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.

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?

$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.

‘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,

Musician’s Friend has it listed at $9848 CAN while WWBW has it for $8118 CAN. Every time I reach for one on a shop wall, my other hand slaps my reaching hand away with a “you can’t afford it!”, lol. Try googling it. I’m sure saxontheweb has hundreds if not thousands of posts on the Reference 54.