Yanagisawa AWO20 Alto Saxophone - Lacquered Bronze

The Yanagisawa AWO20 sits at the Elite level of Yanagisawa’s professional range, representing the highest standard of material specification and tonal refinement within the company’s acclaimed WO Series. Designed and manufactured in Japan to uncompromising tolerances, the AWO20 delivers exceptional depth, projection and tonal sophistication for the most demanding performers.

Elite Lacquered Bronze Construction

As part of Yanagisawa’s Elite tier, the AWO20 features a solid bronze body and neck, finished in a clear lacquer. Bronze, with its higher copper content compared to brass, produces a darker, broader tonal spectrum with a strong, centred core and enhanced harmonic complexity.

The lacquered finish protects the surface while preserving the instrument’s rich resonance and tonal depth, maintaining a refined aesthetic while supporting the powerful acoustic properties of the bronze construction.

Ribbed Body Construction

The AWO20 utilises full ribbed construction, where key posts are mounted to reinforcing ribs rather than directly to the body tube. This design increases structural integrity, enhances durability, and contributes to long-term mechanical stability. By distributing stress more evenly across the body, ribbed construction also supports consistent tonal transfer and focused resonance throughout the instrument.

Precision Japanese Engineering

Yanagisawa’s reputation for mechanical excellence is fully realised in the AWO20. The keywork is engineered for fluid, balanced action and long-term reliability, with meticulous hand regulation ensuring consistency across the entire range.

Blue steel springs provide crisp, responsive key action, while precision fitting minimises lost motion and maximises efficiency of airflow transfer.

Advanced Bore & Tonehole Design

Drawn toneholes are seamlessly integrated into the body tube to optimise resonance and pad sealing. Yanagisawa’s refined bore profile delivers:

• Even and stable intonation throughout
• Immediate, centred low register response
• Clear, projecting upper register
• Balanced resistance for refined dynamic control

This acoustic balance allows the AWO20 to perform effortlessly in both solo and ensemble settings.

Professional Specifications

• Elite series model
• Lacquered bronze body and neck
• Full ribbed construction
• Hand-engraved bell
• Metal resonators
• Blue steel springs
• Supplied in a premium hard case

Tonal Character

The AWO20 produces a dark, powerful and harmonically rich voice with impressive projection and tonal weight. Compared to brass-bodied models, the bronze construction offers greater depth and complexity while retaining the precision, clarity and focused response synonymous with Yanagisawa.

For professional saxophonists seeking maximum tonal depth and the highest material specification within the WO range, the Yanagisawa AWO20 Elite stands as one of the most distinguished alto saxophones available today.