Yamaha
YTS-875 "Custom" Tenor
Silver Plate

Archived Instrument
NOTE: This instrument is no longer available for purchase.
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  This is a top of the line great professional instrument. The effect of silver plate on the sound of a saxophone has been hotly debated, and covers the full spectrum of viewpoints, many of which, on the surface, seem to contradict each other. Our experience leads us to believe that silver has a different effect depending on the size of the instrument (tenor, alto, soprano, etc.) and the initial timbre of the instrument in question. It is our judgment, that on tenor, silver plate offers a less edgy but richer sound than regular lacquer. The fact is that silver tends to give a more equal rendition of the sonic partials than lacquered horns. Silver plating allows for a more even an fuller sound, giving the player greater latitude and flexibility to create the specific effect he is after. Some players use adjectives like sweeter or purer. We would rather characterize it as a fuller more enveloping sound , which is great for sub-toning and creating that "mellow " quality along the lines of Stan Getz and the great legendary Ben Webster. If you push it, with one of today's modern more edgy mouthpieces, you get the effect of what's referred to as "dark with a bite".