JAPANESE

YANAGISAWA Saxophones Official website

Technology

alto saxophone Teflon-sleeved octave rocker Adjustable front-F key Metal thumb hook & rest Metal thumb hook & rest Double-arm keys C#-Bb and C#-B table key linkages Tri-point brace Adjustable vibration-damping bar Palm-key reinforcement plate; Integrated post-rib construction OTHER Double-arm keys

1954
First tenor saxophone (the T-3 model) enters production.
1956-1966
First alto saxophone (A-3) is unveiled and A-5 alto and T-5 tenor models are introduced. Development work is completed on a low-A baritone model (B-6).
1968

Japan's first soprano saxophone (S-6) is placed on the market. The SN-600 sopranino model with high-E key is finished and released.

Yanagisawa displays prototypes of a new professional line integrating innovative structural design enhancements that highlight its commitment to producing flexible saxophones for a wide range of musical styles.

At a 1977 music instrument fair, Yanagisawa announces a new line of soprano, alto, and tenor models epitomizing the "Yanagisawa Technology" philosophy, thus completing a full lineup of 15 models in five saxophone categories, from sopranino to baritone.

Echoing its motto for a wind instrument manufacturing process that "starts in the hands, passes through machines, and ends back in the hands," Yanagisawa enlists an integrated approach, with the manufacture of every single part combining the skills of expert craftsmen with modern precision machinery. Yanagisawa saxophones have earned strong acclaim worldwide and are today exported to major markets in North, Central, and South America as well as Australia and Europe.

1978-1985
The Elimona series (800 series) is launched.
Japan's first curved soprano model is unveiled.
The world's first straight soprano model with detachable neck (S-880) is announced.
1990-1995

Yanagisawa's 900- and 990-series soprano and baritone models are introduced.
The first Silver Sonic model (9930 series) is unveiled in Japan, enticing players with the expressive power and beauty of a sterling-silver body in four sizes, from soprano to baritone.

Alto and tenor models are added to the 900 and 990 series, which later evolve into the 900μand 990μseries sporting additional refinements in functionality and ergonomics.
1999
The A-9937 alto model with sterling silver neck, body, bow, and bell is announced.
2000
The sterling T-9937 tenor model hits the market and Yanagisawa puts the finishing touches on its top baritone model, the B-9930BSB.
Yanagisawa launches the bronze-bodied 992GP series with gold-plated finish.
2001
The bronze 992PGP series debuts with new pink-gold plated models.
2002
The 9937PGP series is born, rounding out the all-sterling lineup with pink-gold plated models.
Yanagisawa unveils its bronze A-902 alto, highly acclaimed for a deep, expressive voice that has put it in a class of its own.
2003
Yanagisawa unveils the T-902, the tenor version of its popular bronze alto model.
2004
The SC-991 and SC-992 curved soprano models are announced.
2006
Yanagisawa builds the A-9914, the world's first alto saxophone with neck, body, bow, and bell crafted entirely in 14K gold. Reference prototypes are exhibited at Musikmesse 2006, globally showcasing the advanced technology of the Yanagisawa brand.
2008
The SC-9937 curved soprano sax with all-sterling neck, body, bow, and bell is unveiled.
Yanagisawa continues to pursue new innovations in its quest for the ultimate saxophone.