Yamaha YAS-23 Alto Saxophone MIJ

Yamaha YAS-23 Alto Saxophone MIJ

Condition: Good

W/ Case & Mouthpiece

Here’s a chance to own one of the most respected student alto saxophones Yamaha has ever produced: the Yamaha YAS-23 Made in Japan. The YAS-23 has earned an almost legendary reputation among saxophonists, teachers, and repair technicians for its excellent playability, dependable construction, consistent intonation, and remarkable durability. Yamaha’s 23 Series was designed as an entry-level instrument, but Yamaha gave these horns a level of quality and consistency that made them favorites with players well beyond their first years of study. The Japanese-made YAS-23s in particular have become highly sought-after on the used market and are widely regarded as some of the finest student saxophones ever produced.

The YAS-23 also comes from a Yamaha saxophone tradition that reaches all the way to the highest levels of professional performance. Yamaha saxophones have been played by some of the world's most respected musicians, including jazz legends such as Phil Woods and contemporary artists such as Dave Koz and Jeff Coffin. In the classical world, Yamaha worked closely with the legendary saxophonist and educator Dr. Eugene Rousseau, whose expertise contributed to the development of Yamaha's saxophones. Rousseau was one of the most influential classical saxophonists and teachers of the modern era, and his collaboration with Yamaha helped shape instruments that are now used by professional saxophonists and conservatory students around the world. While the YAS-23 was designed as a student instrument, it benefits from the same Yamaha commitment to precision, consistency, and thoughtful instrument design that has made the brand a favorite among professional players.

The YAS-23 is an Eb alto saxophone featuring Yamaha's comfortable, straightforward keywork, Front F mechanism, clear lacquered finish, nickel-plated keys, and beautifully engraved bell. It was engineered for easy response, good tone, accurate tuning, and long-term reliability—the qualities that make a saxophone enjoyable for a first-time player while giving a more experienced musician an instrument they can confidently rely on. Whether you're a student heading into school band, an adult finally picking up the saxophone you've always wanted to play, a returning musician getting back into the groove, or an experienced player looking for a dependable backup or doubling horn, the YAS-23 is an exceptionally appealing choice.

There's a reason these Japanese YAS-23s continue to be sought after decades after they were made: they simply play well. Yamaha built them to be durable, consistent, easy to maintain, and enjoyable to play—and those qualities have stood the test of time. If you've been looking for a quality Japanese Yamaha alto with a proven track record rather than taking a chance on an unfamiliar student horn, this is an opportunity worth grabbing. YAS-23s with the desirable Made in Japan pedigree don't come along very often, so if you've been waiting for the right Yamaha to start playing, get back into music, or add a classic Japanese student horn to your collection, don't let this one get away!

As is shown in the pictures, there are superficial scratches and blemishes on the item. The instrument has been play tested. The pads seal well and the instrument functions as intended. This is a great horn and a solid investment.