Yanagisawa AWO20U Alto Saxophone - Unlacquered Bronze

Yanagisawa AWO20U Alto Saxophone – Elite Series

The Yanagisawa AWO20U 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 AWO20U delivers exceptional depth, projection and tonal sophistication for the most demanding performers.

Elite Unlacquered Bronze Construction

As part of Yanagisawa’s Elite tier, the AWO20U features a solid bronze body and neck, finished in a natural unlacquered state. 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 absence of lacquer allows the body to resonate more freely, encouraging an open, vibrant response. Over time, the surface develops a natural patina, giving each instrument a unique visual character while maintaining its powerful acoustic properties.

Precision Japanese Engineering

Yanagisawa’s reputation for mechanical excellence is fully realised in the AWO20U. The keywork is engineered for fluid, balanced action and long-term reliability, with meticulous hand regulation ensuring consistency across the entire range. Ribbed body construction enhances structural integrity and contributes to tonal stability.

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

Ribbed Body Construction

The AWO20U 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.

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 AWO20U to perform effortlessly in both solo and ensemble settings.

Professional Specifications

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

Tonal Character

The AWO20U 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 AWO20U Elite stands as one of the most distinguished alto saxophones available today.