Yanagisawa Saxophones at The Mighty Quinn Brass and Winds

The history of woodwind manufacturing in Japan traces back to 1894 when Tokutaro Yanagisawa began repairing imported woodwinds for military band members. Tokutaro's repair shop evolved into an instrument factory—the first to build woodwind instruments on Japanese soil. Following in his father's footsteps, Tokutaro's son Takanobu crafted his first prototype saxophone in 1951.

Unlike many other brands, Yanagisawa has remained a private, family-owned company dedicated solely to the production of saxophones, rather than being absorbed by a large conglomerate. In the US, their products are distributed by Conn-Selmer, but they retain their independent manufacturing and design

Yanagisawa saxophones are known for their superb build quality and innovative design features that enhance playability and durability.

Handcrafted Excellence: The company emphasizes that each instrument is assembled and finished by skilled artisans, not mass-produced, which they believe imparts a "soul" and unique quality to each horn.
Material Variety: Yanagisawa offers a unique range of body materials beyond standard brass, including bronze and sterling silver models, allowing players a variety of tonal options. The bronze models are known for a rich, dark sound.
Ergonomics and Keywork: Musicians and technicians praise the ergonomic key design and smooth, precise action of the keywork, which makes the instruments comfortable to play with excellent intonation.
Innovations: They introduced the world's first detachable neck soprano saxophone (S-880 in 1985) and were the first in Japan to build sopranino and baritone saxophones.

Yanagisawa has a strong reputation among professional musicians, educators, and technicians. They are often described as being free-blowing, highly responsive, and exceptionally reliable straight out of the box. Their attention to detail and consistent quality me them a top choice for serious players across all musical genres. Discover the experience of handmade Yanagisawa saxophones at The Mighty Quinn Brass and Winds, where we specialize in online sales of musical instruments. We are proud to be an Authorized Yanagisawa Dealer.

FAQs

What is Yanagisawa known for?

Yanagisawa is a highly respected Japanese manufacturer specializing in professional saxophones. The company is known for producing instruments with exceptional craftsmanship, precise intonation, and refined keywork that are favored by professional saxophonists and advanced students worldwide.

Where are Yanagisawa saxophones made?

Yanagisawa saxophones are manufactured in Japan, where the company maintains tight quality control and extensive hand craftsmanship throughout the production process

What instruments does Yanagisawa produce?

Yanagisawa focuses on professional saxophones, including sopranos altos, tenors, and baritones. Unlike many manufacturers, Yanagisawa specializes exclusively in saxophones.

Why are Yanagisawa saxophones so highly regarded?

Yanagisawa instruments are known for their excellent intonation, smooth keywork, balanced tone, and extremely consistent build quality. Many players appreciate their precise response and dependable performance in both jazz and classical settings.

What is the Yanagisawa WO series?

The WO (World Outstanding) series is the company’s modern line of professional saxophones. These instruments feature refined acoustical design, improved ergonomics, and several material options that influence tone and response.

Are Yanagisawa saxophones handmade?

Yanagisawa saxophones involve significant hand craftsmanship, including detailed fitting of keys, precise adjustment, and careful finishing to ensure optimal playability and tone.

Do Yanagisawa saxophones hold their value?

Because of their reputation for craftsmanship and consistency, Yanagisawa saxophones often retain strong resale value, particularly professional models in excellent condition.