The 901 (brass) and 902 (bronze) series have long been considered to be the reference point for a professional instrument. The choice of advancing students and seasoned professionals alike, 901 and 902 series instruments are loaded with many of the mechanically superior design features that have made Yanagisawa the leader in the field. This silverplated model benefits from the tonal purity and smoothness of silver.
Alto 90* and 99* series models have now been replaced with the WO series models. Please refer to the AWO1/AWO2/AWO10/AWO20/AW030/AWO37 for Yanagisawa's current Alto saxophone range.
Key: Eb
Range: Low Bb to High F#
Body: Silverplated Brass
Bow: Silverplated Brass
Bell: Silverplated Brass
Keys: Silverplated Brass
Finish: Lacquered
Neck: Silverplated Brass
Neck Type: Detachable Neck
Case: Leatherette Covered, Woodshell
Bell Arm KeysSingle ArmYanagisawa's single arms used on the bell keys are extremely strong and have proved reliable for many years. Higher-End models can benefit from double arm bell keys. |
Bell BraceBalanced Tri-Point BraceThe bell and body are firmly linked by a three-point, balanced brace which ensures structural resiliance and firm resonance, even when fortissimo is sought. |
Bell Key BufferPlastic AdjustableThe buffers used on the bell keys are plastic and fully adjustable so the aperture of the bell toneholes are within your control. |
Bore and Tone HolesYanagisawa Standard |
Brass / MaterialYanagisawa Standard |
C# - Bb KeysC# - Bb Rocking KeyThe C# and Bb keys have a rocking table / see-saw mechanism that allows for optimal speed and fluidity between these pitches. |
EngravingHand EngravedEach Yanagisawa saxophone is hand engraved by highly skilled craftsmen. |
F Auxiliary KeyF-Auxiliary KeyThis mechanism fitted to the F-Aux key ensures a proper seal of the pads when playing in the low ranges of the saxophone. |
Front F KeyYanagisawa Standard |
Key DecorationWhite Shell LiningA player's fingers will rest comfortably in the indented white shell keys. The white shell also enhances the beauty of the instrument while also preventing the player's fingers from slipping during technical passages. |
Key Work MountingBody MountedThe standard design for most regular saxes, the keys are mounted directly to the saxophone body. |
MouthpieceEbonite MouthpiecesEbonite mouthpieces are favoured for their warm tone and ability to fit into an ensemble seamlessly. However, as players discover their own voice, switching to another style of mouthpiece can open up a whole world of new tonal possibilities. Metal mouthpieces are often favoured by Jazz players or soloists who need to stand out from the crowd. |
Octave Key TypeOverslungAn overslung octave mechanism is the standard system employed by most regular saxophones. It is the simplest mechanism for manufacture, and is to be found on 901, 902, AW01 and AW02 models. This system is also used on solid silver tenor models. |
Octave SystemFluororesin Non-Stick MechanismAs standard octave key mechanisms can get sticky over time, Yanagisawa's flouroresin, non-stick coating ensures a reliable action with no stickiness. |
Pad ReflectorPlastic ReflectorsPlastic reflectors fitted to the underside of the pads help the sound to project appropriately. |
Pad TypeAir Tight Waterproof PadYanagisawa's superb waterproof pad is totally air tight which allows complete confidence in the instrument's tonal integrity, plus the waterproof material offers a greatly extended pad life. |
Pivot ScrewsPointed Pivot ScrewsSpecial pointed pivot screws are used in all centre arms on Yanagisawa saxophones. These screws precisely maintain the stability of the centre arms, and help achieve a very high precision action. |
Right Pinky KeyYanagisawa Standard |
Right Side KeyYanagisawa Standard |
Spring TypeBlue Steel SpringsBlue Steel Spring are better than stainless steel - as used on most other saxes - as they hold tension more effectively, and therefore enhance the key action. |
"Superb instrument - I have waited far too long to buy one - it has greatly increased my enjoyment of playing music. (PS To clarify Windband Shrewsbury)"
"You would never know that I played Oboe, constantly during my 50 year career such is my fervor for this silver saxophone that when a friend found this silver Prima from Japan on EBay, and bought it as it was a special model. He didn't want it to go to waste sitting on his bureau and it was in perfectg shape. Being a O boe Player, I would freely tell every sax player who struggles with reeds -- play a couple of days of oboe --- just long tones to help build -up the ombouchure. I would liike to try the new Yanakisawa soprano. I live in Perth.
Cheers,
Joel"