Bell Arm KeysDouble Arm Using 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 BraceBalanced Tri-Point Brace 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. |
Bell Key BufferMetal Adjustable The 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 HolesYanagisawa Standard |
Brass / MaterialYanagisawa Standard |
C# - Bb - B KeysC# - Bb - B Rocking Key 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. |
EngravingHand Engraved Each Yanagisawa saxophone is hand engraved by highly skilled craftsmen. |
F Auxiliary KeyF-Auxiliary Key This 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 Lining 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. |
Key Work MountingRib Mounted 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. |
MouthpieceEbonite Mouthpieces 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. |
Octave Key TypeUnderslung 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. |
Octave SystemFluororesin Non-Stick Mechanism As standard octave key mechanisms can get sticky over time, Yanagisawa's flouroresin, non-stick coating ensures a reliable action with no stickiness. |
Pad ReflectorPlastic Reflectors Plastic reflectors fitted to the underside of the pads help the sound to project appropriately. |
Pad TypeAir Tight Waterproof Pad 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. |
Pivot ScrewsPointed Pivot Screws 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. |
Right Pinky KeyYanagisawa Standard |
Right Side KeyYanagisawa Standard |
Spring TypeBlue Steel Springs 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. |