Yanagisawa A-WO20 Elite Professional Alto Saxophone – Bronze

The benefits of ribbed body construction

Yanagisawa’s Elite models feature fully ribbed construction. Integrating the multiple key posts into a single plate — as opposed to soldering them directly to the body of the saxophone — ribbed construction gives the tube higher mass (and hence, more rigidity and durability), and requires somewhat more effort from the player. While added mass implies a slightly heavier instrument, it pays back dividends in the form of increased tonal depth and richness. Ribbed construction makes the horn blow with moderate resistance while delivering a solid fundamental with rich tonal color. For experienced intermediate and pro saxophonists with a more developed embouchure and sound concept, it’s a definite advantage. Although ribbed construction typically presents a slightly increased initial resistance, it effectively gives you another level of resonance — an extra “gear,” if you will — to blow through for additional dynamic range and expression. Simply put, you can push your Yanagisawa AWO20 further, and it will go exactly where you want it to go.

Well-designed mechanisms working together harmoniously

With a complex instrument like a saxophone, many mechanisms have to work together harmoniously to deliver superior tone, ergonomics, and versatility. To that end, the AWO20 incorporates exclusive Yanagisawa innovations such as a Fluororesin-sleeved octave rocker, which eliminates extraneous motion with rounded rocker ends and a Fluororesin coating on the receiving sleeves they contact. This high-tech, non-stick coating delivers reliable action without the excessive stickiness buildup over time that plagues standard octave key mechanisms. As soon as your fingers alight on the keys, another thing you’ll notice is the innovative seesaw linkage between the C# and Bb table keys, which incorporates a proprietary slider mechanism to enable faster, smoother fingering technique.

Enhanced performance, precision, and reliability

Even under the hood, the AWO20 Elite alto is packed with Yanagisawa innovations that enhance performance and long-term durability. A hidden advantage of the AWO20 is its pointed pivot screws, which increase precision and reliability by ensuring an accurate fit for the center arms and hinge rods. The AWO20’s sealed, waterproof pads provide a leak-free, airtight fit while facilitating balanced action and extended service life. For faster action and better control over challenging passages, Yanagisawa uses blue-steel needle springs — the professional standard for durable, perfectly tensioned keywork. This punctilious attention to detail results in a masterful instrument that will go the distance in your career and advance your ongoing development as an artist.

A design as beautiful as it is masterful

Aside from its delicately hand-engraved bell, other readily apparent high-end feature