My favorite modern tenors:
I need to give a caveat up front that I think that vintage Selmer tenors play better than anything on this list.
1. Keilwerth Pre 110k SX-90 - I like the older non-rolled tone hole JK's. The middle D is really out of tune but the tone is great.
2. Yamaha 82Z - The closest thing you can find brand new to a VI.
3. Selmer Reference 36 - If you need the Selmer sound then this is the horn to get. Much more interesting than the 54.
4. Yanagisawa 992 - Great ergonomics and a nice rich tone.
5. Selmer Reference 54 - Selmer's failed attempt at recreating the Mark VI tenor. The key works is very different and the horn does not compare to the original. In spite of all of that it's still a pretty nice modern horn taken on its own merits.
I need to give a caveat up front that I think that vintage Selmer tenors play better than anything on this list.
1. Keilwerth Pre 110k SX-90 - I like the older non-rolled tone hole JK's. The middle D is really out of tune but the tone is great.
2. Yamaha 82Z - The closest thing you can find brand new to a VI.
3. Selmer Reference 36 - If you need the Selmer sound then this is the horn to get. Much more interesting than the 54.
4. Yanagisawa 992 - Great ergonomics and a nice rich tone.
5. Selmer Reference 54 - Selmer's failed attempt at recreating the Mark VI tenor. The key works is very different and the horn does not compare to the original. In spite of all of that it's still a pretty nice modern horn taken on its own merits.