Forum of the Saxes

rodjo74 · Joined: 12 Mar 2006 Posts: 5

Hello

Well, I have opportunity to buy a Yanagisawa A 880 alt sax. I didn t have a chance to play this model before and i wonder if someone can tell me something about it...the quality, playability, is it a pro or intermediate moder....

I would be greatful

rodjo

JPSaxMan · Posted: Tue Mar 14, 2006 5:07 pm Post subject:

Dave (CMelodyMan) owns an 880 alto. If he gets on here anytime soon, he should be able to tell you more.

I have HEARD however that they are just as good as any other pro horn and are good horns for good prices. I don't think you'd be ashamed, but hey, who knows?
_________________
JP
Student of Saxophone
Music Education (BME) Major-2011
Mansfield University of Pennsylvania

rodjo74 · Joined: 12 Mar 2006 Posts: 5

thanks for first information

anyway, the price is around 900 $ and i believe it is a good price, or not?

r

JPSaxMan · Posted: Tue Mar 14, 2006 5:24 pm Post subject:

That is a very good price...I think Dave payed around that ballpark figure for his too. But with "vintage" saxes such as that one, it's hard to tell if it's good for you or not. SO...I'd be leery. But if that's all you got, go for it.
_________________
JP
Student of Saxophone
Music Education (BME) Major-2011
Mansfield University of Pennsylvania

rodjo74 · Joined: 12 Mar 2006 Posts: 5

Well, my other opportunity is YAMAHA YAS 32...the same sax is YAS 52 on american market. And yamaha is a bit cheaper, but as far as I know it is an intermidiate sax, but still very good sax, some people sax one of the best for the money.
I played the yamaha, but never tried the yanagisawa and thats why i m asking for the information

r

rmccue · Joined: 03 Apr 2006 Posts: 1

Rodjo,
First and foremost, NEVER buy a saxophone with out playing it first. And when you do get the opportunity to play it, bring every mouthpiece you own with different reed combinations.
My personal set-ups are a rubber Berg larsen(5J I think), a selmer C*(for legit) and sometimes my brass otto link with reeds(usually vandorens) from 2.5 to 4 depending on the sound I want and I always use leather ligature. Every horn plays differently for different persons based on their handling and knowledge as a player and mouthpiece-reed combo....
I started playing the alto sax in 1983 and I have played an 880 since around 1990 and love it! I tried more horns over the years than I care to count and none responded for me with such little effort and comfort. The 880 I have plays every octave with beautiful intonation, tonality and sonority. Low Bb to top altissimo range D will ring true and clear from piannissimo to triple forte with proper ambechure and breath support. I studied music through college and played for several years thereafter in bands playing everything from Legit(classical) solos, duets,quartets, symphonic bands al the way to funk-fusion-jazz-rock etc and personally, I wouldn't part with mine for under $2k so the price you are being offered is either indicative of it's condition or the seller isn't much of a horn player and you are getting a great deal.... Other 880's in good to mint condition are selling on the web for $1500+ so if the horn is in good shape and it plays well for you.... Grab it! Let me know how you make out...

JPSaxMan · Posted: Mon Apr 03, 2006 2:52 pm Post subject:

rmccue,

What are your internet sources on the value of other 880's?
_________________
JP
Student of Saxophone
Music Education (BME) Major-2011
Mansfield University of Pennsylvania

rodjo74 · Joined: 12 Mar 2006 Posts: 5

hello

well the owner must have checked the prices and changed his mind about selling it.
So I bought yamaha 32 which is also a good sax and for now suits me well.

rodjo

GAS_Wyoming · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 84 Location: Gillette, WY

I have a YBS-52...definitely the best bari for the money. I've also seen a few YAS-52's and they look like great horns. Haven't played one, but others sound great on them.

Congratulations! Smile

_________________
Greg Smith
Sop/Alto/Tenor/Bari - Whatever the band will let me play!

CMelodyMan · Posted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 3:30 am Post subject: