Yanagisawa TWO1 Tenor Saxophone

A professional tenor saxophone combining effortless response, precise keywork and a confident, focused sound

The Yanagisawa TWO1 Tenor Saxophone is a Japanese-made professional instrument designed for saxophonists who want dependable performance, refined ergonomics and a versatile tonal character. As part of Yanagisawa's acclaimed WO Series, the TWO1 brings together the company's meticulous approach to saxophone design with a responsive brass construction and a host of carefully developed mechanical refinements.

Built in brass and finished in lacquer, the TWO1 produces a clear, centred sound with plenty of projection and control. Its re-engineered WO Series bore and tone holes contribute to an even response and accurate intonation, while the refined keywork makes the instrument particularly comfortable through demanding passages.

The TWO1 is the successor to Yanagisawa's respected T901 series and incorporates several developments introduced across the modern WO range. From its redesigned Front F, Right Side and Right Pinky keys to its fluororesin-treated octave mechanism, the instrument has been engineered with smooth playability, precision and long-term reliability in mind.

Why we recommend the Yanagisawa TWO1

• Rich, focused tonal character with excellent projection and control.
• Professional Japanese craftsmanship from one of the world's leading specialist saxophone makers.
• Re-engineered WO Series bore and tone holes for an even response and accurate intonation.
• Ergonomically refined keywork for comfortable, efficient fingering.
• Redesigned Front F, Right Side and Right Pinky keys for a smoother playing experience.
• Fluororesin-coated octave mechanism designed to maintain smooth, reliable action.
• Adjustable metal bell-key buffers for accurate regulation and durability.
• Waterproof pads providing an airtight seal and dependable response.
• C#/Bb rocking key mechanism for smooth, fluid movement between these notes.
• Supplied with a Yanagisawa ebonite mouthpiece, Yany ligature, mouthpiece cap and protective case.

Who is this saxophone best suited to?

The Yanagisawa TWO1 is an excellent choice for:

• Advanced saxophonists ready to move into a professional tenor saxophone.
• Conservatoire, university and music college students.
• Experienced amateur players looking for a long-term professional instrument.
• Professional musicians who value consistency, precision and dependable keywork.
• Players upgrading from a student or intermediate tenor saxophone.
• Classical, jazz, concert band, big band and ensemble players seeking a versatile tenor.

The TWO1 sits at an interesting point within Yanagisawa's professional range. It has the refinement and precision expected from a professional Japanese saxophone, while its brass construction and responsive design make it approachable across a wide range of playing styles. Whether you're developing your sound in the practice room, performing in an ensemble or stepping onto the professional stage, the TWO1 is designed to provide a dependable foundation for continued musical development.

Our experience

At The Wind Section, we know that choosing a professional saxophone is about much more than specifications. Response, resistance, ergonomics, intonation and tonal character all influence how naturally an instrument feels in the hands of a player.

Yanagisawa has built a particularly strong reputation for precision engineering and consistency, and the TWO1 demonstrates why. The WO Series combines traditional Japanese craftsmanship with continual development of the saxophone's bore, tone-hole layout and key mechanisms, resulting in an instrument that feels exceptionally considered from top to bottom.

The TWO1 is particularly impressive for players who want a tenor with a strong tonal core without sacrificing ease of response. Its refined keywork and carefully engineered mechanisms make it equally at home in detailed technical playing and more expressive, powerful performance.

"The TWO1 is a tenor that gives players a really strong combination of precision, response and character. It feels incredibly well engineered, but it isn't demanding to play, which makes it a fantastic option for someone looking for a professional saxophone they can rely on for years to come.”

Gemma Proudfoot – Sales Manager, The Wind Section

Gemma has been helping customers choose brass and woodwind instruments at The Wind Section since 2006. With extensive experience advising players across different ages, abilities and musical settings, she understands how important it is to match an instrument not only to a player's current needs, but also to where they want their playing to go.

What makes the Yanagisawa TWO1 different?

One of the defining characteristics of the TWO1 is Yanagisawa's modern WO Series bore and tone-hole design. The re-engineered geometry is intended to provide a smooth blowing response and precise intonation, helping the instrument remain even and predictable as players move between registers.

The keywork has received extensive attention too. The redesigned Front F key is shaped to improve fingering comfort, while updated Right Side and Right Pinky keys provide a smoother feel during technical playing. The C#/Bb rocking linkage is another thoughtful detail, helping these commonly used keys move with greater fluidity.

Yanagisawa's fluororesin-coated octave mechanism is designed to reduce friction and help maintain a smooth octave action. Waterproof pads and adjustable metal bell-key buffers further contribute to reliable sealing, regulation and consistent response over time.

Professional Japanese craftsmanship

Yanagisawa specialises in saxophones rather than producing a broad range of unrelated instruments, allowing the company to focus its expertise on the details that matter to saxophonists. The TWO1 is manufactured in Japan as part of the professional WO Series and combines this specialist craftsmanship with a practical brass construction and lacquered finish.

The result is a tenor saxophone that feels sophisticated without being unnecessarily difficult to play. It offers the mechanical precision and tonal focus associated with Yanagisawa's professional instruments, alongside a responsive character that makes it suitable for extended practice, rehearsals and performance.

Technical Specifications

• Model: Yanagisawa TWO1
• Key: B♭
• Range: Low B♭ to High F♯
• Body: Brass
• Bow: Brass
• Bell: Brass
• Keys: Brass
• Finish: Lacquered (unlacquered model also available)
• Neck: Detachable brass neck
• Neck design: Overslung octave mechanism
• Mouthpiece: Yanagisawa ebonite mouthpiece
• Ligature: Yany ligature
• Pads: Waterproof pads
• Engraving: Hand engraved
• Case: Fabric-covered wood-shell case with outer pocket and backpack straps
• High F♯ key: Yes
• Country of manufacture: Japan

Our verdict

The Yanagisawa TWO1 is an exceptional professional tenor saxophone for players looking for precision, consistency and a sound that can adapt to a wide variety of musical settings.

Its combination of responsive playability, focused tonal character, accurate intonation and carefully refined keywork makes it a compelling choice for advanced students, serious amateur saxophonists and professionals alike.

For players searching for a professional Japanese tenor saxophone that offers outstanding craftsmanship without an overly demanding playing feel, the TWO1 deserves serious consideration.

At The Wind Section, we'd be delighted to help you compare the TWO1 with other professional tenor saxophones and find the instrument that best suits your playing style, repertoire and ambitions.