Yamaha YTS-875EX Custom Tenor SaxophoneImproved versions of that proven classic the Custom 875, these saxes are the result of decades of painstaking research and trials involving some of the world's greatest saxophonists. They feature a smooth response and a deep, refined sound full of rich colors. They also feature a solid feel with quick and nimble action, a wide dynamic range, stunning projection, and an authoritative tone with a beautifully defined tonal core. You will find that the depth and smoothness of their sound is simply incredible, and you will also find that both these horns are very flexible, at home in any kind of music. On both models the size and shape of the key buttons have been changed for a better 'feel', while the new Custom G3 neck enhances tonal resonance and gives a quicker, more comfortable response.
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The custom Z is a great instrument. It plays with great tone and has great response.
I have done extensive research and played one of everything from Yanagisawa, Selmer (Mark VIs, VIIs, the new Reference horns, the Series II and III models), Keilwerth, Yamaha, Cannonball, and a few odd brands in between. After hours of playing various horns, researching, talking with pros around the world (via internet), and trying to match a horn with music I will be playing (jazz, gospel, R & B, solo and studio work, classical, etc.), I have finally decided on a tenor. WW&BW sent me an 82Z and 875 - both in silver. Here's my findings. I pulled out the YTS-82Z first. It melted in my fingers and the response was outstanding. I set up my tuner and checked the intonation. DEAD ON the money from the bottom to the top including altissimo. I didn't get that response from any of the other horns I played. Incredible consistency, exceptional ergonomic placement of the keys that melt in your hands, and effortlessly free blowing from the bottom to the top. After about two hours of playing, I picked up the YTS-875. DITTO. SAME awesome qualities. So what's the difference between them? Other than the advertised specs (2 vs. 3 point bell brace, reinforced bow rib/brace ...) there is more metal in the 875. The 82Z is a little thinner. Remember the 82Z is modeled after the 62 with Custom enhancements basically. The right hand F# side keys on the 82Z are placed slightly differently than the 875. If you aren't fingering a strange altissimo fingering combination, you'll never notice this slight difference. This same fingering can be used on the 875 as well, but is more comfortable on the 82Z for that particular fingering -- no big deal. The upper D,Eb,E,F, F# notes on the 82Z were a little finicky/sensitive and didn't want to speak as fast as the 875. It was almost like a leaky pad effect, but the pads were not leaking. A comparison of this was done over and over with the same mouthpiece and piece of music. I even tried the other neck. Always the same result -- day after day -- even when I had my wife randomly place one in my hands as I was blindfolded. After a true blind test, the 82Z had some difficulty where the 875 never skipped or was fussy. I also found that when I pushed the horns hard that I was able to somewhat overblow the 82Z and it would have a rattling buzz to it with some distortion (not growl) to the quality of the sound. The 875 took the push and never waivered or gave resistance or lost sound quality. These differences were again noted by playing the same reed, mouthpiece, ligature, and selection of music. I also noticed that the 875 G key (on the left hand ring finger) has a support post so you can't bend the key if you misused it as a grip exerciser. The 82Z doesn't have this -- probably to reduce weight and free up the resonance. The 82Z's left hand palm F key seemed to have some play and needed a little more support and I fear that going gig to gig would cause the pad to seat improperly due to the lighter key construction on the 82Z. The 875 was a little stronger and less flimsy. The right hand pinky keys (low Eb & C) were very comfortable on both. The overall shape of both together on the 82Z is a circle cut in half. The 875 is mostly a rectangle/square cut in half. Can't feel any difference between the two when playing -- only looks different. The left pinky keys are the same on both. The finish on both was fantastic in silver. The 875 has a little more engraving on the bell and bow than the 82Z, but that's merely cosmetic. The cases are also different. The new cases on the tenors have a center latch and a key lock on each side. The 82Z's case exterior is constructed of a black vinyl (heavy raincoat material) cover, over padding, over wood underneath. The 875 is black leather with reinforced leather corners, over wood, and feels stronger and will be more rugged than the 82Z case. I fear that loading in/out of a trunk or baggage compartment of a bus from gig to gig that the 82Z's case will be prone to tearing or ripping and I would suggest a case cover if you can find one. After hours of playing, comparing, trying various jazz, classical, and technical pieces for speed & comfort, listening for intonation, quality and color of sound, depth of tone, flexibility & ability to blend or solo, make darker or brighter in tone, and evaluating the personality of each horn, I decided on the 875 over the 82Z. Don't get me wrong. The 82Z is no mistake and it does have a slight (and only slight) bit more resonance than the 875 off the line; however, I can make the 875 sound just like the 82Z if I want to with hardly any effort which is a wonderful feature of the 875 and a compliment to its flexibility and versatility. I can't make the 82Z sound like the 875 (slightly darker when needed). Also the 875 has more power in the lower notes (low E through Bb) and sounds a little more gutsy and not as "thin" as the 82Z down low. There seems to be a slight edge of superior quality in the workings and response of the 875 over the 82Z. 4 1/2 stars to the 82Z and 5 stars to the YTS-875 Custom.
I bought my YTS-875 two and a half years ago brand new from WW & BW, and since have used it for basically every style of music that can use a saxophone. I have used my 875 for solo classical playing, saxophone quartet, rock/R&B cover bands, jazz big band, small groups, and also in more demanding environments such as staged shows at Cedar Point, and I currently have it on the road with me on the Glenn Miller band.The 875 has been an ideal horn for me because it has the ability to have a great characteristic sound in all of these genres. The keywork and intonation have been nothing short of stellar. In addition, this horn is durable. It can take the rigors of travel and being played on in at times harsh environments (hot, cold, humid, dry). I would highly recommend this horn to anyone who wants a consistent, versatile, and durable saxophone that has quite frankly risen far above my expectations. Thank you Yamaha!
This horn is amazing. It's so smooth and the keywork is like butter. It's got a great, mellow tone. Definitely give this horn a try. You'll be very pleased with it.
THIS IS A SERIOUS HORN. BIG BOLD SOUND WITH GREAT PROJECTION.
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