Yamaha yts 23

[Kenneth Small]

Can anyone tell me where I can buy a used Yamaha YTS 23 Tenor Sax in the price range of $500 – $700?

[tbarnhart]

I dont know if there are any free ones out there, but I'd check in at the local music store and ask if they sell used Saxophons, or just put an ad in the newspaper…good luck

[Roger Rivner]

I have a YTS 23 and like it a lot but would like to hear examples of people that play better than me on it. Does anyone know any YouTube examples of people playing a YTS 23 with very good tone and proficiency. I am not sure if I can develope the tone I want on this horn? So I want to hear examples of people playing the YTS23 with the great saxophone tone that I would like to develope. Thanks.

[john]

Hi Roger, that is a good horn and will provide you with several years of service.
I know that many people get hung up on the saxophone they start off with and envision themselves playing and sounding better with superior horns but…

The saxophone you are playing is NOT the most important thing you should be worried about.

True, your sax should be in fine working order, but to advance to the next level as far as tone is concerned you will be better off by concentrating more on your mouthpiece and reed set up.

If you're playing a Yamaha, you have a good saxophone. Don't waste time worrying about if it's a good model etc, practice your lessons on tone and technique and experiment with several reed strengths, makes, and mouthpieces. this is where the rubber hits the road, so to speak.

[Dazza]

I am down to choosing a Yani TS500 for $1700 of a near mint Yammy YTS 23 at $300 less. Both around the same vintage of early 80’s.The research I have done tells me the 23 has plenty of street cred and all the vid’s I can find says it has a great tone (with the right MP of course). I know this is bit like asking who is your favourite child but can anyone offer a point or two that will tip me one direction. The Yani sounds smooth but the $300 I save getting the 23 might get me a really nice MP which I would still need for the Yani. Problem is I can play neither so I am struggling with a decision. Any one help?? Johnny, you played these?

[jake]

That seems pricey for a yts 23. I don’t know for sure but i think they are more along the lines of a student horn. I haven’t played one but I have seen many for sale under $1000 US. Don’t know anything in regards to the Yani. Good Luck.

[James]

$1400 is a lot of money for a YTS-23 but worth it if it is in excellent condition. I’ve had mine since 2008. I bought it used in 2008 for $1000 and it came with a six month warranty. It was a student rental. I bought it from the Yamaha dealer in western Canada. This dealer is the biggest supplier of rental band instruments to band students. It has served me well. I had no issues with it and even put a more free-blowing neck, an M1 Custom on it. The M1 Custom was the neck which came with Yamaha’s custom tenors some years ago. I took it a Yamaha sax tech this past September for a checkup. He replaced a few pads and made some adjustments for a total cost of $200. No other issues.

I’ve since moved on to a vintage YTS-61 from the late 60s or early 70s I believe, Yamaha’s first pro horn, and a YTS-875 Custom. These are great horns but every now and then I will pull out the 23, put my metal Meyer 7M on it and give it a blow. I’m always impressed at how good this ‘student’ horn sounds.

Just my opinion, mind you. I’ve never played a Yani but they are certainly held in high regard. I’d advise buying a horn that is in excellent condition. Horns are expensive beasts to maintain and repair.

[Dazza]

Thanks for the feedback. I am going to stick with the Yani even though many pundits also believe it is a bit too expensive. Down here in Oz we don’t have a huge selection or a huge market to drive prices down. There a re plenty of also rans around $1000 but not much between that and the $2500 and above. At $1700 it is in great condition and top playing order so that adds to the price. Anyway, as soon as I get it in my hands and start playing the price will become insignificant!

[James]

‘In great condition and top playing order’ says it all. And it’s a well-made horn. Great choice. Good luck with your new horn,

[Dazza]

Just to throw a spanner in my plans a Selmer Reference 54 Tenor has appeared on eBay overnight. Bidding has started at $600. Brand new never been used…unwanted gift for a 73 year old who fell ill and can’t play anymore. Does anyone know these horns. Surely this is a $5 K horn! Does this sound bogus? Luckily it’s an hour away so I can view.

[Author]

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