Gear article
Yamaha YAS62A Professional Alto Saxophone
The Yamaha YAS62A is a professional-grade alto saxophone featuring a distinctive amber lacquer finish and hand-engraved detailing. Renowned for its ergonomic key layout and the 62-style neck, it is designed to provide a solid tonal core and a bright, responsive playing feel for advanced musicians.
See live pricesBackground and Design
The Yamaha YAS-62 series has long been established as a staple within the professional saxophone market. The YAS62A variant distinguishes itself through its aesthetic treatment and refined construction. It features a specific 'Amber Lacquer' finish which provides a vintage-inspired aesthetic. A notable design element is the hand engraving; unlike standard models, the engraving on the YAS62A is performed by skilled craftsmen after the lacquering process has been completed. This technique creates a high-contrast visual effect against the brass body.
Technical Features
Central to the performance of the YAS62A is the 62-style neck. This component is engineered to facilitate a comfortable flow of air, which helps the player maintain a consistent and solid tonal core across all registers. The instrument utilizes a traditional body shape which contributes to its specific acoustic properties.
Durability is addressed through a specialised technology topcoat applied over the lacquer. This protective layer is intended to preserve the instrument's visual condition against environmental wear. Furthermore, the keywork is designed with an ergonomic layout to ensure fluid finger movement and player comfort during extended performances.
Sound Character and Playability
The YAS62A is characterised by a bright sound profile, a hallmark of the traditional 62-series body design. This brightness is paired with a lighter playing feel, making the instrument highly responsive to the player's nuances. These tonal characteristics make it a versatile choice capable of cutting through in various musical settings, from classical ensembles to jazz and contemporary pop.
Target Audience and Comparison
This instrument is positioned for professional musicians and advanced students who require a dependable, high-performance saxophone with a unique visual identity. While Yamaha offers other professional models like the silver-plated YBS480 baritone, the YAS62A focuses on the alto range with a specific emphasis on the 'Amber' aesthetic. It is often compared to other professional alto saxophones but stands out due to the specific air-flow characteristics of its 62-series neck and its handcrafted finish.
Related gear
£21.80 ($28)Daddario
DAddario Organic Select Jazz Unfiled Tenor Sax Reeds 4H (5 Pack)
£31.00 ($39)Rovner
Rovner 3RL Dark Bass Clarinet/Saxophone Ligature and Cap
£22.40 ($28)Vandoren
Vandoren Java Tenor Saxophone Reeds 1.5 (5 Pack)
£25.25 ($32)Daddario
DAddario Organic Select Jazz Filed Alto Sax Reeds 4M (10 Pack)
£7,531.00 ($9,564)Yamaha
Yamaha YBS480 Baritone Saxophone Silver Plate
£40.00 ($51)Yamaha
Yamaha 5C Soprano Saxophone Mouthpiece
£85.70 ($109)Vandoren
Vandoren Cuir Alto Sax Ligature Leather with Leather Cap
£395.00 ($502)JodyJazz Inc.
JodyJazz Super Jet Baritone Saxophone Mouthpiece 6
Frequently asked questions
- What is the primary finish of the Yamaha YAS62A?
- The Yamaha YAS62A features a specialised Amber Lacquer finish, giving it a distinct aesthetic compared to standard gold lacquer models.
- How is the engraving on the YAS62A different from other models?
- The engraving is performed by skilled craftsmen after the lacquering process is complete. This enhances the contrast with the brass and adds to the visual appeal.
- What type of neck does the YAS62A use?
- It is equipped with a 62-style neck, which is designed to provide a comfortable flow of air and a solid tonal core.
- What is the sound profile of the YAS62A?
- The YAS62A produces a brighter sound and offers a lighter playing feel, which is characteristic of its traditional body shape.
- Is the YAS62A suitable for beginners?
- While a beginner could play it, the YAS62A is designed as a professional-grade instrument intended for experienced musicians and professionals.
- Does the YAS62A come with a case?
- Yes, the instrument is supplied complete with a carry bag to ensure safe transport and protection.
- How does the topcoat affect the instrument?
- The saxophone features a special technology topcoat that helps maintain its exquisite condition and finish over time.
- What musical styles best suit the YAS62A?
- Due to its bright sound and solid tonal core, it is suitable for a wide variety of musical styles, including jazz, classical, and pop.
- What is the typical price range for this model?
- The YAS62A is typically priced around GBP 2780, reflecting its status as a professional-level instrument.
- How does the key layout impact playability?
- The saxophone features an ergonomic key layout designed to be comfortable and intuitive for the player's hands.
- What is the benefit of the traditional body shape?
- The traditional body shape used in the YAS62A creates a brighter sound and a lighter playing feel compared to some alternative designs.
- Can I use standard alto saxophone reeds with the YAS62A?
- Yes, it is compatible with standard alto reeds, such as the D'Addario Organic Select Jazz Filed 4M or similar professional reeds.
