Description
A suberbly refined and versatile saxophone. A modern-day classic
The upgraded replacement for the legendary A901U series, this AWO1U unlacquered brass model is suited just as well to aspiring beginners as to experienced professionals.
Description
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 recognise as the best. Here at SAX our technicians love them as they play straight out of the box and they are by far the most reliable instruments we sell.
The Yanagisawa A901U 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 had one serious competitor, also from Japan. The best just got better with this new upgraded AW01U model.
Lacquer is simply put, a paint that is applied onto a material, to keep the material underneath from tarnishing or making the material an appealing colour. An unlacquered instrument simply has no lacquer applied to the base metal.
Many unlacquered saxophones begin life with a polished finish that is visually similar to a standard lacquered instrument. However, as soon as the saxophone leaves the factory, the tarnishing process will begin. This will give the saxophone a real vintage appeal, the envy of all jazzers out there. This will also explain why it may have signs of aging when you receive it.
Aurally, this means the material has complete freedom of movement for resonance. This will give the tone a fullness on the fringes of the note playing, really filling the space and giving the bottom end especially a real presence.
The AW01U has an even stronger tonal core thanks to a re-engineered bore and tone holes.
Features
• Material: Brass
• Finish: Unlacquered
• Key Touches: White mother-of-pearl
• Neck: Yanagisawa
• Engraving: Hand engraved
• Case: Yanagisawa, rectangular back-pack style
• Mouthpiece: Yanagisawa Ebonite 6CR
• Made in: Japan
• Free Professional Set Up & Free Check over within a Year
• Recommended for: Advancing students, and professionals on a budget
Review
Yanagisawa have managed to raise the quality of their instruments another notch, with the introduction of the WO series.
The sound delivery of any Yani horn has always been one of richness and smoothness while remaining free-blowing throughout. This quality remains in place on the WO horns but there is an extra degree of warmth and just a little extra focus over and above the old brass models. I’m sure this must be largely due to the change of brass on the AW01 and AW010 models.
As for the bronze models, there is less of a discernable difference tonally but ergonomically all of the range has benefited from tweaks within the mechanism and key-work. These are lovely new horns.... Jim - SAX
New WO Features
Front F Key
A new redesigned front F key for a better feel.
Right Side Key
Additional feet under the right side key levers (B, C and high E) for a better touch.
Right Pinky Key
New pinky key angle for smoother fingering.
New Engraving
Exquisite new hand engraving.
New Neck Plate
An additional neck plate for tightening the sound.
Palm Key plate
New palm key plate for added high range resonance, acoustic depth and projection across all register, and exceptional tonal stability.
Teflon octave system
Both ends of the octave key axis rotate in a receptacle that is coated with teflon to insure a smooth operation every time
Rocking table mechanism
The C# and Bb keys have a rocking table mechanism that allows for optimal speed and fluidity between these pitches
F-auxiliary key mechanism
Insures a proper seal of the pads when playing in the low range of the saxophone
"Indented" white shell keys
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
Pointed pivot screw
The pivot screws that are used have a pointed end which facilitates an accurate center and precise action
Air-tight waterproof pad
The pads are completely air-tight which supports stability in playing and their life is extended thanks to being waterproof
Blue steel springs
Blue steel springs give the player quick response and are more resilient than stainless steel (they also last much longer)
Tri-point balanced bell braceThe bell and the body of the saxophone are securely connected by a tri-point balanced bell brace
Delivery & Returns
FREE DELIVERY ON ALL ORDERS OVER £100 TO UK MAINLAND
FAST & FULLY INSURED INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING. PAY THE FINAL LANDED COST AT CHECKOUT!
If you're based overseas and would like more information, please read our overseas guide located here
RETURNS
Goods purchased online can be returned within 14 days of receipt. This does not apply to custom ordered goods, products where hygiene is concerned and product seals have been broken (reeds, mouthpieces etc), digital download codes or software licences. Goods purchased through our website cannot be returned to our retail stores.
