Q: What is the difference between the 901 and the 991 series Yanagisawa saxophones?

A:  This is a question that we get asked a lot. While there are several differences on the 901 vs the 991, it is important to note that they are built around the same fundamental design. In fact, on the alto, tenor & bari sax (this issue does not apply to the soprano), if you take just the bare tube parts of the horn (neck, body, bow & bell) without any keys or key posts on them, these are actually the same part on the 901 & 991.

The principle difference is the construction style of the key posts to the body. With the A/T/B 901, each post is individually soldered on to the body. On the A/T/B 991, large groups of posts are first attached to a large brass "rib" and then that entire rib is attached to the body. This "ribbed construction" places more metal on to the body tube thus increasing the mass of the tube. This extra mass produces a darker tone.

The Alto & Tenor 991 models also change the orientation of the octave key on the neck. The A/T 901 uses a standard top mount octave key whereas the A/T 991 uses an underslung mechanism. Most would think this is merely a cosmetic/technical improvement. The reality is that the braces used on the underslung design change the weight distribution on the neck and change the overall weight. The neck itself is the most sensitive to weight/mass changes and so the increase of weight on the 991 series neck also gives a warmer tone.

Please note that on the soprano models, both the S901 and S991 use ribbed construction. The difference between the S901 and the S991 is that the S901 is a 1 piece body with range to high F# and the S991 is a dual neck model with range to high G.

Another change that we find throughout the line is the pads. While both series of pads are of an exceptional, the 991 series uses a noticeably nicer pad.

There are other changes in the 901 vs 991 design on the alto, tenor & bari as well, however they are not as much of a performance difference rather than a technical improvement. Some of these features include double arm construction of the low B & C keys & C#-B connected roller. These features while nice, are not going to change the performance of the saxophone.

Q: What is the difference when using Bronze or Solid Silver?

A:  The various metals used in a sax fundamentally change the acoustic principles of the instrument. Most will find that Bronze and Sterling Silver will add warmth and darkness to the tonal character of the sax. Both Bronze and Sterling Silver (92.5% pure silver) are heavier than standard brass. This extra weight is the reason behind the warmer/darker tone. However, it is really a personal preference as it is not always "better".

The downside to Bronze for some people is that they find that the sax does not seem to "respond" as easily as with Brass. Sterling Silver seems to respond as easily as (if not easier than) brass, but still gives the warmer tone. However, Silver is more expensive as a material and more delicate to manufacture with.

In some models, Yanagisawa mixes the various setups of metals for various tonal and response reasons. For instance, the A9933 is one of our favorite models that Yanagisawa makes. It features the neck and bell tubes made from Sterling Silver with the body and the bow still made from brass. There is even a model that is not promoted much called the A9932 that uses the same silver neck and bell but uses bronze on the body and bow instead of brass. Neither is definitively better than the other, just different. The model with the bronze tubes plays with a darker tone in comparison.

The downside to these materials is weight. Both are heavier than brass. So especially when you go to the heavier construction of the 99x series with one of these materials throughout the whole horn, the weight change can be a negative aspect to them.

Q: Is the 901 series an Intermediate or Professional model?

A:  This is a loaded question to begin with. The first thing to consider is what do those terms really mean? Sadly, these days it seems that the industry uses those words in many cases not as a true indicator of quality but rather as a justification of the price. Also keep in mind that the term "professional" is misleading. There really is no such thing as a "professional" sax, only professional players.

However, in keeping in the spirit of the question, really the 901 is no less of a horn than the 991. As I answered in the first question, the difference in the 2 has to do with the weight of the construction. Both are handmade and both use the same tubes. The difference is that the 901 is brighter than the 991 (excludes soprano, see the first question above).

I too have seen other websites that will list the 901 as an "Intermediate" model. A lot of this has to do with the previous distributor in the USA's dealer materials. Many years ago, the distributor listed the 901 series as "Intermediate" and the 991 series as "Professional" in order to explain the price difference to dealers. This really did an injustice to the 901 reputation in my opinion. Many retailers have never updated this in their own databases and catalogs.

Q: Difference in the S901 vs S991 (and S981) Sopranos?

A:  The Yanagisawa soprano models do not share the same differences as the alto/tenor/bari counterparts do. Unlike the A/T/B 901, the S901 (straight) is actually built with the same ribbed construction and the same advanced features of the 991 series instruments. So tonally, the S901 and S991 (as well as the less known S981 model) are identical.

The difference is neck & range.

S901: Solid One Piece Body, Range to High F#
S981: Dual Neck Design, Range to High F#
S991: Dual Neck Design, Range to High G

Every other aspect of the design is the same. The S901 does feature less engraving than the others.

Q: Difference in the SC901 vs SC991 Curved Sopranos?

A:  Unlike the rest of the Yanagisawa line, Yanagisawa does not manufacture both the SC901 and SC991 simultaneously. The SC991 is the model made today and is the successor to the SC901.

The SC991 has 2 distinct changes in the design compared to the SC901. The biggest is the fact that the SC901 had the bell keys on the left side of the bell (like many vintage altos and tenors) and the SC991 was designed to position the bell keys on the right side of the bell like modern models. Yanagisawa did have to shift the bell further to the left in order to accommodate the new key position. This change was made so that they could update the left hand pinky cluster to the modern design used throughout the rest of the 991 series lineup.

The other change that we noticed was in the angle of the neck. Yanagisawa increased the neck angle on the SC991. This allows the horn to be held closer to the body in a more natural alto sax position. It also gives the saxophone a little darker tone.

Q: Why have I not heard of Yanagisawa before?

A:  Yanagisawa only makes professional saxophones and mouthpieces. They don't make student models, other instruments or motorcycles. They specialize in professional saxophones as it is their passion. So until you are in the world of professional saxophones, it is not uncommon to not have heard of Yanagisawa. However, they are commonly discussed as part of the "Big 4" of professional sax makers. The "Big 4" consists of Selmer Paris, Keilwerth (Germany), Yanagisawa & Yamaha.