Yamaha Saxophones, Clarinets and Flutes Simon Bates plays

Welcome to the Saxophone enthusiasts’ page!

Simon has played Yamaha instruments for over 25 years and been an official Yamaha endorsee for just as long. In his own words...

Despite many people trying to persuade me otherwise, the 875 model instruments are, I believe, the best available for a whole host of reasons including:

Intonation

The intonation is as spot on as you'll get from a saxophone. My job is made so much easier if I don't have to adjust my lip for every note I play just to sound in tune!

Key Positioning

The 875s simply fit my hands and generally require the player to move less to achieve more fluidity. A prime example of this is the fork F key - Yamaha saxes are the only brand where you simply roll your left-hand index finger rather than lift it!

Balance and Playing Position

Sling it up and feel the weight drop off! - it just feels right.

Ease of Playing

Unlike many other ‘classic’ saxophones, the 875s make my job easy. Everything works at is supposed to leaving the player to concentrate on playing!

Yamaha Artist Support

The Yamaha Ateliers are a great way for artists to give feedback and help with development, have their instruments tweaked or customised (for example, I use sterling silver gold plated customised saxophone necks, metal thumb rests and bronze neck screws designed on my request by woodwind guru Jonas Lange) and keep in touch with the latest developments and prototypes.”

Additional Support

I'm very fortunate to have had a long relationship with BG Music and their maverick, genius designer Franck Bichon. BG's ligatures, neck straps, cleaning products, instrument stands and B3 clarinet mouthpieces are simply the best.

Recently I have changed my reed brand exclusively to Marca France. Their reeds are super consistent and blow really well, so I'm delighted to be a Marca Reeds Artist too!

Instruments

Soprano Saxophone

• Yamaha YSS875

• (1994 Model - Gold Lacquer)

• Yamaha M1/G1 Curved Crook

• Yamaha Custom Brass Thumb Rest

• Yamaha Custom 4C Mouthpiece

• (Yes really - the one that came with the instrument!)

• BG DUO LDS Ligature (Silver Plated)

• Marca Jazz Reeds (3.5)
• BG S20M Neck Strap

Alto Saxophone

• Yamaha YAS875EX-G

• (2010 Model - Gold Plate)

• Yamaha AV1AG - GP Atelier Crook
• Yamaha Custom Brass Thumb Rest
• Meyer 7M Mouthpiece or Dave Guardala Superking

• (Depends on his mood and the type of gig!)
• BG DUO LD9 or LDS9 Ligature (Rose Gold)

• Marca Jazz Reeds (3)

• BG Custom Made Zen Yoke Neck Strap

Tenor Saxophone

• Yamaha YTS875EX-S
• (2008 Model - Silver Plate)
• Yamaha TV1AG - GP Atelier Crook
• Yamaha Custom Silver Thumb Rest
• Dave Guardala Superking
• BG DUO LDS Ligature (Silver Plated)
• Marca Jazz Reeds (3)
• BG Custom Made Zen Yoke Neck Strap