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Toolshed
W02 Professional
alto
Yanagisawa WO Series
Alto Saxophones
Upgrades Yield New Pro, Elite Models
J
apanese saxophone and mouthpiece maker Yanagisawa is known for producing professional-quality
horns with outstanding ergonomics and a high level of structural integrity. That
means that the horns have a reputation for being fast, accurate, solid and comfortable to
play. Yanagisawa saxes also tend toward the bright side of the sound spectrum, making them
an attractive option for modern-leaning players who want a little more sizzle than what other
pro horns typically offer, vintage models in particular. Now, the company’s high-end 900 and
990 series are getting significant upgrades, starting with the alto models.
The Yanagisawa WO series alto saxophones officially replace the 900 and 990 series.
Several smart upgrades and improvements complement the classic Yanagisawa features on
these horns and bring a sense of refreshment to a long-established brand—not a bad idea
considering the growth of the pro sax market in recent times. WO altos formerly in the 900
series are now referred to as Professional models; the 990 series are now called Elite models.
I play-tested the new W010 Elite model (which replaces the 991) and W02 Professional
model (which replaces the 902). The first thing I noticed on the WO series altos was the new
front F key, which has been refashioned with a unique contour to accommodate the player’s
left-hand forefinger. Players with large hands might require a little time to adjust to the
new mechanism; I have small hands and immediately found I preferred this new design over
more traditional front-F configurations. It goes a long way in smoothing and strengthening
the bridge between the saxophone’s natural high range and the extended altissimo register.
Yanagisawa made some ergonomic tweaks on the WO series. For example, the righthand
pinky keys (E-flat and low C) have been reangled, and additional feet have been added
under the right-hand side keys to give the mechanism more support and impart a heavier
feel. Plus, the high E side key has been given a new winglike “scooped” shape. All of these
changes facilitate speedy play and improve grip and stability.
Yanagisawa also redesigned the bore slightly in order to increase tonal resonance. “It
seems to be most noticeable where the bore meets the bow and the bell,” said Bob Lichty,
director of marketing for saxophones at Conn-Selmer, which distributes Yanagisawa
in the States. “I find these new WO models are definitely a little more resonant
down there than the 900 and 990 series were.” Tonehole position has also been
modified, resulting in better intonation in the left-hand upper stack. A new
strengthening plate has been placed on the front of the neck crook to add
core weight. One nice feature from Yanagisawa’s 990 series—a plate
under the left-hand palm keys to provide extra weight and warm up
the sound—can now be found on all WO altos.
The W010 played with a direct, punchy sound. I especially liked
the double arms on the low C and low B keys, a reinforcement that
helps prevent leaking and warbling. The W010 features the no-slip,
under-slung octave-key design of the 990 series, which is a nice touch.
The brass used to make the horn comes from a different source than
previous Yanagisawa saxophones—a material enhancement intended to
improve the sound of all the brass models in the WO line.
I enjoyed manipulating different timbres on the W02, which is made entirely of
bronze and has a softer, warmer, broader tone than traditional brass saxophones.
W010
Elite alto
This and other models in the Professional WO line feature post-to-body construction,
making them lighter and allowing for quicker response and resonance.
Suggested retail prices on the WO series brass and bronze models range from
$5,380 to $7,515. Yanagisawa offers precious-metal options on the WO series as well.
Sterling silver components are available in various combinations (including the all-sterling
W037), and the pink gold W020PG tops out the line.
The WO case has been updated with a convenient backpack strap and pockets for
accessories—a big improvement over Yanagisawa’s hard-shell wood case of the past.
Yanagisawa’s upgrade of the 900 series and 990 series altos to the WO Professional and
Elite series is a success. It will be interesting to check out the rest of the company’s 900 series
and 990 series sopranos, tenors and baris when they follow suit with upgrades to WO status
in the future.
—Ed Enright
Ordering info: conn-selmer.com
98 DOWNBEAT AUGUST 2014