The 981 is a beautiful little saxophone that delivers a breathtaking clarity in the upper registers. Referred to as an SN901 in Japan, this sopranino has the build quality and feature set of the regular 901 series models. A genuine pleasure to play and hear, the SN981 uses its brass body to deliver a clear and crisp tone.
Key: Eb
Range: Low Bb to High E
Body: Brass
Bell: Brass
Keys: Brass
Finish: Lacquered
Neck: Brass
Neck Type: One Piece Instrument
Case: Leatherette Covered, Woodshell
Bell Arm KeysSingle Arm |
Bore and Tone HolesYanagisawa Standard |
Brass / MaterialYanagisawa Standard |
EngravingHand Engraved |
Front F KeyYanagisawa Standard |
Key DecorationWhite Shell Lining |
Key Work MountingBody Mounted |
MouthpieceEbonite Mouthpieces |
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 |
"Cool, although a little sharp at the bottom. Horrible vandoren reeds make it hard to play. #5 mouthpiece too closed and little variety available to try out."
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. 
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.
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. 
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.