Yamaha Alto Saxophone

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Understanding the Yamaha Alto Saxophone models, prices etc…

 

Yamaha Alto Saxophones are a top choice for any player at any level and they make a model for every level and budget as well. Now, I know the mindset of most beginners who start out looking for a cheap saxophone and see the prices of even the lower Yamaha models aren't as low as most other brand's lower models.

 

I'm not saying to go above your budget and spring for a brand new Yamaha sax. Consider looking into used saxophones. Even a used sax that's not in great condition can be brought up to just that with an hour or two's time with a saxophone repair man. New pads and a couple of note and rod adjustments and it'll be as good as new… or even better if you have a great repair person.

 

Being a big Selmer fan and user I can honestly say that Yamaha saxophones are built to feel as good if not better than any other. Still, I don't think that they've surpassed Selmer in the tone category yet. There is something about the Yamaha saxophone though, "it just feels right" when you play it.

 

Yamaha YAS (Yamaha Alto Sax) Series

Starting with the Yamaha YAS-23 which is their "standard" or "student" model as they are sometimes called. Click the following link to read my full review of the Yamaha YAS-23.

 

Next is the Yamaha YAS-475. This is their intermediate model and sells for about $500 more than the YAS-23 standard model. A little better built with noticeable improvements on the rods and keys which have gold lacquer instead of the cheaper looking silver plating as on the 23 model. Also the neck design is like the pro models where the YAS-23 neck is not. The last option available on the 475 and not on the 23 is the high F# key.

 

Can you tell which one is the YAS-23 and which one is the YAS-475?

 

 

 

For a serious student who gets the YAS-23 a more logical jump would be to skip this YAS-475 model and jump right into the pro models such as the 6211. Or, a beginner who can afford the YAS-475 as their first horn would do very well with it for several years and then going right into a pro model from there.

 

I'm sure the folks at Yamaha would like every one to but the 3 models over the next few years but that's just not necessary.

 

The Yamaha YAS-6211 is the first model in the professional series. Costs about $600 more than the YAS-475.

 

To be honest, there isn't a huge difference between the YAS series. Sure they go up in price slightly and this is justified by a few different upgrades in lacquer, finishes, silver rods, high F# key but these are features that don't make a difference in tone quality, especially for a beginner who hasn't developed their tone a whole lot… this can easily take a couple years so either horn will suffice for this period.

 

If you're beyond this period and you're serious about continuing then spending the extra money is a good idea because the higher models will out-last the cheaper ones.

There are some really good prices on the YAS series at Amazon.com