What model did the Yanagisawa BWO1 replace?

The BWO1 is the direct successor to the Yanagisawa B901. It incorporates several mechanical and ergonomic improvements over the previous design while maintaining the same professional core.

Is the BWO1 suitable for beginners?

While it is exceptionally easy to play, it is marketed as a professional instrument. It is best suited for excelling students and professionals due to its high build quality and price point.

What is the benefit of the Fluororesin coating?

The non-stick Fluororesin coating on the mechanisms ensures a more reliable and smooth key action. It also helps to prevent sticking and extends the lifetime of the instrument's moving parts.

What accessories are included with the BWO1?

The saxophone comes with a leatherette-covered wood shell case for protection and a Yanagisawa ebonite mouthpiece. These professional-grade accessories allow the player to begin practicing immediately.

What material is the BWO1 made from?

The body of the BWO1 is made of high-quality brass. It is finished with a bright clear lacquer that protects the metal and adds to the instrument's visual appeal.

Does the BWO1 have a High F# key?

Yes, as a professional-level instrument, the BWO1 includes a High F# key as standard. This allows for an extended range required in many modern musical compositions.

Where is the Yanagisawa BWO1 manufactured?

Yanagisawa instruments are manufactured in Japan. The company is renowned for being a specialist manufacturer that focuses exclusively on producing high-quality saxophones.

What is the typical price for a Yanagisawa BWO1?

The BWO1 typically retails in the region of £6,140. This price reflects its status as a professional-grade, Japanese-made instrument.

Can the BWO1 be used for jazz music?

Yes, the BWO1 is designed to be highly versatile. Its bright and clear tone makes it an excellent choice for jazz big bands and solo work, especially when paired with appropriate reeds and mouthpieces.

What type of key tops does the BWO1 have?

The instrument features white shell key tops. These provide a classic aesthetic and a comfortable, secure grip for the player's fingers during performance.

How does the BWO1 compare to the Yamaha YBS-480?

Both are high-quality instruments, but the BWO1 is often noted for its mechanically superior Fluororesin-coated action. While Yamaha is a larger diverse manufacturer, Yanagisawa is a dedicated saxophone specialist.

Is the bell of the BWO1 decorated?

Yes, the BWO1 features deluxe hand engraving on the bell. This adds a premium, bespoke aesthetic to the instrument, distinguishing it from mass-produced student models.

Gear article

Yanagisawa BWO1 Baritone Saxophone

The Yanagisawa BWO1 is a professional-grade baritone saxophone crafted in Japan, serving as the successor to the highly regarded B901 model. It features a brass body with a clear gold lacquer finish and is engineered for versatility, catering to both professional musicians and advancing students.

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Background and Design

The Yanagisawa BWO1 represents the evolution of the brand's professional baritone line, replacing the long-standing B901 series. As a specialist manufacturer focused exclusively on saxophones, Yanagisawa designed the BWO1 to serve as a new reference point in the industry. The instrument is constructed with a brass body finished in a bright clear lacquer, intended to provide a balance of aesthetic appeal and acoustic resonance.

Visual refinements include deluxe hand engraving on the bell and white shell key tops, which provide a tactile surface for the player. The instrument is delivered with a wood shell case covered in leatherette and a high-quality Yanagisawa ebonite mouthpiece, ensuring it is ready for immediate professional use.

Key Features and Mechanisms

A hallmark of the BWO1 is its superior mechanical construction. Yanagisawa has prioritised reliability through the use of non-stick Fluororesin coating on specific mechanism components. This coating ensures a smooth, consistent action and serves to prolong the overall lifespan of the instrument's moving parts.

The ergonomics are designed for high-level performance, featuring a layout that is often cited as more comfortable than many vintage or intermediate counterparts. The inclusion of a High F# key and a Low A mechanism is standard, meeting the requirements of modern professional repertoire.

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Sound and Character

The BWO1 is engineered for versatility, capable of excelling in diverse musical settings from classical ensembles to jazz big bands. Because of its brass construction and clear lacquer, it possesses a bright and focused core sound. The instrument is noted for its exceptional intonation across all registers, a common trait of the 'WO' (World Outstanding) series. The responsive nature of the mechanism allows for technical passages to be executed with clarity, while the ebonite mouthpiece helps the player achieve a nuanced tone from the outset.

Target Audience

The BWO1 is positioned as an entry-point professional instrument. It is specifically designed to suit:

Professional Musicians: Who require a reliable, mechanically superior instrument for daily work.
Excelling Students: Who are transitioning from intermediate instruments to a professional-standard baritone.
Ensemble Players: Its versatile voicing makes it suitable for pit orchestras, wind bands, and jazz quartets.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to alternatives such as the Yamaha YBS-480, the Yanagisawa BWO1 is often viewed as a more specialized professional choice due to Yanagisawa's boutique manufacturing focus. While the YBS-480 is a highly respected competitor, particularly in silver plate options, the BWO1 is frequently preferred for its specific mechanical refinements and the 'Fluororesin' coating. The BWO1 serves as the 'Professional' brass model in the Yanagisawa line, sitting below their bronze (BWO2) and solid silver models in price, while maintaining the same high standard of mechanical integrity.

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Frequently asked questions

What model did the Yanagisawa BWO1 replace?: The BWO1 is the direct successor to the Yanagisawa B901. It incorporates several mechanical and ergonomic improvements over the previous design while maintaining the same professional core.
Is the BWO1 suitable for beginners?: While it is exceptionally easy to play, it is marketed as a professional instrument. It is best suited for excelling students and professionals due to its high build quality and price point.
What is the benefit of the Fluororesin coating?: The non-stick Fluororesin coating on the mechanisms ensures a more reliable and smooth key action. It also helps to prevent sticking and extends the lifetime of the instrument's moving parts.
What accessories are included with the BWO1?: The saxophone comes with a leatherette-covered wood shell case for protection and a Yanagisawa ebonite mouthpiece. These professional-grade accessories allow the player to begin practicing immediately.
What material is the BWO1 made from?: The body of the BWO1 is made of high-quality brass. It is finished with a bright clear lacquer that protects the metal and adds to the instrument's visual appeal.
Does the BWO1 have a High F# key?: Yes, as a professional-level instrument, the BWO1 includes a High F# key as standard. This allows for an extended range required in many modern musical compositions.
Where is the Yanagisawa BWO1 manufactured?: Yanagisawa instruments are manufactured in Japan. The company is renowned for being a specialist manufacturer that focuses exclusively on producing high-quality saxophones.
What is the typical price for a Yanagisawa BWO1?: The BWO1 typically retails in the region of £6,140. This price reflects its status as a professional-grade, Japanese-made instrument.
Can the BWO1 be used for jazz music?: Yes, the BWO1 is designed to be highly versatile. Its bright and clear tone makes it an excellent choice for jazz big bands and solo work, especially when paired with appropriate reeds and mouthpieces.
What type of key tops does the BWO1 have?: The instrument features white shell key tops. These provide a classic aesthetic and a comfortable, secure grip for the player's fingers during performance.
How does the BWO1 compare to the Yamaha YBS-480?: Both are high-quality instruments, but the BWO1 is often noted for its mechanically superior Fluororesin-coated action. While Yamaha is a larger diverse manufacturer, Yanagisawa is a dedicated saxophone specialist.
Is the bell of the BWO1 decorated?: Yes, the BWO1 features deluxe hand engraving on the bell. This adds a premium, bespoke aesthetic to the instrument, distinguishing it from mass-produced student models.