Yanagisawa Student Alto Saxophone Review: A Comprehensive Overview
Yanagisawa saxophones have long been recognized for their exceptional build quality and professional-grade performance. This article delves into a review of the Yanagisawa student alto saxophone, drawing on user experiences and comparisons to other renowned brands to provide a comprehensive overview.
Yanagisawa's Reputation and Legacy
Yanagisawa is a small family company in Japan dedicated to producing only professional-quality saxophones. This focused approach has earned them a reputation for excellence, even among their main competitors. The Yanagisawa A991, in particular, gained recognition over three decades as a top choice for advancing students and professionals across various music styles. Its successor, the AWO10, aims to improve upon this legacy.
The Allure of Vintage Horns
Many saxophone enthusiasts are drawn to vintage horns, seeking a unique sound and playing experience. However, the prices of vintage Yanagisawa saxophones can be exorbitant. Some specimens are priced upwards of £3,000, with some exceeding £5,000. While vintage horns hold a certain appeal, the cost can be a significant barrier.
The Yanagisawa AW010: A Modern Alternative
The Yanagisawa AW010 presents a compelling alternative to expensive vintage horns. Priced under £2,900, it offers a sweet sound, easy playability, good intonation, and a visually appealing design. Its slick action and Yanagisawa's reputation for build quality make it an attractive option.
Comparison with Other Yanagisawa Models
The reviewer also tested the AW01 and AW02 models. While all three models differed, the AW010 struck a balance in terms of price and features. The reviewer favored the traditional brass and lacquer of the AW010, along with its underslung neck and slicker action. While the bronze AW02 might appeal to those who prefer a different material and don't mind the standard octave mechanism, the AW010 emerged as the preferred choice. The AW020, while potentially offering additional features, comes at a significantly higher price point.
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The Importance of Versatility
When selecting a saxophone, versatility is a crucial consideration. Players often seek an instrument that can accommodate a wide range of musical styles and sound concepts. The reviewer aimed for versatility, seeking a saxophone that could deliver both the edge and grit of Earl Bostic and the smoother sounds of Paul Desmond. While acknowledging personal limitations in achieving such broad versatility, the focus was on achieving a sweet sound reminiscent of Desmond, Pepper, Konitz, and Grover Washington.
Playability and Intonation
One of the key advantages of Yanagisawa saxophones is their ease of playability and accurate intonation. This allows players to focus more on their creativity and musical expression, rather than constantly making adjustments to their embouchure and support. The Yanagisawa A991, for example, is known for being mouthpiece-friendly and offering improved intonation, freeing up mental space for creative exploration.
The Subjective Nature of Sound
The concept of sound is subjective and can be influenced by various factors, including the player's embouchure, the mouthpiece, and the overall setup of the instrument. While a recording can provide some insight into the sound of a saxophone, it doesn't fully capture the nuances and subtleties that a player experiences firsthand. Ultimately, the best way to determine if a saxophone is right for you is to play it and see how it feels and sounds.
The Role of the Mouthpiece
The mouthpiece plays a significant role in shaping the sound of a saxophone. The reviewer was pleasantly surprised by the mouthpiece that came with the Yanagisawa, particularly since previous experiences with Yanagisawa mouthpieces for soprano and tenor saxophones had been underwhelming. The mouthpiece proved to be a sound choice, contributing to the overall positive experience with the instrument.
The Vibe and Chemistry
Choosing a saxophone is not solely based on objective criteria like price, features, and specifications. There is also a subjective element involving the vibe or chemistry between the player and the instrument. Just like with people, some horns simply feel right.
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Comparisons with Other Saxophones
The Yanagisawa AW010 was compared to several other renowned saxophones, including a purple logo Yamaha 62, a Selmer BA, a King Super 20, and a Selmer Mark VI. While comparison can be subjective, this testing highlights the Yanagisawa's ability to hold its own against esteemed competition.
Better Sax Alto vs. Yanagisawa
The reviewer also compared the Yanagisawa WO33 (with a solid silver neck and bell) to the Better Sax Alto. While the Yanagisawa has ribbed construction and extra metal braces, which can contribute to a heavier or darker sound, the reviewer didn't feel a significant difference in playability. Ultimately, a blind test revealed that the perceived brightness or darkness can be balanced out with the choice of mouthpiece.
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