Yamaha YAS-280 Student Alto Saxophone

Yamaha YAS-280 Student Alto Saxophone is the alto we put in the hands of most first-year players, and it is the one their band teachers ask for by name. It plays in tune from the first lesson, it sits comfortably on a smaller frame, and the gold lacquer finish looks the part on stage. A Yamaha 4C mouthpiece is supplied, so it is ready for band on day one.

Built for a young player's hands

The YAS-280 is light for an alto and its keywork is laid out so a beginner is not stretching to reach anything. The thumb hook adjusts to suit the player's right hand, which matters when a student is growing through the instrument. Good posture early on means fewer bad habits to unlearn later.

High F# key and front F key

Some student altos stop short of the altissimo register. The YAS-280 has a high F# key plus a front F key, the same fingerings a player will use on an intermediate or professional horn. Nothing needs relearning when the time comes to step up.

280 style neck and the 4C mouthpiece

The neck is Yamaha's 280 design, matched to the body so each note centres easily and the response stays even across the range. The supplied 4C mouthpiece is easy to control, so a beginner gets a clear, steady sound rather than a fight for one.

Gold lacquer finish

The body and keys are finished in gold lacquer that protects the metal and wipes clean after a rehearsal. It is the classic saxophone look, and it holds up to a year of moving between home, the bus and the band room.

Specifications