Yanagisawa AWO10 'Elite' Alto Saxophone

What they say

Yanagisawa saxes are made by a small family company in Japan who only make professional quality saxes, and they do it very well. This degree of focus means they are of a quality that even their main competitors recognise 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.

The Yanagisawa A991 developed a reputation over the past 30 years as a serious choice for advancing students and discerning professionals playing all styles of music. It's replacement, the AWO10, is even better! Over and above the less expensive AWO1 model, the AWO10 has double key arms, a fully ribbed construction and an underslung octave mechanism.

The AWO10 has an even stronger tonal core thanks to a re-engineered bore and tone holes, plus many upgraded features such as:

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 double arms to prevent warping of the tone cup. WO series saxes are fitted with blue steel springs as they hold the tension more effectively and so further enhance the key action.

Underslung Octave Mechanism

An underslung octave mechanism is widely considered to have a much quicker, more responsive action. Both ends of the octave key axis rotate in a receptacle that is coated with teflon to ensure a smooth operation every time.

"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 has been used for added high range resonance, acoustic depth and projection across all register, and exceptional tonal stability, and an additonal neck plate for tightening the sound. The bell and body are securely connected by a tri-point balanced bell brace. Each AWO10 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 7CR, 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.