Description
The upgraded replacement for the highly regarded A992 series, this AWO20 bronze model is an instrument for the accomplished player. It delivers a superb tonal range with an unmistakably darker edge thanks to the fine bronze body, and it also benefits from the WO series re-engineered bore and toneholes, and re-sourced and redesigned core brass material. This model also has many upgraded features exclusive to the WO series such as newly designed Front F Keys, Ride Side Keys and Right Pinky Key.
Specs
Key: Eb
Range: Low Bb to High F#
Body: Bronze
Bow: Bronze
Bell: Bronze
Keys: Brass
Finish: Lacquered
Neck: Bronze
Neck Type: Detachable Neck
Case: Fabric Covered, Woodshell case with outer pocket and Backstraps
Features
BELL ARM KEYS
Using double arms on the Bell Keys, helps to keep the tone holes fully sealed by removing the chances of twisting or distortion of the tone hole cup. This in turn helps ensure reliable performance and tonal integrity.
BELL BRACE
The bell and body are firmly linked by a three-point, balanced brace which ensures structural resiliance and firm resonance, even when fortissimo is sought.
BELL KEY BUFFER
The buffers used on the bell keys are metal – and therefore offer increased longevity and accuracy over plastic – and are fully adjustable. This means the aperture of the bell toneholes are within your control.
BORE AND TONE HOLES
In Yanagisawa’s desire to constantly innovate, all new WO series saxophones have a newly engineered bore and toneholes. This helps achieve a smoother blow and even more precise intonation.
BRASS / MATERIAL
The WO series saxophones benefit from a newly designed, newly engineered and specially sourced brass material for improved sound and sonority.
C# – BB – B KEYS
The C#, Bb and B keys are all connected via a rocking / see-saw mechanism. This is a unique Yanagisawa feature and ensures the easiest transition between these pitches.
ENGRAVING
Yanagisawa WO10 and WO20 series saxophones now feature a uniquely styled, hand engraved pattern.
F AUXILIARY KEY
This mechanism fitted to the F-Aux key ensures a proper seal of the pads when playing in the low ranges of the saxophone.
FRONT F KEY
The Front F key on WO series saxophones has been redesigned to further improve the ease of fingering.
KEY DECORATION
A player’s fingers will rest comfortably in the indented white shell keys. The white shell also enhances the beauty of the instrument while also preventing the player’s fingers from slipping during technical passages.
KEY WORK MOUNTING
This is an enhanced design with the keys mounted to a rib plate which in turn is mounted to the body. This not only gives added strength to the keywork, but has the added benefit of improved resonance and tonal stability.
MOUTHPIECE
Ebonite mouthpieces are favoured for their warm tone and ability to fit into an ensemble seamlessly. However, as players discover their own voice, switching to another style of mouthpiece can open up a whole world of new tonal possibilities. Metal mouthpieces are often favoured by Jazz players or soloists who need to stand out from the crowd.
OCTAVE KEY TYPE
An underslung octave mechanism is considered to have a much quicker, more responsive action. It is also a more complex and expensive system to manufacture. So underslung octave keys are to be found on saxophones from the 991 / AWO10 series upwards.
OCTAVE SYSTEM
As standard octave key mechanisms can get sticky over time, Yanagisawa’s flouroresin, non-stick coating ensures a reliable action with no stickiness.
PAD REFLECTOR
Metal reflectors are an improvement upon the standard plastic reflectors, and they add clarity to the tone and improve playing response across the whole dynamic range.
PAD TYPE
Yanagisawa’s superb waterproof pad is totally air tight which allows complete confidence in the instrument’s tonal integrity, plus the waterproof material offers a greatly extended pad life.
PALM KEY PLATE
Previously only available on the 99* series saxophones, the WO Series’ addition of the palm key plate delivers high range resonance, acoustic depth, added projection and added tonal stability.
PIVOT SCREWS
Special pointed pivot screws are used in all centre arms on Yanagisawa saxophones. These screws precisely maintain the stability of the centre arms, and help achieve a very high precision action.
RIGHT PINKY KEY
The angle of the Right ‘Pinky’ key on WO series saxophones has been improved to give a smoother fingering feel.
RIGHT SIDE KEY
The Right side key levers on WO series saxophones now has additional feet for a better touch. This affects the Bb, C and E.
SPRING TYPE
Blue Steel Spring are better than stainless steel – as used on most other saxes – as they hold tension more effectively, and therefore enhance the key action.
