Yamaha YTS-480 - Tenor Bb Lacquered

Essential Information About the Yamaha YTS-480 Tenor Saxophone

• Exemplary intonation and ease of play, in the great Yamaha tradition, to progress confidently and play for a long time without fatigue.


• More stable low register thanks to the new low B-C# connection and an optimized mechanism for a clearer response on the low C#.


• Customizable with a Yamaha 62-inspired octave key, compatible with Custom necks (sold separately).


• Professional look and feel: hand engraving on the bell and separate guards with adjustable stop screws.

An Evolution of the YTS-475, Featuring Elements Borrowed from Yamaha's Professional Models

Developed based on the highly regarded YTS-475, the Yamaha YTS-480 modernizes the formula by incorporating design choices from the professional range, notably the octave key architecture inspired by the Yamaha 62. The goal is clear: to offer a tenor saxophone with a very convincing comfort-to-precision ratio, while also opening the door to neck customization to refine the playing feel and tonal color.

For Which Musicians and Styles?

The YTS-480 is particularly aimed at intermediate saxophonists (and ambitious beginners) who want a reliable, stable, and pleasant instrument for daily use: conservatory, wind band, big band, stage, or home studio. Its flexibility and good homogeneity make it a tenor comfortable in both jazz (attack, projection, dynamics) and pop, marching band, or classical repertoire (control, intonation, note sustain).

Sound and Design

Sonically, the YTS-480 is designed to offer generous projection and a comfortable volume, while maintaining a slight resistance to blowing: a feature appreciated for retaining body in the timbre and better "holding" the air column. The work on the low B-C# connection and the associated pivot improves the response of the low register, with a more precise sealing and a more confident feel on low notes.

The design reinforces the impression of a higher-end instrument: the hand engraving on the bell provides an elegant visual signature, while the separate guards with adjustable stop screws facilitate key height adjustments and contribute to a more controlled mechanism. Finally, the left-hand low B pivot is designed for better comfort, useful in fast passages and long sessions.

Recommended Compatible Accessories

The YTS-480 comes with a complete set to start playing immediately: lightweight backpack-style case, Yamaha 4C mouthpiece, ligature, mouthpiece cap, cleaning cloth, and reed. This allows you to take control of the instrument upon receipt and then evolve according to your mouthpiece and reed preferences.

Technical specifications

Level	Semi-professional	Color	Yellow
Tone	Bb	Finishing	Varnished
Body material	Varnished brass

Instrument	tenor saxophone	Finish (keys and body)	lacquered
Key	B-flat	Soldering	lead-free