Yamaha YTS-475 Intermediate Bb Tenor Saxophone

I normally play alto (Selmer series 80) but started in a group that plays a lot of Motown oldies and needed to double on tenor. I didn't want to spend a lot of money on a tenor so I ordered a cheaper "student" model which was a piece of junk. Sent it back and exchanged for the 475 and was immediately impressed with the horn's quality for the price. Intonation and adjustment is perfect. This horn plays like the old 62 and sounds like one also. You won't go wrong with this horn. It ain't a Mark VI but it'll do the job. The Yamaha 4C mouthpiece was a nice surprise. With a Rico 2.5 it plays like an old Meyer.

I got the most that I could out of my YTS-23, and decided to play-test several Yamaha Tenors and see what was the best deal for my money. I tried this horn, the YTS-575 Allego (with G1 neck) and the YTS-62II. For the money, I couldn't justify paying another 5-600 on the other two horns, for me the YTS-475 does it all! Goes between the upper and lower register quickly and with ease, low notes are effortless. Very warm tone, but can also be bright, even with the stock 4C mouthpiece. I'm not a professional, but for how I play this is all the horn that I need.

I am a professional musician and gig 2 to 3 times a week. I have been using a "WOODWINDö brand horn. It worked fine but struggled with tone. I knew I needed better but I hate to spend big bucks. I ordered this horn from the B stock and it arrived with a twisted bell which kept the lower register pads from closing completely. It leaked big time. Took it to the shop and got it fixed and wow! The horn plays itself. Smooth transition and effortless lower and upper register. I do have to lip upper C # but who cares. The horn is a dream to play. WWBW also paid the repair bill no questions asked...ThatÆs real customer service!!!

I love my 475!! I've played the student model and the pro model and truthfully the student model doesn't even come close to this. The action of this instrument is 1000x better! As far as the 875 Vs 475? Sure there is a difference, however I would say for anyone but a serious gigging Pro the 475 is the way to go. The playability is quite comparable and with the right neck most people wouldn't hear a difference!

I compared Selmer Paris super action II (School's property) and this yts475 (My own property) and found out this yts475 is easier to play and flexible in terms of changing warm tone to bright tone or vice-versa. Intonation is pretty well even when reaching high f#. Low notes speak easier too. Furthermore I love the silicon treated leather which makes the instrument easier to maintain. And of course the unique design of the key guard made it look expensive but without the expensive price tag. Overall I would say this a must for students like me and a great option for professionals.