The Essential Guide to Finding the Best Yamaha Saxophone + Reviews
Buying a musical instrument is not an easy task if you don’t know where to start your research. If you’re in the market for the best Yamaha saxophone, you can read this small paragraph for extra help. Based on several aspects such as customer reviews, expert feedback, and sales figures, our team concluded that the Yamaha YAS-480 is one of the best possible options if you want something reliable and affordable. This saxophone features extremely accurate intonation as well as a warm tone and fast response. Furthermore, the piece is lightweight and has a sturdy construction. The redesigned octave key system ensures plenty of flexibility. If the Yamaha YAS-480 seems to be out of stock, make sure you take a look at the Yamaha YTS-62III.
Comparison Table
Our Top Choice
A good quality instrument is paramount for a novice musician. This sax is exactly what any beginner needs. It has a warm tone, its response is fast, and the intonation is accurate. Another aspect that qualifies it as a beginners’ favorite is the fact that it is lightweight and overall easy to handle. The octave key system is redesigned and offers you extra versatility. You will also love its stylish appearance.
More advanced sax players may prefer a model with extra features.
A classy looking sax that is ideal for beginners, as it has features that cater to them.
2nd Best
This tenor sax is the ideal choice for those looking for this exact type. For decades, it has been the instrument of choice for a large variety of musicians and band directors, so you can rest assured of its overall performance and value for the price. The 62-style neck is one of those features that make this model stand out. It helps with a fast response, and it also gives you fast control, which advanced sax players love.
One customer mentions that he had to work on the sax to tune it well.
Offering excellent quality for the price, this classic tenor sax is suitable for many musicians.
For beginners, this saxophone is the ideal choice. Most often used for practice, but also for concert gigs, it has a particular design that makes it easy to play. The narrow bore increases response and control, which are two important aspects for beginners or people who haven’t played in a long time. You will notice that the model has a 62-style neck, and that means that the ergonomics is superior, too.
One customer expressed his concern over the durability.
Redesigned to offer fast response, this saxophone is the ideal choice for practice.
5 Best Yamaha Saxophones (Reviews) in 2020
To simplify your job, we’ve looked at several Yamaha saxophone reviews and managed to find some products that showcase all the necessary features you might need. Previous customers highly praised all of these saxophones.
1. Saxo YAS Yamaha 480 Alto
An excellent saxophone is the one that allows you to get better with each practice without having to compromise the quality of sound. You can’t assume you’ll develop your skills without a proper music tool.
This intermediate alto saxophone is a great choice if you’re an entry-level player or you already have some experience with the sax. You won’t be disappointed by your choice because this piece right here features highly accurate intonation, a warm tone, and fast response.
Plus, the unit is incredibly lightweight and easy to handle. The professional 62-style neck increases the quality of the sound, making it more mature.
Due to the hand-engraved pattern located on the sax, the overall appearance is quite classy and stylish.
Also, the redesigned octave key system enables you to have more flexibility. The separate key guards feature an adjustable screw cap stopper that comes in handy for technical adjustments. We can’t overlook the left-hand seesaw that increases the level of comfort.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($1999.8)
2. Yamaha YTS 62III Professional Tenor Saxophone Lacquered
You can’t expect to play music at a professional level and not own a saxophone that lets you accurately express your creativeness. So, it’s crucial that you purchase an instrument that gives you the freedom that you need to expand your knowledge and skill.
This tenor saxophone is a good acquisition if you’re tempted to get something more sophisticated than an alto piece. Furthermore, this model has been a favorite among many musicians and band director for the last decades.
Even though this saxophone was first introduced in 1979, it has managed to pass the test of time because of its quality and affordability.
Among the new features included in the redesigning process, we should note the new 62 style neck which has a narrower bore that provides greater control and rapid response. Plus, the neck enables a comfortable airflow that comes in handy for a solid tonal core.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($3443.99)
3. Yamaha YAS 62III Professional Alto Saxophone Lacquered
Buying a saxophone might not be easy with so many models available on the market. However, some units that make the process quickly because they have so many cool features that can’t be missed out by any player out there.
For instance, this professional alto saxophone is a top choice for a player because it comes with a unique design without being too costly.
Although this instrument was released decades ago, it still manages to serve as an excellent saxophone used in concert gigs and bad practice. Thanks to the narrow bore, the unit can ensure a quick response and increases the level of control during exercise.
There’s no need to worry about comfort even if you have to spend hours playing this saxophone because the 62 style neck offers plenty of ventilation. Moreover, you can attain a solid tonal core without putting too much effort.
The best part is that this instrument comes with a semi-hard case that allows you to transport and store the saxophone in complete safety.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($3091.99)
4. Yamaha YAS 23 Standard Eb Alto Saxophone Lacquer Finish Nickel Keys
You can forget about issues such as trying to find a good tonality or starting in an uncomfortable position. This good-looking saxophone is everything you need, especially if you’re a student or a band member. Because you need a reliable music tool that lets you polish your natural talent, you should consider this item as a possible purchase.
The unit was specially designed to give optimum intonation. This matter a lot if you need the saxophone for music performances in clubs or concert halls.
If you’re looking for an instrument to give you a boost in your music career, you should know that this sax is easy to handle and ensures plenty of venting. Aside from this fact, it is outfitted with power-forged keys and tapered pivot screws. You can rest assured that even after years and years of practice, the solid construction of this saxophone won’t disappoint you.
Because of the smooth key system, you can adjust your tool precisely.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($459)
5. Yamaha Custom YSS 82Z Series Professional Soprano Saxophone
If you prefer a soprano saxophone, check this unit out. This sax is a genuine reminiscent of vintage soprano designs. This means that the body of the saxophone is made of a special brass alloy that increases the sturdiness and the durability of the product.
The lower vent tube design is responsible for the noise reduction. Plus, it gives you that tonal flexibility that most musicians dream their entire career.
One aspect worth mentioning is that the Z plays at the same level in all ranges, giving you a high or low dynamic range for an extended period, depending on your wishes.
Using this saxophone is a wonderful experience because the ergonomic keys and neck allow your body to have a good posture during the entire performance.
You won’t have to spend hours trying to make adjustments to the saxophone because the adjusting pivot screw lets you do it in a matter of seconds.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($4718.97)
Yearly Guide & Report
Maybe you’re a saxophone player that has a bit of experience and needs to upgrade the instrument. Or, maybe you’re just starting to take music classes, and you want to invest in your own saxophone. Whatever the case, you can find a good Yamaha saxophone that suits your playing style and needs.
A saxophone is a sophisticated instrument that has many components and features. So, it might be daunting trying to find that one piece that is less costly and made of high-quality materials. Nevertheless, you might find some useful information this guide showcased below that can help you decide faster.
Types of saxophones
First, you need to learn about the history of the saxophone and what types of instruments you can choose from.
The saxophone was invented back in the mid-1800s in Belgium by an instrument maker, Adolphe Sax. When jazz started to gain notoriety, musicians like Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, and Sonny Rollins, the saxophone became an essential tool for many styles of music.
Because of its versatility, the saxophone allows any musician to achieve several types of sounds. With a quality Yamaha saxophone, you can get tuba-like warm sounds or mellow horn songs that are quite similar to those made by a clarinet.
Although Adolphe Sax originally wanted the saxophone to be a collection of several instruments, today, we have only five types that are more commonly used by musicians from all over the world. These are the alto, soprano, baritone, tenor, and bass saxophones.
If you are a beginner and you want to get a Yamaha saxophone for sale, you should opt for an alto saxophone. This type is tuned to Eb, and it is positioned above the tenor. Since the tool is rather lightweight and compact and has a simple key layout, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their skills and learn new saxophone techniques.
Also, the alto saxophone requires less air to play. The saxophones used in school bands or for student practice are most likely to be alto pieces.
Another key benefit of playing music with an alto saxophone is that a large amount of music that exists suits this kind of instrument. Especially the classical repertoire which is great if you’re a music student. On top of this, altos are good even if you need it for playing jazz. A lot of jazz artists have used alto saxophones to express their creativity.
However, if you’re willing to pay extra for something that allows you to perform at jazz gigs, you might want to go for a tenor saxophone. This sax has a Bb tuning and is a tad larger than the alto one. Nevertheless, you won’t have issues with handling it because it is only a small challenge if you’re already used to an alto saxophone.
People are likely to choosing soprano saxophones because they are good-looking and have a smaller and comfortable size. Not to mention the fact that a soprano sax is more affordable than a regular sax. Just make sure that you are aware that an instrument of this kind is outfitted with a higher pitch which makes it harder for a beginner to master it, without proper study.
However, many sax players like the soprano because it delivers a type of richness and fullness to their music that no other saxophone does. If you take a look at any review of Yamaha saxophone, you’ll notice that soprano saxophones are ideal for orchestras and performance bands. Regarding the design, these saxophones aren’t so bulky. They have a straight configuration and lack the curved bell which is typical to most saxes.
The lowest-pitched saxophone is the baritone. In jazz, this instrument is used for solo acts. Due to the rich, honking tone provided by the baritone sax, it does a great job in traditional R&B music. Besides, if you don’t mind the large size, you’ll find this instrument a good choice.
A little less common than the baritone saxophone, the bass sax goes a full octave over the tenor sax. Aside from this, it is so big that you need to play it from a seated position if you want to sit comfortably during the entire music performance.
Generally, bass pieces are used in classical arrangements or saxophone concerts. Given their unique size and deep sound, musicians don’t like to play them often. Plus, they are not beginner-friendly at all. If you’re an advanced saxophone player and you want to expand your skillset, a bass saxophone might do the trick for you.
Skill level
When in the market for a Yamaha saxophone for sale, you can easily narrow down your options if you establish your skill level. Most saxophones are labeled according to three categories, student, intermediate, and professional.
Student saxophones are facile to play, less pricey, and constructed with an emphasis on accurate sounds. This allows a faster study of music notes and tunings. No matter the instrument, you can sound pleasant if you’re a good student. So, take your time and invest in something that allows you to reach the level of skills you always desired.
Once you’ve learned the basics, you can move to the next level, which is the intermediate saxophone type. Although these instruments offer the same sound quality as high-end saxophones do, they don’t have the same frills. On the other hand, intermediate saxes are smoother and way more responsive than student tools.
Lastly, professional level saxophones deliver excellent intonation and tone, in addition to the fast response. Also, they feature luxurious finishes and colored gold or silver lacquers.
Material
The traditional material used for saxophones is the yellow brass. However, there are alternatives concerning the bells and necks. It’s not unusual to find saxophones that have a brass body, but the rest is made of bronze, sterling silver or copper.
Depending on the material used, the price goes higher as well as the maintenance. If you opt for the best saxophone from Yamaha, you’ll get an instrument coated with a crystal clear lacquer that protects the entire surface of the saxophone.
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in your introduction photo. Can you play a Saxophone with the mouthpiece around that way or is this just a model posing for a promotional shot. I have never see a saxophone played with the reed on the upper side of the mouthpiece. Maybe its a new technique, am I missing something?
Hello David. It’s just a promotional photo. Have a nice day!
Yes just promotional. but promoting wrong technique. why not just shoot another shot and replace it.
We replaced the featured photo, we wouldn’t want it to be misleading. Have a great day!