Which sax is best?

Which sax is best - Selmer, Yamaha or Yanagisawa? A pro explains

In this video, I sit down with legendary saxophone repairman Graham de Vere White.

With an incredible 59 years of experience repairing and servicing instruments, Graham has looked after my own saxophones for over 15 years.

This is a conversation I’ve wanted to share with the Lynden Blades -Sax Made Simple community for a long time!

We talk honestly about what makes a great saxophone, which brands truly stand out, how often you should service your instrument, and exactly what players should look for when buying a new or second-hand sax.

In this interview, we discuss:

Which saxophones are actually the best?
How often should you have your saxophone serviced?
What makes one instrument better than another?
Comparing Selmer, Yanagisawa, and Yamaha saxophones
Expert tips for buying new vs. second-hand instruments
Why setup and condition matter more than you think
Common mistakes saxophone players make
Are expensive saxophones always worth the money?

Whether you’re buying your first saxophone, looking to upgrade, or simply want to understand your instrument better, Graham shares a lifetime of practical wisdom in this interview.

Learn more about Graham de Vere White’s repair work: www.instrumentrepairs.co.uk

00:00 - Introduction: Meet "The Jolly Repairman" Graham de Vere White

01:26 - Graham’s top pick: Why Yanagisawa stands out

02:11 - 59 years of experience: Graham’s apprenticeship story

04:01 - Buying advice: What to look for in a second-hand sax

05:39 - Yanagisawa vs. Yamaha: What’s the real difference?

06:03 - Are Selmer saxophones worth the hype?

07:38 - The "Selmer Mystique" and Vintage Mark VI advice

08:29 - Modern Selmer quality and factory control issues

09:34 - Are "budget" Chinese saxophones worth it? (Goldington & Jupiter)

10:43 - The truth about buying ultra-cheap saxes on Amazon

11:38 - Maintenance tips: How often should you service your sax?