuning of mid D was sharper than my VI. I was playing on my Meyer G 6 and a standard Yamaha 5 mouthpiece. I do prefer what I consider a more mellow, full sound of my VI and did sell the 62. Although I probably could have altered the sound of the 62 with a different mouthpiece setup.

[@davidgee4260]

exactly

[@MJTIbes]

Although Yamaha horns are just great and fantastic impossible to beat the VI. It is so in peace and in place

[@matiesribas2068]

Thanks for this video. Both saxes sound nice, but in my opinion the selmer is more in tune. This Yamaha seems to have good projection, but much more out of tune. Regards.

[@vladimirlopez7840]

Yeah for me the 62. I think the vi sounds stuffy I feel the intonation sounded better on the 62 and it was a clear sound especially as he went higher in the register.

[@blueeyedsoulman]

VI has a sweeter sound. Reminds me of Paul Desmond. (Balanced action.)

[@tpark89]

I've always found the sound on the 62 to be great, but it's actually the intonation that gets me. I've owned both a 62 and a VI and decided to sell the 62 because the intonation just didn't agree with me. But if you can make it work, I think it's such a fantastic horn especially given the price.

[@TheGrizNation]

MK VI just gets the best sound more consistently of any horn. But that's not to say any other horn can't get a good sound or is not easier or harder to play. All subjective to how much you like playing on a certain horn.

[@benjaminarmstrong5671]

Sounds like he was fighting for control on the Mk VI in certain passages

[@macougar6]

I think you sound much better on the selmer with better, smoother sound and more in tune.

[@richardgoffin-lecar1951]

I do not deny that they are both superb instruments. However, I will stick with my Yanagisawa A992. To me, alto saxes just don't get any better!

[@tmcneel]

It appears that you are able to control the dynamics better on the Selmer. This Selmer has a darker and slightly spread tone. The tone has more color for me. The Yamaha is more focused and brighter in tone color to my ears. Both are nice horns but I gravitate towards the Selmer sound.

[@mambojazz1]

Nah I think the Selmer simply has more dynamics! Its simply a more complex sounding horn!

[@feinblaeser]

Place the mike higher to get the full sound of the horns!

[@jedblues]

Yamaha sounds miles better

[@tenortones2]

I listened without knowing which horn was which I still chose the Selmer and it wasn't close

[@rickstokes2239]

The S-VI horns were a great sounding horn but modern manufacturing, key work and construction have just overcome all of what the VI’s were weak on and also sound great. The yamaha’s are solid but I’ve decided on the Yanagisawa AWO20 bronze for my new alto on order from the factory.

[@keithcampbell6806]

This is a very knowledgeable comment. The intonation problems of Mark VIs and other vintage saxes have been fixed by modern horns. The hype of the Mark VI has run its course.

[@bjt512]

Thanks for sharing it. Could you please let me know the differences between YAS-62 iii and YAS-62 04? Someone says 04 replaces iii; others say they are exactly the same but iii is for US market while 04 is for European market. Confused :-(

[@tellitlikeitis-rg4ny]

Fact its personal choice ,,, sonny rollins , sounded the same on 3 diffrent saxes he played

[@MikeBlock]

Very true

[@ronhendon6381]

The Mark VI is a richer sound not as bright. Darker a bit fuller.

[@davidclaro152]

Ron Hendon Same with the References.

[@ricardoporras4651]

I already knew I was going to like the vi .. and I did.. what's the name of the song you played..

[@MikeBlock]

Tune is called “Dolphins Dance” by Herbie Hancock.

[@ricardoporras4651]

@@MikeBlock thank you

[@viejonazo8968]

@@MikeBlock what mouthpiece and reed did you use for the Test? (:

[@hannahherrmann4921]

@@viejonazo8968 he says in the video

[@michaelkang3928]

Do you still have the Yamaha alto sax YAS-62III? I am interested in buying it.

[@user-sh4tn7iv9f]

Sounds, to me, like the mouthpiece you’re using doesn’t really go well with either horn.

[@jasonkolman7820]

Yamaha is far too bright. It sounds solid as far as the action. Very smooth. I’m biased as I play a 1973 VI my self, but the horn here has a much darker tone than the Yamaha and looks to feel better in the upper ranges.

[@edwarddesenne6153]

On the Yamaha the higher pitched notes sounded more thin with less controlled steady sound then on the Selmer

[@carlosi.alvarez4989]

I think a better comparison would be to compare this Selmer Mark VI to a purple logo Yamaha 62. You can’t compare a vintage horn with a new one.

[@18-tube-wattamp64]

Why not? Those are both saxophones aren’t they? Comparison helps us understand value.

[@keithcampbell6806]

Good afternoon Ypu sound rough in your rebuttal. He suggested the purple logo because the ages of the saxes would be closer that is all. Any reasonable person would understand his reasoning.

[@tivanolebang]

Is the YAS still available?

[@Kimkim-rx7bx]

I always think it is a player to make a difference, not an instrument.

[@olebirgerpedersen]

I just baught a cheap Yamaha and I must admit that it sound as well as my old Selmer and the intonation is better on the Yamaha. I think about sound that what matters is the man, bis mouthpiece and the reeds. The rest of the instrument does only have to be in tune.

[@zangsax]

You play the vi a little less sharp in the upper left hand

[@birdy808]

Was the yamaha 62 sold?

[@aaronbensi9723]

62 for me.

[@JUNIOR-cl4ol]

I like both sax's. But Mark six has the edge.

[@dongancheng]

For me,mk6 could be better and I have a mk6 alto produced in 1955 sn59xxx

[@danielmok3762]

At 1:12 When he said Yana G sawa, I cringed a bit

[@zvonimirtosic6171]

Saxes are like cars; if used a lot, they do not age well. They must be repaired constantly. So let's be smart and never compare 40 years old horns with new pro horns: Yamaha blows the old Selmer into smithereens. But, to make a certain type of sound (focused, bright, unfocused, diffused, jazzy, funky, etc.) have in your sax case: 2 different necks with different tapers, 3 different mouthpieces, 3 ligatures, and an assortment of reeds. THAT makes an average sax player who knows nothing about sax setup into a professional musician. THAT changes the sound: a) necks, b) mouthpieces 3) ligatures, 4) reeds. Horns SHOULD be NEUTRAL and only control the PITCH. That's all about it.

[@matthewetmoi8436]

Wrong

[@markwhite672]

You are so right. I will use my darker sounding neck with my brighter sounding mouthpiece and/or reeds. I will use my darker sounding ligature with my brighter setups. The average person will not hear a difference in ligatures, but it makes a huge difference to the player if you can play with the sound and response you love. My favorite alto and tenor are the Yamaha 875-EXII models. On these saxes, I can get very bright or very warm and everything in between with different necks, mouthpieces, reeds, and ligatures. I used to love the Yamaha 62 soprano, now I love the P Mauriat System 76 II soprano... I like this 2nd version much better than the 1st version of this model. I'm loving my Kessler Solist Bari sax... it's a Yanagisawa copy and I loved playing Yanagisawa Bari saxes in the 80's and 90's. This Kessler bari is amazing for only $3000... it sounds as good as the top of the line Yani bari saxes from the 80's and 90's... it's not quite as good as the newest Yani bari that is made now.

[@davidgee4260]

You are playing out of tune on the Yamaha. I have played both in all styles and Yamaha consistently out plays the bulk of old VIs and find the fable of these old horns to be just that. Yamaha has much better quality and at 1/3 the cost of a 50 year old horn that will need constant attention with difficult adjustments and hit or miss sound quality. It is not the horn that makes one play out of tune it is the ear. My 1927 King gold plate soprano has horrible intonation until you apply the ear correction that all horns need in order to play in tune then a sound unlike any other comes through. Less concern with this craze for dull used old horns that are not really that great but because Coltrane played one is not going to make you sound great. Do you want the look or the sound to be yours and in tune? Most is found in your head not your equipment. Play slow and long until your ears teach your brain. If you can't play in tune try a piano. YAS62 an amazingly great horn does not need to toot its own worth to those in the know.

[@chengyihuang4691]

You sound like Paul desmond

[@benjaminarmstrong5671]

I mean not really, you can recognise desmonds sound anywhere

[@betterthanisound]

I often feel the VI is overhyped, then I hear comparisons like this. The y62 is an awesome horn, but I so love the mellow tone of the vi. I don’t want to remortgage my house so hope to buy a modern alto with a mellower tone. Any suggestions anyone?

[@Lucia-kk4kn]

Here is my sugestion ...buy a used yas 21 in working condition. Its all you need if you are not a seasoned pro. Period

[@betterthanisound]

Ariel Rodriguez I’m kind of inclined to agree a lot and disagree a little. I had a YTS25 when I started in around 2000, when I upgraded I tried a YTS62 and Yani T901, the T901 worked for me, feel, sound and it just felt right. So to some extent I think it is good to get a horn that fits. But I think your sentiment is, forget about the expensive equipment and work on a sound, which I kind of agree with. So in short, the sax does matter but not as much as we might like to think.

[@tboy5443]

Hi. Check out for a Grassi professional 2000 Saxophone.

[@goral705]

Selmer has a better timbre , I think.

[@pauldance7387]

Not close that’s like comparing a Ferrari to a Yamaha ( cars)... not fair to the Yamaha.

[@robertgerard7055]

Both horns are out of tune, so it can't be their fault...

[@tellitlikeitis-rg4ny]

selmer the most overated saxes om the planet most mk6 are beaten to death selmer only became popular because of great marketing , kings are much better i have a 62 ive owned 3 love them they stand their own against any selmer

[@SkylersRants]

Marketing? Selmer didn't market their horns any differently than anyone else. There was no marketing for saxophones back then. They sold well because of word of mouth, which is the opposite of marketing.

[@keithcampbell6806]

Selmer did do extensive marketing by giving free horns to popular players back in that tome l agree l think the Mark Vi is the most overrated and overpriced saxophone on planet Earth

[@tellitlikeitis-rg4ny]

​@@SkylersRantsyes they did they gave them to the top jazz artists for free lol. Thats marketing ,,, conn 10m, martin magna , beuscher top hat , yts62vall better than selmer 6 that are out dated

[@netocastro9626]

This is serious? I remember when I used a Saxophone Yamaha 62III... deception total. Please, don't do comparation with the incredible Mark VI.