Yanagisawa AWO2 Alto Saxophone

A professional alto saxophone with a rich tonal character, exceptional response and refined Japanese craftsmanship

The Yanagisawa AWO2 Alto Saxophone is a professional-level instrument designed for players who want a rich, resonant sound combined with excellent response, precise intonation and highly refined keywork. Made in Japan by Yanagisawa, one of the world's leading specialist saxophone manufacturers, the AWO2 combines traditional craftsmanship with the advanced engineering of the WO Series.

The AWO2 is distinguished by its bronze-brass body, giving the instrument a distinctive tonal character with plenty of depth and resonance. Its carefully engineered design, responsive mechanism and ergonomic keywork make it an excellent choice for advanced students, serious amateur saxophonists and professional players alike.

With its clear lacquer finish, High F♯ key and comprehensive range of professional features, the Yanagisawa AWO2 offers the performance and reliability expected from a high-end Japanese saxophone while remaining comfortable and rewarding to play.

Why we recommend the Yanagisawa AWO2

• Rich, resonant tonal character from its bronze-brass body.
• Professional Japanese craftsmanship from one of the world's leading specialist saxophone makers.
• Refined WO Series design for excellent response, intonation and tonal control.
• Ergonomically designed keywork for comfortable and efficient fingering.
• C♯–B♭ rocker linkage for smoother, faster fingering between these notes.
• Fluororesin-sleeved octave mechanism designed for smooth, reliable octave-key action.
• Adjustable vibration-damping mechanism to help stabilise the lower register.
• Genuine mother-of-pearl key touches for a comfortable, secure finger feel.
• Pointed pivot screws for precise and reliable keywork.
• Waterproof pads for an airtight seal and consistent response.
• Supplied with a Yanagisawa mouthpiece, Yany ligature, mouthpiece cap and protective case.

Who is this saxophone best suited to?

The Yanagisawa AWO2 is an excellent choice for:

• Advanced students ready to invest in a professional-quality alto saxophone.
• Conservatoire and music college students.
• Experienced amateur saxophonists looking for a premium instrument.
• Professional musicians seeking a dependable and highly responsive alto.
• Players upgrading from a student or intermediate saxophone.
• Classical, jazz, ensemble and solo players looking for a versatile professional instrument.

The AWO2 sits within Yanagisawa's professional WO Series and offers a particularly appealing combination of tonal depth, responsiveness and mechanical precision. Its bronze-brass construction gives it a distinctive voice, while Yanagisawa's attention to ergonomics and manufacturing consistency makes it equally suitable for practice, rehearsal and performance.

What makes the Yanagisawa AWO2 different?

The AWO2's most distinctive feature is its bronze-brass body. Yanagisawa describes the model as a proven contender in its class, combining the characteristics of its bronze construction with the company's refined WO Series design. This makes the AWO2 an excellent option for players looking for a full, resonant tonal character without compromising response or playability.

The instrument incorporates Yanagisawa's Fluororesin-sleeved octave mechanism, which is designed to eliminate lost motion and provide smooth octave-key action. The C♯–B♭ table keys use a seesaw-style linkage to facilitate faster, smoother fingering, while the adjustable vibration-damping bar helps control sympathetic vibration around the right-hand F♯ key and supports stability in the lower register.

Genuine mother-of-pearl key touches provide a natural, secure feel under the fingers, while Yanagisawa's pointed pivot screws and blue-steel needle springs contribute to precise, responsive keywork.

The AWO2 also features a tri-point bell-bow brace for structural stability and rigidity, helping the instrument maintain a strong, consistent response when playing at higher dynamics.

Professional Japanese craftsmanship

Yanagisawa has specialised in saxophone manufacture for generations, building its reputation around precision engineering, meticulous construction and detailed mechanical design.

The AWO2 is part of the company's professional WO Series and demonstrates this approach through its carefully engineered keywork, bronze-brass body and range of performance-focused features. From the octave mechanism and C♯–B♭ linkage to the pointed pivot screws and waterproof pads, each component is designed with dependable operation and player comfort in mind.

The result is a professional alto saxophone with a distinctive bronze-brass voice, refined ergonomics and the consistency expected from a premium Japanese instrument.

Technical Specifications

• Model: Yanagisawa AWO2
• Type: Professional Alto Saxophone
• Key: E♭
• Range: Low B♭ to High F♯
• Body: Bronze brass
• Finish: Clear lacquer (unlacquered model also available)
• Keys: Brass
• High F♯ key: Yes
• Engraving: Yes
• Mouthpiece: Yanagisawa ebonite mouthpiece / Classic model AC140
• Ligature: Yany ligature
• Mouthpiece cap: MAPKA
• Pads: Waterproof pads
• Octave mechanism: Fluororesin-sleeved octave rocker
• C♯–B♭ linkage: Seesaw/rocker linkage
• Key touches: Genuine mother-of-pearl
• Springs: Blued-steel needle springs
• Case: Protective case included
• Country of manufacture: Japan

Our verdict

The Yanagisawa AWO2 is an outstanding professional alto saxophone for players looking for a distinctive, resonant sound alongside the precision, consistency and playability associated with Yanagisawa's WO Series.

Its bronze-brass construction gives the AWO2 a characterful tonal identity, while its refined keywork, responsive mechanisms and carefully engineered design make it equally at home in demanding practice sessions, rehearsals and professional performances.

For advanced students, serious amateur players and professionals looking for a premium Japanese alto saxophone with a rich and distinctive voice, the Yanagisawa AWO2 is a compelling choice.

At The Wind Section, we'd be delighted to help you compare the AWO2 with other professional alto saxophones and find the instrument that best suits your playing style, repertoire and ambitions.