Yamaha YAS-62 vs Yanagisawa AWO1 Alto Saxophone – Which Should You Choose?
Two of the world's finest professional alto saxophones compared
If you're looking for a professional alto saxophone, two models consistently appear at the top of players' wish lists: the Yamaha YAS-62 and the Yanagisawa AWO1.
Both instruments have earned outstanding reputations amongst teachers, professional musicians and advancing students. Both are beautifully engineered in Japan, offer exceptional build quality and are trusted by players around the world.
So which one is right for you?
At The Wind Section, we've supplied both models to everyone from ambitious students to experienced performers. Rather than saying one is simply "better" than the other, we believe the right choice depends on your playing style, musical goals and the sound you're looking to achieve.
At a glance
Both instruments feature:
- Professional Japanese craftsmanship.
- Excellent intonation across the full range.
- Comfortable ergonomic keywork designed for long playing sessions.
- High-quality brass construction with lacquer finish.
- Reliable, durable mechanisms built for years of regular performance.
- Outstanding resale value from two of the world's most respected saxophone manufacturers.
Yamaha YAS-62 – Why players love it
The Yamaha YAS-62 has been one of the world's best-selling professional alto saxophones for decades, and with good reason.
Its reputation has been built on consistency. Whether you're buying your first professional saxophone or replacing an older instrument, Yamaha's manufacturing standards mean every YAS-62 feels reassuringly familiar.
Players often describe the instrument as:
- Responsive and free-blowing.
- Bright without becoming harsh.
- Exceptionally reliable.
- Comfortable to play for extended periods.
- Flexible across jazz, concert band, pop and classical styles.
For advancing students, the YAS-62 offers a professional instrument that is forgiving enough to continue developing with while providing more than enough performance for conservatoire study and professional work.
Things to consider
Some experienced players looking for a darker or more characterful sound may find the Yamaha slightly more neutral than some boutique manufacturers. For many musicians, however, this versatility is one of its greatest strengths.
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Yanagisawa AWO1 – Why players choose it
Yanagisawa has earned an enviable reputation for producing beautifully crafted saxophones with remarkable attention to detail, and the AWO1 is no exception.
Replacing the much-loved A901, the AWO1 offers a refined playing experience with a rich, centred tone and exceptional mechanical precision.
Players frequently praise the AWO1 for:
- A warm, colourful sound.
- Smooth, effortless response.
- Outstanding keywork.
- Superb consistency across all registers.
- Excellent tonal flexibility for expressive playing.
Many musicians describe the AWO1 as feeling incredibly refined, making it particularly appealing to players who appreciate subtle tonal shading and nuanced musical expression.
Things to consider
The AWO1 typically represents a slightly higher investment than the Yamaha YAS-62. Some players may also find its more refined tonal character takes a little longer to fully appreciate, particularly if they're moving from an intermediate instrument.
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Our experience
At The Wind Section, these are two of the professional alto saxophones we recommend most often.
Neither instrument is objectively better—they simply appeal to different players.
The Yamaha YAS-62 is often chosen by musicians looking for an exceptionally reliable, versatile instrument that performs brilliantly in almost any musical setting.
The Yanagisawa AWO1 often attracts players who value craftsmanship, tonal sophistication and an instrument with a distinctive personality.
We've seen customers fall in love with both.
Expert recommendation from Malcolm Kirkpatrick, Managing Director
"One of the questions we're asked most often is whether we'd recommend the Yamaha YAS-62 or the Yanagisawa AWO1. The honest answer is that I'd be delighted to own either.
The Yamaha has earned its reputation over many decades. It's incredibly consistent, wonderfully reliable and one of the easiest professional saxophones to recommend because it simply performs exactly as players expect it to.
The Yanagisawa AWO1 has a different character. It feels beautifully refined, the engineering is exceptional and many players are immediately drawn to the richness and flexibility of its sound.
Whenever a customer visits our showroom, I always encourage them to try both. It's often the instrument that feels the most natural and inspires you to play that turns out to be the right choice—not necessarily the one with the longest specification sheet."
Malcolm Kirkpatrick
Managing Director, The Wind Section
Malcolm has spent decades helping saxophonists of every level choose instruments that suit their playing style, musical ambitions and budget. His recommendations are based not only on technical specifications but on years of seeing how different instruments perform in the hands of real musicians.
Which saxophone would we recommend?
Choose the Yamaha YAS-62 if you:
- Want a proven professional instrument with exceptional versatility.
- Play a wide variety of musical styles.
- Value consistency and reliability.
- Prefer a lively, focused response.
- Want outstanding long-term value.
Choose the Yanagisawa AWO1 if you:
- Appreciate boutique craftsmanship.
- Prefer a richer, more nuanced tonal character.
- Enjoy expressive, detailed playing.
- Want an instrument with beautifully refined mechanics.
- Are looking for a professional saxophone with its own unique personality.
Our verdict
There are very few wrong decisions at this level.
Both the Yamaha YAS-62 and Yanagisawa AWO1 represent decades of Japanese saxophone-making expertise and remain among the finest professional alto saxophones available today.
If you're looking for the ultimate all-round performer with exceptional versatility, the Yamaha YAS-62 is difficult to fault.
If you're searching for a beautifully crafted instrument with a rich, sophisticated sound and impeccable engineering, the Yanagisawa AWO1 is equally deserving of consideration.
Ultimately, the best saxophone is the one that inspires you every time you open the case. That's why, at The Wind Section, we'll always encourage you to try both and choose the instrument that feels and sounds right for you.
Whether you visit our Edinburgh showroom or speak to us over the phone, our specialist team is always happy to help you compare both models and find the professional saxophone that's right for your musical journey.
You can call us on 0131 557 6543 or email us at info@thewindsection.com
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