Yamaha YAS-280 Alto Sax

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Alto Saxophone

New model with improved S-bow receiver and improved deep H/Cis connection
Narrow scale
Body and action made of brass
Full length keyguard
Adjustable thumb rest
High F# key
F-key
Weight: 2.40 kg
Mechanics and body gold lacquered
Incl. light case with backpack straps, Yamaha 4C mouthpiece, saxophone strap and cork grease

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

3-Year Thomann Warranty

Available since March 2012

Item number 279389

Sales Unit 1 piece(s)

Finish body Gold Lacquered

Finish Keys Gold Lacquered

Body Brass

Gravure No

Resonator Pad Plastic

Case Yes

Case with Backpack System Yes

Mou Yes

Strap Yes

Wiper (Body) No

S Arc Wiper No

Show variations of this product

224

Yamaha YAS-280 Alto Sax

Yamaha YAS-280 Alto Saxophone * New model with improved S-bow receiver and improved deep H/Cis connection * Narrow scale...

$869

to the product

Yamaha YAS-280S Alto Sax

Yamaha YAS-280S Alto Saxophone * School model * New model with improved neck receiver and improved low B-C# connection *...

$1,098

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$869

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Yamaha YAS-280 Alto Sax Set II

$1,015

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starting from $899

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A focus on details for learners

The Yamaha YAS-280 Alto Sax has been given a complete upgrade by its illustrious manufacturer, with an even stronger focus on the needs of young musicians and music schools. Its predecessor was itself a tried and tested instrument, and thought of very highly by ambitious novices, especially younger learners. Taking the experiences of these users into careful consideration, Yamaha has now managed to add an impressive set of details that are certain to help beginners of all kinds. The body and mechanism of this alto saxophone are made, as usual, from brass and then finished with gold lacquer, and typical saxophone features include the high F# key, the front F key, the full-length flap guard, and the silicone-treated pads. Weighing just 2.4kg (5.2lbs), the Yamaha YAS-280 is also a beginner-friendly featherweight.

Packed with innovation

The Yamaha YAS-280 Alto Sax is essentially based on the company's popular 275 series, but has been revised in various aspects, and as such features a number of innovations. These include, for example, the new bocal mount, which ensures a quick response, improves the sound, and offers increased stability. The low B-C# joint has also been improved and is now equipped with a longer lever, so that the low C# key can be closed more easily and precisely; this optimises the response of the lower notes in particular. The all-round package is also perfect for beginners: Anyone who opts for this instrument will also receive a lightweight case with rucksack straps and a separate shoulder strap, a strap for the saxophone itself, a Yamaha 4C mouthpiece with reed, and cork grease – all included in the set.

For a perfect start

The Yamaha YAS-280 Alto Sax was specifically designed with younger learners in mind – this lightweight alto sax is also blessed with a particularly ergonomic form, meaning that it's easy both to hold and play. With its perfect intonation and first-class sound, the Yamaha YAS-280 Alto Sax will encourage young musicians not only while they are learning the instrument, but when learning to using it creatively too. Adhering pragmatically to the maxim that beginner's instruments in particular have to be genuinely playable in as many ways as possible, the Yamaha YAS-280 is both high-spec and extremely flexible in terms of the user's height, hand size, finger length, and general ergonomic profile. The adjustable thumb holder, for example, allows each saxophonist to alter their grip individually, so that the instrument can grow with its owner, to an extent. A key contributor to its impeccable sound is the saxophone's bell, which is composed of two hand-made metal elements that are then joined by machine.

About Yamaha

For decades, Yamaha has been one of the world's best-known manufacturers of musical instruments and audio technology. The Japanese company's long history began at the end of the 19th century with the harmonium. The product range has constantly expanded since then, which has made Yamaha one of the few manufacturers today to offer almost the entire range of existing musical instruments: From upright and grand pianos to guitars, wind instruments, and bowed string instruments and from drums and percussion to electronic keyboards and synthesizers. Yamaha is also a major force in the field of audio engineering as a manufacturer of mixing consoles, amplifiers, PA systems, and more. Yamaha's guiding principle is to combine traditional craftsmanship with state-of-the-art technology.

Addressing the novice's needs

In addition to its core business manufacturing professional instruments, Yamaha's own corporate philosophy sets great store in addressing the development of young talent. The company has initiated its own music school concepts while simultaneously manufacturing the corresponding instruments, including the Yamaha YAS-280 Alto Sax. Those responsible for the brand are very aware that educationally beneficial – and above all enduringly stimulating – learning is only possible with high-quality instruments that meet the physical requirements of the pupils. Motivated learners will only become accomplished musicians if they continue to enjoy the sometimes rocky road. And this can only be achieved if the instrument itself is made to suit the student – not the other way round. In this sense, the Yamaha YAS-280 Alto Sax is an instrument that truly takes on responsibility for each student's musical career.

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224 Customer ratings

5 176 Customers 4 40 Customers 3 2 Customers 2 2 Customers 1 4 Customers

4.7 / 5

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120 Reviews

Very good instrument

etc-etc 08.04.2019

The saxophone arrived fine out-of-box except for the octave key which was riding a little high and in released position was about 1 mm above equal height with the thumb rest. All notes in standard range respond well, in tune and clear. Altissimo range is more easily accessible as high F# key is provided. The side C and Bb seem a little undervented. The G# pad sometimes sticks closed the next day after playing as it often does on other saxophones. The neck collar jaws are much improved from earlier versions - they are beefy enough to not bend shut when the neck screw is tightened (that was an issue on YAS-23 where the neck collar jaws were much thinner). The bell when looked on from player's side, while parallel to the main body, is facing somewhat to the left which appears to be a compact design feature, as all low stack keys respond and seal properly. All in all, a well made, sturdy and easy to play instrument.

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Good qualty sax for your money

Michael C. 753 21.07.2013

Bought this saxophone when I started to play I now have a Yanagisawa tenor but always go back to this little baby for my alto fix... it's very well put together sounds very nice for the price and is good value for money. It's lasted me a year now and I've never had any hassle with valves sticking or any other issue for that matter. Great saxophone for the learner or intermediate player or even beyond.

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Great for intermedium or beginer saxophone players!

Luís C. 13.06.2015

This was the first saxophone I bought and I love it. It is a great instrument, I like the feel, the gold, and the touch of the keys.
I know it is not the best saxophone in the world but it has a very good quality-price relation.
The sound is very good acording to the price I paid.
There was only one thing that I switched and that was the mouthpiece, the mouthpiece was a little too closed for me so I exchanged for a Yamaha 7C.
I also recomend the Rico jazz select 3S that go very well with this saxophone.
I have been using it in my auditions and it is being a great success, the sound is clear and everyone loves the music.
Overall you should buy this set, it helped me very much.
Thank you!

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Very satisfied, more than expected!

MajidM 06.02.2021

I purchased Yamaha YAS-280 Set. I am new in saxophone and I want one day be able to play it in our church. I can say punctual delivery and the quality of instrument and accessories were more than I expected. Beside the saxophone itself, I saw the quality of accessories specially sax & music stands were better than I expected. For me this set really deserve 5 star.

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Yamaha YAS-280 Alto Sax

Alto Saxophone