Superb Entry Level Saxophone
The Yamaha YAS-26S alto saxophone is an easily accessible horn for any new saxophonist and is teeming with features to support budding musicians. Built on the iconic Yamaha 62 body, the 26 provides students with consistent intonation and platform stability for developing a solid embouchure and refining finger dexterity. A durable and reliable post-to-body construction is further enhanced by a stabilizing 2-point brace and an improved neck receiver, positioning this horn well for group saxophone classes, private lessons, and the stage. What’s more, the 26 comes primed for rehearsal with a reliable Yamaha 4C mouthpiece and a hardshell case. Yamaha's YAS-26S is ready to accompany any new player as they set out on their musical journey and is primed to foster a strong saxophone foundation.
Thoughtfully designed for the developing sax player
Designed to enhance progression for new players, the YAS-26S is based on the classic Yamaha 62 body style and incorporates thoughtful ergonomic enhancements. The YAS-26S features post-to-body construction for a lightweight, free-blowing profile across the entire horn. Likewise, the top of the horn showcases an improved neck receiver with a consistent, airtight seal. Yamaha has outfitted the 26 with a J-style keyguard that safeguards your low-end keys and a two-point brace that stabilizes each side of the sax. What’s more, an ergonomic profile makes the 26 approachable for players of varying hand sizes, and, like all Yamaha saxophones, it comes with an adjustable thumb rest to dial in a perfect fit. Finally, an included Yamaha 4C mouthpiece provides students with a reliable starting point as they hone their sound and progress to more advanced hardware.
Responsive and easy to play
The 26's balanced ergonomics are complemented with thoughtful enhancements, giving your student a rock-solid foundation for building crucial hand dexterity. Sweetwater saxophone scholars agree that the front F key and consistent intonation make the 26 an excellent horn for students to develop alternate and extended fingerings, affording them new avenues for mastering dense technical passages. As students progress, adjustable keyguards allow both students and instructors to modify the venting for protected keys to fine-tune low-key intonation. Meanwhile, a comfortable left-hand seesaw key and an improved low B–C# connection mechanism smooth out transitions, improving efficiency during fast, intricate passages.
Yamaha saxophones: designed and built for artists
In 1967, Yamaha debuted their first saxophones: the YAS-1 alto and the YTS-1 tenor. Both found favor in the sax player community. In fact, jazz great John Coltrane, who built his reputation on the tenor and soprano, played the prototype YAS-1 gifted him by Yamaha extensively during his 1966 tour of Japan. In 1972, Yamaha partnered with renowned classical saxophonist Dr. Eugene Rousseau to develop a new line of professional-class saxophones. After arduous years of prototyping, testing, and revisions, Yamaha introduced the fruits of their labor: the YAS-62 alto, the YTS-62 tenor, and the YSS-62 soprano. Designed with three guiding principles in mind — superior acoustics, top-notch mechanisms, and artistic feel — the 62 series saxophones represented a milestone for Yamaha, setting the company on the path to becoming one of the world’s most-respected saxophone makers. Today, Yamaha continues to adhere to the principles established during the creation of the original 62 series nearly a half century ago, providing saxophonists with fine instruments to inspire their artistry and meet their technical demands. Sweetwater is proud to offer you Yamaha’s distinguished saxophone line, which offers outstanding value at every level, from student models to sophisticated professional saxophones heard in premier venues and concert halls around the globe.
Yamaha YAS-26S Features:
- Efficiently engineered entry-level alto saxophone utilizing the tried and true Yamaha 62 body style
- Post-to-body construction provides smooth airflow and a light build
- Front F key to help approach advanced music
- Improved neck receiver for a tight, consistent seal
- Adjustable thumb hook offers increased ergonomics
- Revamped mechanism for the low B–C# transition provides smooth action throughout the horn
- 2-point brace stabilizes the horn and maximizes resonance
- Ready for rehearsal with included Yamaha 4C mouthpiece and hardshell case
- Available in either a vibrant, clear lacquer or a shining silver-plated finish
