Yamaha YAS-280 Alto Saxophone Specs and Review

If you’re a saxophone student, then you must check out the Yamaha YAS-280. It’s not costly, and it will make you love Yamaha saxophones for life. In this Yamaha YAS-280 Alto Saxophone review, I’ll list all of the specs and features so you can decide if it is the right saxophone for you.

The Yamaha YAS-280 Alto Saxophone is all that a saxophone student needs. It provides beginners with a dependable instrument to start playing on. It impressively features a bright saxophone sound with superior intonation. This instrument is also equipped with premium quality features that are not typically found in entry-level instruments.

Read on to learn more about the Yamaha YAS-280 Alto Saxophone, including their key specs and features.

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About the Yamaha YAS-280 Alto Saxophone

Yamaha YAS-280 Alto Saxophone

The Yamaha YAS-280 Alto Saxophone is all that beginners need since it’s a dependable instrument that they can start playing on. It features a bright saxophone sound with superior intonation. This instrument also has premium quality features that are not typically found in entry-level instruments.

One of the first challenges of being a saxophone student is finding the perfect saxophone for you. When I tried to play the Yamaha YAS-280 alto saxophone for the first time, I knew right there and then that it was a perfect saxophone for beginners. I couldn’t wait to tell my students about it.

The YAS-280 is a lightweight and ergonomically designed alto saxophone. It promotes comfort and prevents beginners from getting intimidated by the instrument. This saxophone is easy to play, allowing beginners to learn conveniently.

Yamaha YAS-280 Alto Saxophone Specs

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The Yamaha YAS-280 alto saxophone is in Eb and has a two-piece type of bell. When it comes to the keys, it features polyester key buttons and High F# and Front F auxiliary keys.

Its thumb hook is adjustable, and its finish is gold lacquer. It has a 280 neck style and a 4C mouthpiece. The case is included if you buy this alto saxophone:

KeyEb
BellTypeTwo-piece
Decoration
KeysKey ButtonsPolyester
Auxiliary KeysHigh F#, Front F
Thumb HookAdjustable
FinishGold lacquer
Neck280 style
Mouthpiece4C
CaseIncluded
Yamaha YAS-280 Specifications

Yamaha YAS-280 Alto Saxophone Dimensions

The Yamaha YAS-280 Alto Student Saxophone weighs 13.23 lbs. It measures 29.92 inches in length x 9.84 inches in width x 14.96 inches in height.

Yamaha YAS-280 Alto Saxophone Features

Yamaha YAS-280

Let’s talk about the following features of the Yamaha YAS-280 Alto Saxophone:

  1. Neck Receiver with a Durable Screw
  2. Improved Low B-C# Connection
  3. Adjustable Thumb Rest
  4. Ergonomically Designed
  5. Easy to Access Notes
  6. Stylish Design

1. Neck Receiver with a Durable Screw

The neck receiver of the YAS-280 Yamaha saxophone features a durable screw. It has been redesigned not only to ensure the durability of the mechanism. But it is also to promote quick response and ease of play.

Beginners tend to over-tighten the screws on the neck receiver of the saxophone. Unfortunately, this tends to break both the receiver and the screws. With the new solid neck receiver of the YAS-280 saxophone, over-tightening the screws will not result in damage.

The YAS-280 is one of the few entry-level saxophones that feature a strong and durable receiver.

2. Improved Low B-C# Connection

Yamaha has improved the mechanism of the YAS-280 when it comes to its low B-C# connection. This enhancement secures the consistent closing of the low C# key. At the same time, it promotes a clear response from notes in the instrument’s low range.

3. Adjustable Thumb Rest

The YAS-280 alto saxophone features an adjustable thumb rest. This does not only allow consistency but also comfortability when it comes to hand and fingering position.

All Yamaha saxophones have this feature.

4. Ergonomically Designed

This saxophone is designed in such a way that it promotes comfortability and convenience. Yamaha intentionally built it lightweight, allowing beginners to practice comfortably, even for long hours. Its ergonomic design makes it easy to hold and prevents the occurrence of hand strain.

5. Easy to Access Notes

Aside from the improved low B-C# connector, this saxophone also features a high F sharp key. These features are valuable for beginners because they can access both the low and high keys more efficiently.

The convenience of accessing the notes eliminates the occurrence of hand strain. But, more than anything else, it eliminates the feeling of frustration. Instead, beginners become more encouraged to become experts in playing the saxophone.

6. Stylish Design

A stylishly designed saxophone is one way of encouraging beginners to learn how to play the instrument. If you’re looking for an instrument that plays as well as it sounds, then it definitely is the Yamaha YAS-280 alto saxophone.

This instrument looks both stylish and professional with its gold lacquer finish and faux Mother of Pearl keys.

Again, what does the Yamaha YAS-280 Alto Saxophone offer? Beginners will find that the Yamaha Yas-280 Alto Saxophone is dependable with a bright saxophone sound and superior intonation. Lastly, it has lots of premium quality features not usually found in other beginner instruments.

Frequently Asked Questions – Yamaha YAS-280 Saxophone

yamaha yas-280 alto sax

Does the Yamaha YAS-280 Saxophone Come with a Neck Strap?

When you buy a Yamaha YAS-280 saxophone, it comes with a neck strap. However, it is only a simple nylon strap measuring an inch wide and a single open plastic hook.

While this generic strap appears to be useful, it might not be very comfortable for beginners. I recommend that those who will buy a YAS-280 should also invest in a neck strap of excellent quality.

I suggest getting a neck strap with a paracord and several small holes on the adjuster slide if you are a beginner. The neck strap plays an important role, especially if you plan to practice for long hours.

How Does the YAS-280 Yamaha Saxophone Case Look Like?

The case of the YAS-280 Yamaha Saxophone looks beautiful. It is a hard case that looks like a suitcase and has a plush interior. It holds the saxophone and its accessories well. Everything is neatly organized.

Where Is the YAS-280 Alto Yamaha Saxophone Made?

The YAS-280 Yamaha Saxophone is made in Indonesia.

Yamaha Japan sells YAS-280 saxophones. These are the ones marketed for the European and Asian markets. But just the same, they are produced in Indonesia.

This saxophone has a western model version. The features are basically the same except that this one has nickeled keys.

The Yamaha YAS-280 Alto Saxophone produced in Indonesia is the superior model.

YAS-280 Alto Yamaha Saxophone – How Does It Play?

Yamaha designed the YAS-280 saxophone so that it will be convenient for beginners to play it. But, honestly, even experienced musicians appreciate playing it. It’s not only about the convenience of reaching the notes or how beautiful the saxophone looks. But it’s also about the impressive sound quality that it consistently produces.

It produces rich, warm, and accurate sound. Beginners will definitely fall in love with it. In essence, it’s the sound quality that you will always expect from a Yamaha instrument.

Yamaha YAS-280 Alto Saxophone Pros and Cons

Pros

Here are the great qualities of the Yamaha YAS-280 Alto Saxophone:

  1. Very playable
  2. Superior intonation
  3. Beautifully designed
  4. Made of premium quality materials
  5. Durable
  6. Ideal for beginners

Con

I can only think of one negative thing about this instrument, and it’s all about its cost. It certainly is not cheap. There are many entry-level saxophones out there that are way cheaper than the YAS-280.

However, with all the superior features of YAS-280, I believe that it is still reasonably priced. Still, you can’t say that it’s an expensive instrument.

Excellent Quality of the Yamaha YAS-280 Saxophone Alto

The YAS-280 does not belong to the high-end and expensive professional saxophone category. But it definitely doesn’t belong to the cheap and poorly made saxophone category either.

High-quality Components

This saxophone has high-quality components and features an impressive beginner mouthpiece. It is designed like a tank where the brass is noticeably thick, and the valve guards are undoubtedly heavy duty.

Adjustment Screws Can Be Conveniently Accessed

The adjustment screws can be conveniently accessed. You don’t even have to take off other parts. The neck fastener and solder joints are highly durable. But it also does seem like the replacement parts are easy to find. Suffice to say that everything about the YAS-280 is convenient and impressive.

Entry-level Saxophone with Advanced Features

Basically, it is an entry-level saxophone with advanced features. If you’re a beginner with a YAS-280, I bet you that it’s an instrument you would want to keep for life. In the future, you will find yourself buying more expensive saxophones. But, for sure, you will keep on coming back to your YAS-280 whenever you get a chance to.

Conclusion – Yamaha YAS-280 Alto Saxophone

The Yamaha YAS-280 Alto Saxophone is all that beginners need since it’s a dependable instrument that they can start playing on. It features a bright saxophone sound with superior intonation. This instrument also has premium quality features that are not typically found in entry-level instruments.

If you’re a beginner, I highly recommend this saxophone. It basically has everything you need to get started.

I guarantee that the Yamaha YAS-280 alto saxophone is for everyone, regardless of age. Whether you’re an 8-year-old, a teenager, or an adult, you will surely fall in love with this instrument.