Japanese Instruments

Which Japanese Instrument To Buy?

Bearing in mind quality is pretty much assured then do you go for a yamaha Saxophone or a Yanigasawa saxophone?

Ultimately you choose based on several basic requirements.

• You are new to saxophones and don't want to spend big
• What sound do you expect from a saxophone
• Supply at the time. Can you get hold of the sax you want
• Servicing. Is there a reputable techie to service it for you
• Your preference of the name. It may be you are mad about Yanigasawas

As Japanese instruments go buying either a Yamaha or a Yanogasawa is usually a good move.

Both are well built and considered high quality and with a good tone. Given that, they hold their value well, and resale for these instruments is good.

From what I've seen most will reach 2 thirds of their original selling price at new if placed in on an auction site like ebay

Even older models will still fetch a respectable price

Yamaha Saxophones

The range of Yamaha Saxophones is as follows:

• Soprano - YSS prefix
• Alto - YAS prefix
• Tenor - YTS prefix
• Baritone - YBS prefix

On top of that you have the level of the saxophone as follows:

• 275 - Student model. (The cheapest in the range)
• 475 - Intermediate
• 675 - Professional Soprano
• 875 - Professional
• 82 - Custom (and the most expensive usually)

There are more options but you get the picture. Take into account the mix and match capabilites of Yamahas (different metals, necks etc) and you have a pretty wide range to choose from

Yanigasawa Saxophones

The range of Yanigasawas are as follows

• Straight Soprano - S prefix
• Curved Soprano - SC prefix
• Sopranino - SN prefix
• Alto - A prefix
• Tenor - T prefix
• Baritone - B prefix

On top of that we have the customary differing levels as follows:

• 901, 902, 991, 992, 9930, 9932, 9933, 9937

These model numbers do not really relate to student, intermediate or pro level horns. Yanigasawa are too expensive for anyone who's never played a sax to pop out and buy one on a whim. At a starting price of around £1500 you really have to know what you want first.