The T992 bronze models have often been referred to as the finest models in the Yanagisawa range. The bronze metal delivers a darker, warm tone, sometimes likened to classic old American saxes. Although similar to the 901 series at their core, they have a superb, upgraded set of features including fully rib-mounted keywork and adjustable metal bell key buffers, so an even higher level of tonal integrity is within reach. As this T992UL model is unlacquered, the metal of the saxophone is open to the elements from the outset. This means that the instrument will tarnish and mark with the advantage being an aesthetic usually only found on vintage instruments.
Key: Bb
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
Bell Arm KeysDouble Arm |
Bell BraceBalanced Tri-Point Brace |
Bell Key BufferMetal Adjustable |
Bore and Tone HolesYanagisawa Standard |
Brass / MaterialYanagisawa Standard |
C# - Bb - B KeysC# - Bb Rocking Key |
EngravingHand Engraved |
F Auxiliary KeyF-Auxiliary Key |
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 |
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. 
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 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. 
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.
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.