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Comparison Yamaha Custom CSV and R-13

Author: Garth Libre
Date: 2012-08-03 22:28

I now own a 2007 Yamaha Custom CSV Bb and Buffet 1986 silver plated R-13. For the record the Buffet has all the upper pads replaced with what looks like cork or some dark grainy synthetic. The Buffet also has slightly loose tenon corks and will get new ones promptly. The Yamaha is top condition.

Eveness of volume and tone over the break - slight edge to R-13

Woodyness and roundness of tone = R-13

Ease and volume for given air flow = R-13

Ease and warmth in altissimo - R-13

centeredness and intonation - Yamaha

projection and brilliance - Yamaha

key action - Yamaha

Lowest E warmth and naturalness without boom - R-13 (Yamaha is overly restrained here)

clarity of sound and cleanliness when tongued or pushed - Yamaha.

beauty of wood = Yamaha

Throat tones - Yamaha

Register jumps without tendency to grunt or hesitate = R-13 only by a smidge.
(funny, I thought this was supposed to be a problem with the Buffet)

This is the third R-13 I tried but I like this one the best. I tried an early 60's (no where near as good in intonation or easy blowing). I tried a new one (also not as full bodied and inspiring. I tried an E 11. (noticeably less of the warmth of the best R-13) I tried a Yamaha 650. (not that different from the Custom but with less projection and less beauty in construction) I tried a 450 Yamaha (strangely I liked it less than a plastic bodied 350 with wooden barrel and bell.

I'm certainly no expert, just a man who loves sound and nuance, and for the record my embrasure and technique are less than the core contributors of this board. But I can hear small differences in sound quality (all my stereo equipment is tube based and the audiologist says that for a man of 58 years I have nearly 100% hearing. (I wear sound protection around all loud conditions). I'm a bit old fashioned in my musical taste, preferring classical and certain jazz big bands like the old Ellington, Lunceford, etc with my favorite sax players being Hodges, Freddy Gardner and Desmond. I hope I did not offend anyone with my bold statements of comparison. I just want to say it as I heard it. The Buffet turned out to be a bargain ... $930 from a music store that barely new what it was.

Garth, 305-981-4705. garthlibre@yahoo.com

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