A992UAlto Sax - Unlacquered

The 991 (brass) and 992 (bronze) series are the next step up for the pro-player. With a superb, upgraded set of features including fully rib-mounted keywork, an underslung octave key and adjustable metal bell key buffers, an even higher level of tonal integrity is within reach. 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: Bronze
Bow: Bronze
Bell: Bronze
Keys: Brass
Finish: Unlacquered
Neck: Bronze
Neck Type: Detachable Neck
Case: Leatherette Covered, Woodshell

Product Features

Bell Arm Keys Double ArmUsing double arms on the Bell Keys, helps to keep the tone holes fully sealed by removing the chances of twisting or distortion of the tone hole cup. This in turn helps ensure reliable performance and tonal integrity.

Bell Brace Balanced 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 Buffer Metal AdjustableThe buffers used on the bell keys are metal - and therefore offer increased longevity and accuracy over plastic - and are fully adjustable. This means the aperture of the bell toneholes are within your control.

Bore and Tone Holes Yanagisawa Standard

Brass / Material Yanagisawa Standard

C# - Bb - B Keys C# - Bb - B Rocking KeyThe C#, Bb and B keys are all connected via a rocking / see-saw mechanism. This is a unique Yanagisawa feature and ensures the easiest transition between these pitches.

Engraving Hand EngravedEach Yanagisawa saxophone is hand engraved by highly skilled craftsmen.

F Auxiliary Key F-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 Key Yanagisawa Standard

Key Decoration White 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 Mounting Rib MountedThis is an enhanced design with the keys mounted to a rib plate which in turn is mounted to the body. This not only gives added strength to the keywork, but has the added benefit of improved resonance and tonal stability.

Mouthpiece Ebonite 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 Type UnderslungAn underslung octave mechanism is considered to have a much quicker, more responsive action. It is also a more complex and expensive system to manufacture. So underslung octave keys are to be found on saxophones from the 991 / AWO10 series upwards.

Octave System Fluororesin 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 Reflector Metal ReflectorsMetal reflectors are an improvement upon the standard plastic reflectors, and they add clarity to the tone and improve playing response across the whole dynamic range.

Pad Type Air 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.

Palm Key Plate Palm Key PlateThe palm key plate delivers high range resonance, acoustic depth, added projection and added tonal stability.

Pivot Screws Pointed 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 Key Yanagisawa Standard

Right Side Key Yanagisawa Standard

Spring Type Blue 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.

Reviews

"The saxophone is great, the only issue I have found is that one of the pearls has a chip in it which appears to have been there from the factory, and should have been spotted during quality control or fitting."

Chris, United Kingdom