Yanagisawa AWO1 'Professional' Alto Saxophone

What they say

Yanagisawa saxes are made by a small family company in Japan that only makes professional quality saxes, and they do it very well. This degree of focus means they are of a quality that even their main competitors recognize as the best. Technicians love them as they play straight out of the box and they are by far the most reliable instruments we sell.

From aspiring beginners to experienced professionals, the AW01 professional model has gained popularity with its strong tonal core. Yanagisawa ‘Professional’ models are free blowing, with a resonant tone, and deliver a superb performance across all musical genres. The student will develop their own unique style more easily due to both the advanced construction and ergonomic key design, and the advanced professional can be assured of both superior tone and a class-leading playing experience.

The Yanagisawa A901 achieved "classic" status over the past 30 years as a remarkable sax for the price and a leader in its class. With superlative Japanese design and build quality it only ever really had one serious competitor, also from Japan. The best just got better with this new upgraded AWO1 model.

Upgraded Key Mechanism

A new redesigned front F key for a better feel, and an F-auxiliary key mech to ensure a proper seal of the pads when playing in the low register. Both the left and right pinky keys benefit from new angles for smoother fingering allowing for optimal speed and fluidity. The right side-key levers have additional feet for a better touch, and the bell keys have been fitted with standard single arms which are extremely strong and have proved reliable for many years. WO series saxes are fitted with blue steel springs as they hold the tension more effectively and so further enhance the key action.

Overlung Octave Mechanism

An overslung octave mechanism is the standard system employed by most regular saxophones. It is the simplest mechanism for manufacture, and is to be found on nearly all saxes. Sometimes standard octave key mechanisms can get sticky over time but Yanagisawa's flouroresin, non-stick coating ensures a reliable action with no stickiness. For overslung necks, a new neck plate exclusive to the WO1 and WO2 models gives a tighter, more controlled tone.

"Indented" White Shell Touchpieces

A player's fingers will rest comfortably in the indented white shell keys. The white shells also enhance the beauty of the instrument while also preventing the player's fingers from slipping during technical passages

Brawn And Beauty

A new palm key plate, previously only available on the 'Elite' models, has been used for added high range resonance, acoustic depth and projection across all register, and exceptional tonal stability. The bell and body are securely connected by a tri-point balanced bell brace. Each AWO1 is beautifully finished with a uniquely styled hand engraved pattern on the bell.

Specs

Key: Eb

Body: Gold lacquered brass

Auxiliary keys: High F#, front F

Thumb hook: Adjustable

Mouthpiece: Yanagisawa 6CR, with ligature and cap

Case: Strong, lightweight case with backpack straps and music pocket

Accessories: pull through, polishing cloth, cork grease, reed, end plug and neck sling.