The BEST Soprano Sax? Yanagisawa SW020 vs Yanagisawa S992

My review of the Yanagisawa SW020 up against my current Yanagisawa S992 straight soprano.
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Dan Forshaw is one of the most passionate and charismatic musicians on the British Jazz scene. Born in Blackpool, Lancashire, Dan studied in both London and New York and has played all over the world with many different ensembles ranging from jazz quartet’s to cathedral choirs. He is one of the UK’s leading experts on John Coltrane and has written a number of published articles on the music and theology of ‘Trane’. Tim Price, Professor of saxophone in New York and a former teacher of Dan said, ‘Forshaw has reached a strong level of musicality, depth and technique that very few players have….he is a breath of fresh air, ‘hear him!’
Fleetwood & First GigsDan grew up in the small Lancashire fishing town of Fleetwood. Opera star Alfie Boe lived a few doors away from Dan and music was a big part of Dan’s childhood. In his youth he performed for Royalty, U.S. President Bill Clinton and for the opening of Tony Blair’s first conference as Prime Minister!
Dan was taught by Ray Wilkes, a legend on the Northern Jazz scene and a former member of Cedar Walton’s band in New York. Dan started picking up gigs aged 14 and by 16 Dan was on the road with the ‘Amazing Blues Brothers Soul Revue Tour.’
New York, London & BelfastAfter meeting Branford Marsalis at the RNCM in April 2003, Branford invited Dan to study with him in the USA, which Dan did in March / April 2005. Whilst in New York, Dan was inspired by the many amazing musicians he heard & upon returning to England, he moved to London in the summer of 2005. Dan’s target was to return to New York, but meeting and marrying his wife Katy led to a move to Belfast in 2007.
Cambridge and beyond…Dan is now based in Cambridge where he teaches saxophone through his award-winning website, Cambridge Saxophone.com. Dan still maintains an active performance schedule with regular tours, residences and his ‘Jazz Vespers‘ project, that has seen Dan on Prime Time National TV, (BBC One,) leading jazz events at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Ely Cathedral and the at new home for Jazz Vespers in London, Methodist Central Hall, Westminster.
Dan is an active ‘Vlogger’, (his KZread channel now has over 8000 subscribers in twenty countries), and he enjoys photography, sport and most of all spending time with his young family

Пікірлер: 67

  • @VitoBb1978
    @VitoBb19784 жыл бұрын

    The darker, warmer, softer tone is what i go for in my soprano. My S991 has served me very will over the years. Between the two the S992 has the sound that i just love. Thank you Dan for another informative video

  • @RoseCadenza
    @RoseCadenza5 жыл бұрын

    I can really tell the difference. Maybe it's just me, but there is a big difference. The S992 sounds really great only for jazz. It kind of has a harder tone. The SW020 sounds really great for both classical and jazz. I have to say that I like the SW020 more than the other. And I don't even play soprano sax. I've the other saxes (alto, tenor, and bari), but I really want to learn to play soprano sax sometime. That would be so much fun. :D

  • @MARKLINMAN1
    @MARKLINMAN15 жыл бұрын

    Can’t wait to get my SW020!

  • @joelgarrett422
    @joelgarrett4225 жыл бұрын

    Dan, you mention that SW020 is very easier to play than the older version because of new engineering. However, the version that is harder to play may make you better play because it make you try even harder to get great. Just a thought, continue to do a great job!

  • @DynamixWarePro
    @DynamixWarePro5 жыл бұрын

    I liked the sound of the W020 more than the 992 as I found it had a warmer more focused, more rich sound and when I heard it in the blind test, I instantly liked the sound a little more than the 992. Both great sopranos though.

  • @LuanneFose
    @LuanneFose5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for the comparison, Dan. I have been wondering about the differences. Personally, I liked your sound on the 992 better, but like you said, maybe it is because you are so comfortable with it. It was weird, but when I closed my eyes, the W020 sort of sounded like a clarinet sometimes, which I didn't like. I like a soprano sax to sound like a soprano! BTW: For the future, it would be helpful when you do a blind test comparison to sort of play the same tunes on both saxes instead of switching it up because it is easier for the listener to remember what they sounded like. Thanks for all the great videos!

  • @7quercus77

    @7quercus77

    3 жыл бұрын

    I also hear some similarity to old large bore clarinets. But isn't typical for all yanagisawas? Yanagisawas - clarinet and Selmer - oboe?

  • @InTrweb
    @InTrweb5 жыл бұрын

    All I needed to hear was the intro 👍

  • @mornestrydom5837
    @mornestrydom58374 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for your video. Currently playing on a Yamaha 475 intermediate instrument. Can get a Yani s991 (second hand, excellent condition) for a very good price. Now with the economically difficult times caused by COVID-19, many people seems to sell off some of their instruments. Sad situation, but one may pick up some good deals. I “assume” a well-looked after 991 would be a good upgrade for me. What’s your thoughts?

  • @abadjoseph
    @abadjoseph4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the video! How would you say the new Yanagisawa compares to the curved Yanagisawa sopranos? (I've also seen the curved neck, used with the straight body...)

  • @uTubeMiester
    @uTubeMiester5 жыл бұрын

    Hi Dan, Thanks for this comparison. I think it would have been better if you played the same tunes on this comparison. However, I was immediately drawn to the sound of sax#2 a few seconds after you played it because of its darker sound which I'm honestly drawn towards more for my other alto and tenor saxes as well - I have both Yani brass W01 and bronze W02 models. In fact, I prefer my Selmer SBA alto more than my Mark VI because it has a darker sound. So maybe it's just me who prefers a darker sound. Anyway, thanks for this video. BTW, can we request a comparison between the S-W020 and the new curved model SC-WO20? Thanks.

  • @SEGEFFECT
    @SEGEFFECT3 жыл бұрын

    I have a sml paris for 5 months today I tested a yanagisawa. I was surprised all notes can be played without high effort .i will certainly buy one soon

  • @donearnhardt6336
    @donearnhardt63363 жыл бұрын

    Just stumbled on this video and was wondering, do you have any thoughts about the Yanagisawa curved soprano vs the straight one. Not knowing anything really about sopranos, a couple years ago I decided to buy an SC991 because I was more comfortable with the curved shape having played alto fo many years and tenor off and on for many years as well.

  • @zangsax
    @zangsax5 жыл бұрын

    The WO is less bright which I like. I have played a 901 for about 6 yrs after 25 yrs of a VI. I play the 901 because I prefer a 1 piece horn. I owned a gas 62 and yas62r in the past. Love the 901.

  • @MrSaxobari
    @MrSaxobari4 жыл бұрын

    Hi Dan Thanks for the nice video. Is your 992 a Bronze or Brass model? I do owne the bronze 992 model. Also is that your stock neck on it?Looks a little darker in colour then your horn. Best regards from Canada Mario Malette

  • @dogsterooni

    @dogsterooni

    4 жыл бұрын

    the 992 is bronze. the 991 was brass :)

  • @vrufino
    @vrufino5 жыл бұрын

    I also play a Yani, but curved soprano. When it first arrived, it did need some tweaking by my repair man. Could that have been the situation with the 20 right out of the box?

  • @carlwilson4375
    @carlwilson43754 жыл бұрын

    I just bought a Yanagisawa S901 Soprano. What do you think of the a Yanagisawa TW-01 Tenor saxophone?

  • @erickruse4679
    @erickruse46793 жыл бұрын

    I liked number 2 a lot better. To me, the #2 sounded like a fuller tone with a timber more toward the middle of the range. I guess i would say it's darker?

  • @catherinesnowdon5467
    @catherinesnowdon546710 ай бұрын

    I got a Yani tenor. Excellent. Got a TJ sr alto never out of workshop. Wish I got another Yani. Only expensive initially

  • @knurmi42
    @knurmi425 жыл бұрын

    The 992 sounds a little meatier, the sw020 sounds smoother to me. Meaty is hard to do on a tiny horn.

  • @pabslondon
    @pabslondon3 жыл бұрын

    When Dan says 'maybe if you're watching in a few years time and the country isn't at a complete utter hopeless standstill' and you're actually watching in 2020 and the country is at a complete utter hopeless standstill

  • @topolinik
    @topolinik4 жыл бұрын

    Bellissimi strumenti. Io sono rimasto al soprano S900 che comunque suona molto bene. Saluti.

  • @MikesBigBand
    @MikesBigBand Жыл бұрын

    Dear Dan, I'm re-sending a comment I made on an earlier vid you did on the S992 in case you don't check older vids? Dan, I am the happy owner of the Sop, Alto & Tenor 992 saxes however I am having probs with getting the alternate/front high F to speak without other key assistance whereas on tenor and alto it pops out perfectly. I am using the stock Yani 5 m/pc and various cane reeds. I also have to push the m/pc on all the way to be in tune or use an old Buffet m/pc I have. Any suggestions?

  • @DanForshaw

    @DanForshaw

    Жыл бұрын

    Hi Mike I'd suggest it could be down to your embouchure, but that would be a guess without actually seeing / hearing you play. The soprano is much more difficult to master than the tenor or alto. Perhaps you can book a consultation via my sax.coach website and we can take a look?

  • @jaywills5776
    @jaywills57765 жыл бұрын

    Hey Dan. Are you coming to the Joshua Redman gig in Cheltenham , May 4th

  • @DanForshaw

    @DanForshaw

    5 жыл бұрын

    I'm trying to get to Cheltenham this year, just depends on schedule as I've some recording dates in the diary around May Day weekend.

  • @billducker7404
    @billducker74042 жыл бұрын

    Tried Series 3. Dan?

  • @markteague8889
    @markteague88893 жыл бұрын

    Unquestionably, the W020 has a richer and deeper tone. I’ve always preferred that. Kenny G’s bright edgy tone grates on my nerves in most of his recordings. Wondering how much of that is a consequence of a curved vs. straight neck. I had the opportunity to play a Yamaha YSS 675 in our high school jazz ensemble during my senior year. I believe it only had the curved neck in the case. Seems like it produced that same sort of deeper richer tone. Have thought about purchasing a soprano several times over the years, but was baffled by the myriad choices. Maybe this comparison kind of settled that for me.

  • @jovitajazz
    @jovitajazz2 жыл бұрын

    Do You think that it’s better the WO20 instead the WO10? Which horn is more easy blowing?

  • @DanForshaw

    @DanForshaw

    2 жыл бұрын

    WO20 is my choice

  • @joannethefairy5390
    @joannethefairy53905 жыл бұрын

    I prefer the Selmer Soprano saxophones because they sound so warm and have such a good resonance.😄

  • @Humbardi
    @Humbardi3 жыл бұрын

    another factor that influences how they sound is the mouthpiece/reed combination ... what mouthpiece and reed were you playing to do this comparison ?

  • @DanForshaw

    @DanForshaw

    3 жыл бұрын

    I pretty sure I say in the video that I used the same mouthpiece / reed on both saxophones and my setup is detailed in the description to the video... If you're not sure then here danforshaw.com/equipment/

  • @Humbardi

    @Humbardi

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@DanForshaw I visited your webpage and found that you were playing until 2019 on a Selmer S-80** and now on Syos ‘Dan Forshaw’....

  • @KonstaSedneff
    @KonstaSedneff Жыл бұрын

    What's model mpc?

  • @tankyang4725
    @tankyang4725 Жыл бұрын

    Are other people also having the problem where the wo20 lacquer keeps fading

  • @Filippo-Parisi
    @Filippo-Parisi3 жыл бұрын

    They sounds thiny to me. But the new one is a bit big and dark as sound, so I'd choose it, if I would keep having soprano with two neck. I'm looking for a straight curved neck one.

  • @V15lol

    @V15lol

    Жыл бұрын

    its the mic/his tone

  • @katrinarose2210
    @katrinarose22102 жыл бұрын

    Before I know the difference between sax 1 and 2, I have to say, even without my headphones on, I can tell a difference and I like sax 1 better than 2, and I'm assuming that sax 2 is the sw010

  • @ArtBusker
    @ArtBusker5 жыл бұрын

    Me gustó SW20

  • @lukasbulle8620
    @lukasbulle86205 жыл бұрын

    5:34 How is this song called?

  • @DanForshaw

    @DanForshaw

    5 жыл бұрын

    It's the end of 'Sunnyside of the St' after that it's 'The Ruby & the Pearl'

  • @ToddMarshtoddalanmarsh
    @ToddMarshtoddalanmarsh5 жыл бұрын

    Sopranino Saxophone?

  • @TheOwenValentine
    @TheOwenValentine Жыл бұрын

    The 2nd one

  • @eriksax
    @eriksax4 жыл бұрын

    You sound better on the new model. Your horn requires some adjustments to key heights, leaks, etc. The new model was well... new sounding.

  • @markteague8889
    @markteague88893 жыл бұрын

    Mechanics around here joke that BMW stands for “Bring More Wallet.” Rotfl. Sorry your Bimmer failed on ya’. The Krauts don’t have any magic dust they can sprinkle on their “motor cars” to make them last forever. Although admittedly, I really loved the sound of my friend’s ‘96 M3. That little inline six went all the way to redline and begged for more. Swiss watch of engines.

  • @wjbcllc
    @wjbcllc4 жыл бұрын

    What’s the full description of the 992 and how do I get a used one?

  • @raishwretch

    @raishwretch

    4 жыл бұрын

    www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Yanagisawa-s992-soprano-saxophone/283800716072?hash=item4213d74328:g:1OgAAOSwSWZeW8XZ

  • @lgo8513

    @lgo8513

    4 жыл бұрын

    I have one for sale.....only because I’m unable to play it because of a shoulder injury........

  • @7quercus77

    @7quercus77

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@raishwretch Do you remember the price? I am considering to buy used S992. Asking price is 2650 Euro.

  • @MARKLINMAN1
    @MARKLINMAN15 жыл бұрын

    What song in the opening? Thanks

  • @DanForshaw

    @DanForshaw

    5 жыл бұрын

    Take Five, Paul Desmond / Dave Brubeck

  • @chris-fd9vr
    @chris-fd9vr4 жыл бұрын

    What’s the name of the song at 4:39 ? It sounds so awesome.

  • @DanForshaw

    @DanForshaw

    4 жыл бұрын

    Cavehill Stomp by yours truly

  • @chris-fd9vr

    @chris-fd9vr

    4 жыл бұрын

    Dan Forshaw thank you.

  • @zjsjf3435
    @zjsjf34354 жыл бұрын

    You should play the same song to compare

  • @pimeye
    @pimeye5 жыл бұрын

    Keep the 992. The W020 is too focussed and less lively than your 992 and sounds less like a soprano. I have an S901 and SC900, one day I might start playing them!

  • @MrSaxobari
    @MrSaxobari4 жыл бұрын

    Hi Sorry In sound,no difference at all,or barely ! They both have pretty much the same charcater. I do have the Yana 992 Bronze straight sop. Love the ergonomics,plays easy,and in tune,but i don t like the character in sound from day one.. But,they are great saxes,no doubt..

  • @rolfgeisler3421
    @rolfgeisler34219 ай бұрын

    Which song do you play at 5:35?

  • @DanForshaw

    @DanForshaw

    9 ай бұрын

    I think that’s Ruby and the Pearl (just before it was Sunnyside of the st)

  • @rolfgeisler3421

    @rolfgeisler3421

    9 ай бұрын

    Ah, thank you 😊

  • @aidan4473
    @aidan44735 жыл бұрын

    What do you prefer the straight or curved neck?! Comment below!

  • @DanForshaw

    @DanForshaw

    5 жыл бұрын

    Always curved neck - I should have mentioned it in the video, lots of reasons why, but primarily I chose to play with a curved neck twenty two years ago and it's what I've got used to.

  • @aidan4473

    @aidan4473

    5 жыл бұрын

    Dan Forshaw what soprano would you recommend for someone looking for one on a budget and looking to try it out? I have looked at the Sakkusu ones. Sax.co.uk’s beginner brand

  • @janeriley8063
    @janeriley80632 жыл бұрын

    Thank you. Bronze?

  • @LenStarry0617
    @LenStarry06175 жыл бұрын

    my venus china curved soprano cost $250 only had a better sound than this thousand pesos japan made