Yanagisawa AWO20U Bronze Unlacquered Alto Saxophone

AW020U - Elite Model unlacquered bronze. 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.

Unlacquered vs Lacquered saxes

In theory unlacquered saxophones have a bit more resonance to them or are more free blowing. The reality is that there is not a huge difference but there is a discernable difference and a lot depends on the mouthpiece set up you use and the kind of sound you like to produce. There is no right or wrong, it is down to personal preferences much like chosing between brass or bronze.