If money is no object and you want the absolute best baritone sax on the market, the Yanagisawa BWO20 is the best you can get. Others will say Yamaha is the best with their new YBS82, and that is a fair claim. The Yamaha YBS82 is a fantastic baritone, but it does not compare to this instrument. The bronze body makes the sound lush and warm and excels when playing sweetly, but also has a lot of body and punch when playing loud. The bronze also looks beautiful and has a two-tone look with the brass keys. The keywork, as with all Yanagisawas, is perfect. The low A key is beveled slightly for extra comfort, the table keys on the right and left pinky are redesigned for easy switching back and forth between notes, and there are double arms on the large key cups (C, B, Bb, A). Also, almost every single note is perfectly in tune. You can focus on the music at hand rather than try to modify your embouchure to keep the instrument in tune. The case is also wonderful, with built-in wheels, backpack straps (yes, they work!) and an extra large pouch on the outside of the case.

Only look at buying this baritone sax if you simply want the best of the best. If you are looking for a step-up or even a professional bari at an affordable price, this is not the instrument for you. I honestly have nothing negative or critical to say about this instrument; it is really that good!

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After 25 years with a Series III Tenor I started my switch to Bari with a Cannonball Big Bell. Nice horn. Then I started buying my gear from who Nick Reedy is a very good sales engineer. He's been providing me with instruments and mouthpieces for a couple of years. Last month Nick helped me make the jump to Yanagisawa. Wow! What a great horn. Right out of the box, I knew this is a wonderful Baritone. Sweetwater is a great service-oriented company. If you want good service Nick and Sweetwater will put a smile on your face!