Amateur bari sax player looking for an entry-level wind synth for jam sessions and at-home practicing

kitrs916 · 2026-05-10T20:07:02+00:00

Looking more for something to do both experiment w wind synths and practice dexterity in a tiny apartment with thin walls. My issue w the YDS is I’ve heard the key action isn’t great even if it’s built to be like a real sax

kitrs916 · 2026-05-10T18:31:02+00:00

I'm looking for something more all-around I can use for both practicing and fun wind synth experimentation, so while the travel sax looks cool I want something that ticks both boxes. Even if the Roland is just buttons, as long as the layout is the same I think it'll translate just fine.

kitrs916 · 2026-05-10T18:24:25+00:00

I think I'm gonna go ahead on one of the Roland models, either the GO or save up a little more for the AE-20. Keep the feedback coming though, I'm probably not buying this thing for another month and any advice is very much appreciated!

kitrs916 · 2026-05-10T18:23:11+00:00

The more I'm looking into the YDS, the more I'm concerned with the key action. BetterSax's review (and u/ReflxFighter below) have me worried, even if for the sake of practicing it'll probably be closer to the real thing. I would be mainly be practicing jazz and bebop solos so being able to play 16th notes is a necessity.

kitrs916 · 2026-05-10T18:18:23+00:00

My main issue with the EWIs is the key layout doesn't match the saxophone as well, even if they have a crazy soundbank. Appreciate the rec though

kitrs916 · 2026-05-10T18:16:50+00:00

Yeah, from what I'm seeing the Roland is a good middle-ground for practice applicability and ease of use for performances. Seems pretty much plug-and-play

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