Yanagisawa sopranos have long been the go-to instrument for all saxophonists regardless of any prior brand loyalty they may have. The Yanagisawa Soprano has doubtless become the reference instrument. The 992 (bronze) series are the next step up for the pro-player. With a superb, upgraded set of features including fully rib-mounted keywork and supplied with interchangeable straight and curved necks, an even higher level of tonal integrity is within reach. The use of bronze on this superb soprano adds a somewhat darker, richer tone than its brass A991 companion.
Key: Bb
Range: Low Bb to High G
Body: Bronze
Bow: Bronze
Bell: Bronze
Keys: Brass
Finish: Lacquered
Neck: Bronze
Neck Type: Straight and Curved Necks Included
Case: Leatherette Covered, Woodshell
Bell Arm KeysSingle Arm |
Bore and Tone HolesYanagisawa Standard |
Brass / MaterialYanagisawa Standard |
C# - Bb - B KeysC# - Bb - B Rocking Key |
EngravingHand Engraved |
Front F KeyYanagisawa Standard |
Key DecorationWhite Shell Lining |
Key Work MountingRib Mounted |
MouthpieceEbonite Mouthpieces |
Octave Key TypeUnderslung |
Octave SystemFluororesin Non-Stick Mechanism |
Pad ReflectorMetal Reflectors |
Pad TypeAir Tight Waterproof Pad |
Palm Key PlatePalm Key PlateThe palm key plate delivers high range resonance, acoustic depth, added projection and added tonal stability. |
Pivot ScrewsPointed Pivot Screws |
Right Pinky KeyYanagisawa Standard |
Right Side KeyYanagisawa Standard |
Spring TypeBlue Steel Springs |
"Great intonation , tone & action."
"Great intonation , tone & action."
"superb - I've got 4 Yanagisawas now, all perfect"
"Great."
"I have only just got it and am still looking at in awe. It is beautiful! It is the bronze unlacquered model which looks much richer than the brass I have at the moment. If it is good enough for Jess Gillam it will certainly be enough for me. I play in a saxophone quartet "SeaSideSaxes" formed only a year ago and I only started playing a saxophone with a soprano two years ago at the age of 70. I just love the sound of the soprano. I can give you feedback in a week or two as I wanted to get it registered asap. I am interested to see how the patina develops. My ratings are anticipated but I expect marvels."
"A beautiful looking and sounding saxophone with fast silky key movement. Top of the range. World's best soprano by far and I tried out 10 in the shop!"
"best soprano I have ever played"
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 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. 
Each Yanagisawa saxophone is hand engraved by highly skilled craftsmen. 
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.
This 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. 
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 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. 
As standard octave key mechanisms can get sticky over time, Yanagisawa's flouroresin, non-stick coating ensures a reliable action with no stickiness. 
Metal 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.
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.