Yanagisawa is one of the few saxophone makers that builds the same model in several metals. In the current WO series, the number after “WO” tells you the material: brass, phosphor bronze or silver. For an alto buyer, the practical question is usually A-WO1 (brass) or A-WO2 (bronze), and whether the Elite WO10 and WO20 are worth the step up. Here is what is verified about each model, what bronze does and does not change, and how the prices compare.
This article is an analysis based on manufacturer and retailer specifications and on published player feedback, not a hands-on test.
A short history of Yanagisawa and bronze
Yanagisawa started in 1894 as a repair business in Japan, and built its first saxophone prototype in 1951. The brand is best known for its sopranos, and it has been using materials other than standard brass for decades: bronze saxophones from 1992, the bronze A-902 alto in 2002 and its tenor sibling, the T-902, in 2003.
The WO series replaced the older 990-series instruments: the WO alto arrived in 2014, the tenor in 2015, the soprano in 2017, and the curved soprano and baritone in 2018. Instruments from the 990 series (such as the S-991 brass soprano or 992 bronze models) are now only available second-hand; our used saxophone checklist applies to them as to any older instrument.
Decoding the WO model numbers
| Alto model | Body material | Line | Indicative price (09/2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-WO1 | Brass, clear lacquer | Standard (entry professional) | check current UK price |
| A-WO2 | Phosphor bronze, clear lacquer | Standard | about £3,555 (Thomann UK) |
| A-WO10 | Brass | Elite | about £3,555 (Thomann UK) |
| A-WO20 | Phosphor bronze | Elite | check current UK price |
| A-WO30 / 33 / 35 / 37 | Solid silver parts (varies by model) | Elite | check current UK price |
The same logic applies to tenors (T-WO1 brass, T-WO2 bronze, T-WO10 Elite brass, T-WO20 Elite bronze, T-WO30 Elite with a sterling silver body) and to sopranos. On the soprano side, the S-WO10 and S-WO20 are supplied with two necks, one straight and one curved, which is useful if you are still deciding between the two shapes (see our soprano saxophone guide).
A-WO1: the brass entry to Yanagisawa
The A-WO1 is described as Yanagisawa’s entry-level professional alto. It is made of brass with a clear lacquer finish (not unlacquered, as is sometimes assumed). Thomann Germany listed it at about €3,259 in 09/2026; we did not verify a current UK price, so check with UK dealers.
In the professional alto market, it competes on price with the Selmer Paris Axos. If you are weighing those two, our Selmer Axos review covers the French side of the comparison.
A-WO2: the same series in bronze
The A-WO2 is the phosphor-bronze version. Thomann UK lists these features: revised mechanics, a new engraving design, a bronze-alloy body with clear lacquer, lacquered keys, high F#, a C#-Bb rocker arm, an adjustable thumb rest and pads with plastic resonators. It comes with a Yanagisawa ebonite mouthpiece, a case with backpack straps and an outside accessory pocket, and a strap. The price was about £3,555 at Thomann UK in 09/2026.
What bronze changes
What is certain is the material and the look: phosphor bronze gives the instrument a warmer, more coppery colour under the clear lacquer than brass does. It is also a more expensive option within the range.
The effect on sound is a matter of perception. Players who prefer bronze often describe it as darker or warmer, while others hear little difference once mouthpiece, reed and player are taken into account. There is no measured, independent figure we can quote, and Yanagisawa’s own positioning is simply to offer the choice. Treat bronze as a colour option for the sound you already have, not as a transformation.
What bronze does not change
- The basic design: both are altos of the same WO series, with high F# listed on the A-WO2.
- Your intonation habits, embouchure and set-up: a mouthpiece change will usually alter your sound more than the body metal.
- The need for regular maintenance and pad care.
The Elite models: WO10 and WO20
The Elite line sits above the WO1/WO2 pair. Thomann UK lists the A-WO10 Elite with a revised mechanism, a new brass alloy, high F# with C#/B and Bb/C# rocker arms, double arms on the low Bb and C keys, keys mounted on post-rib construction, an adjustable thumb rest and a gold lacquer finish. It is supplied with a mouthpiece, a case with backpack straps and an external pocket, and a strap.
The A-WO20 is the bronze counterpart of the A-WO10. We did not verify its current UK price.
An interesting point for UK buyers: in 09/2026, Thomann UK listed the bronze A-WO2 and the brass Elite A-WO10 at the same price, about £3,555. So at that budget the choice is between bronze on the standard body and brass on the Elite body.
Silver models: A-WO37 and the WO3x family
The WO30-series models use solid silver components, and Yanagisawa’s history with sterling silver goes back to the A-9937 of 1999, which had a sterling silver neck, body, bow and bell. The A-WO37 is the solid-silver alto of the current range. These are niche, high-priced instruments; check current price and availability with a specialist dealer.
Which one should you choose?
- A-WO1 if you want a Yanagisawa at the lowest price and are happy with a classic brass sound.
- A-WO2 if you have tried bronze and like it, or want its distinctive look.
- A-WO10 if you prefer brass but want the Elite keywork features.
- A-WO20 if you want both the Elite mechanism and bronze.
The honest advice is to play them side by side with your own mouthpiece. If you cannot, choose on budget and keywork rather than on the metal alone. For how these prices compare with other brands, see our saxophone price comparison and our guide to saxophone brands.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Yanagisawa A-WO1 brass or bronze?
The A-WO1 is brass with a clear lacquer finish. The bronze version is the A-WO2, and the Elite bronze model is the A-WO20.
Does bronze make a saxophone sound darker?
Many players who like bronze describe it as darker or warmer, but it is a subjective impression and the mouthpiece, reed and player usually matter more.
What is the difference between the A-WO2 and the A-WO10?
The A-WO2 is the bronze standard model, while the A-WO10 is the brass Elite model with extra keywork features such as double arms on low Bb and C. Both were about 3,555 pounds at Thomann UK in 09/2026.
When did the Yanagisawa WO series appear?
The WO alto was launched in 2014, the tenor in 2015, the soprano in 2017, and the curved soprano and baritone in 2018.
Sources — Yanagisawa Wind Instruments (Wikipedia), Thomann UK: Yanagisawa A-WO2, Thomann UK: Yanagisawa A-WO10 Elite, Thomann: Yanagisawa A-WO1.
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