Beginner Friendly, Player Approved
Optimized for beginner saxophonists, the Yamaha YAS-280 alto saxophone is brimming with features to support new musicians as they embark on their saxophone journey. With iconic, streamlined Yamaha ergonomics and playability, the 280 provides students with a stable platform for developing solid intonation and expressive musicality. Featuring a light post-to-body construction, front F and high F# keys, an improved neck receiver, and a stabilizing 2-point brace, this sax is designed to grow with the player as they continue to refine their technique and take on more difficult pieces. What’s more, the 280 comes primed for rehearsal with a reliable Yamaha 4C mouthpiece and a softshell case. Durable, reliable, and musical, the YAS-280 alto saxophone is sure to spark the imagination of budding musicians.
Designed for the developing sax player
Designed to enhance progression for new players, the YAS-280 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 280 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 280 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 280'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 high F# key make the 280 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-280 Features:
- Highly approachable saxophone streamlined for new players
- Post-to-body construction provides smooth airflow and a light build
- Ready to take on advanced music with a front F key and a high F# key
- Improved neck receiver for a tight, consistent seal
- Increased ergonomics with an adjustable thumb hook
- Adjustable keyguards for minor adjustments to your low end keys
- Smooth action throughout the horn with a revamped mechanism for the low B–C# transition
- 2-point brace stabilizes horn and maximizes resonance
- Ready for rehearsal with included Yamaha 4C mouthpiece and softshell case
- Available in either a brilliant gold lacquer or a shining silver-plated finish
