Looking at the prices of the YTS-23 and the YTS-475, the YTS-23 is typically more expensive. I asked this question on this forum a few days back and the response was that the YTS-23 is a more robust instrument for the student. The YTS must be easier to damage then?

Hmm, interesting point. I assumed that the 475 would cost more than the 23. I guess there must be a higher demand for student horns. Sean

For what it's worth, I tried the 475 some months back when I was looking to upgrade from my 23 and quite frankly I didn't see or feel much difference. So much so I was a little disappointed that I didn't go with the 475 when I bought the 23 since the 475 is less money. By the way, I went the 62 when I upgraded. Very happy with it.

The 475 is constructed a little differently and cheaper to produce. The 275 is a student model that is made similar to the 475 and sells for even less. Yamaha threw in a few extra features to market the 475 as an inexpensive "intermediate" model. They're a good horn, but the 23 I think is a better made horn, and a bit more durable than the 275 or 475. I would not consider upgrading from a 23 to a 475. The 62 on the other hand, is a fantastic horn and a great value. The 62 is an intermediate-pro model. The 82Z and 875 are the pro models. Both the 62 and the 82Z are constructed similar to the 23. The 875, you guessed it, is the pro model based on the design of the 275 and 475.