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 unlacquered model will tarnish and mark much more easily than a lacquered instrument. The benefit is that the instrument will rapidly take on a vintage, used look.
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: Brass
Bow: Brass
Bell: Brass
Keys: Brass
Finish: Unlacquered
Neck: Brass
Neck Type: Detachable Neck
Case: Leatherette Covered, Woodshell
Bell Arm KeysSingle Arm |
Bell BraceBalanced Tri-Point Brace |
Bell Key BufferPlastic Adjustable |
Bore and Tone HolesYanagisawa Standard |
Brass / MaterialYanagisawa Standard |
C# - Bb KeysC# - Bb Rocking Key |
EngravingHand Engraved |
F Auxiliary KeyF-Auxiliary Key |
Front F KeyYanagisawa Standard |
Key DecorationWhite Shell Lining |
Key Work MountingBody Mounted |
MouthpieceEbonite Mouthpieces |
Octave Key TypeOverslung |
Octave SystemFluororesin Non-Stick Mechanism |
Pad ReflectorPlastic Reflectors |
Pad TypeAir Tight Waterproof Pad |
Pivot ScrewsPointed Pivot Screws |
Right Pinky KeyYanagisawa Standard |
Right Side KeyYanagisawa Standard |
Spring TypeBlue Steel Springs |
Yanagisawa'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. 
The bell and body are firmly linked by a three-point, balanced brace which ensures structural resiliance and firm resonance, even when fortissimo is sought. 
The buffers used on the bell keys are plastic and fully adjustable so the aperture of the bell toneholes are within your control. 
The C# and Bb keys have a rocking table / see-saw mechanism that allows for optimal speed and fluidity between these pitches.
Each Yanagisawa saxophone is hand engraved by highly skilled craftsmen. 
This mechanism fitted to the F-Aux key ensures a proper seal of the pads when playing in the low ranges of the saxophone.
A 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.
The standard design for most regular saxes, the keys are mounted directly to the saxophone body.
Ebonite 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. 
An 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. 
As standard octave key mechanisms can get sticky over time, Yanagisawa's flouroresin, non-stick coating ensures a reliable action with no stickiness. 
Plastic reflectors fitted to the underside of the pads help the sound to project appropriately. 
Yanagisawa'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.
Special 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. 
Blue 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.