Yanagisawa AWO20UL Elite Alto Saxophone Unlaquered

Elite Model. The upgraded replacement for the highly regarded A992 series, this AWO20 bronze model is an instrument for the accomplished player. It delivers a superb tonal range with an unmistakably darker edge thanks to the fine bronze body, and it also benefits from the WO series re-engineered bore and toneholes, and re-sourced and redesigned core brass material. This model also has many upgraded features exclusive to the WO series such as newly designed Front F Keys, Ride Side Keys and Right Pinky Key.

Features

• Double Arm Keys - Using double arms on the Bell Keys, helps to keep the tone holes fully sealed by removing the chances of twisting or distortion of the tone hole cup. This in turn helps ensure reliable performance and tonal integrity.
• Balanced Tri-Point Brace - The bell and body are firmly linked by a three-point, balanced brace which ensures structural resilience and firm resonance, even when fortissimo is sought.
• Metal Adjustable Buffers - The buffers used on the bell keys are metal and therefore offer increased longevity and accuracy over plastic and are fully adjustable. This means the aperture of the bell tone holes are within your control.
• WO Series Bore and Tone Holes - In Yanagisawa's desire to constantly innovate, all new WO series saxophones have a newly engineered bore and tone holes. This helps achieve a smoother blow and even more precise intonation.
• WO Series Brass Material - The WO series saxophones benefit from a newly designed, newly engineered and specially sourced brass material for improved sound and sonority.
• C# - Bb - B Rocking Key - The C#, Bb and B keys are all connected via a rocking / see-saw mechanism. This is a unique Yanagisawa feature and ensures the easiest transition between these pitches.
• WO1 / WO2 Style Hand Engraved - Yanagisawa WO1 and WO2 series saxophones now feature a uniquely styled, hand engraved pattern.
• F-Auxiliary Key - This mechanism fitted to the F-Aux key ensures a proper seal of the pads when playing in the low ranges of the saxophone.
• WO Series Redesigned front F Key - The Front F key on WO series saxophones has been redesigned to further improve the ease of fingering.
• White Shell Lining - A player's fingers will rest comfortably in the indented white shell keys. The white shell also enhances the beauty of the instrument while also preventing the player's fingers from slipping during technical passages.
• Rib Mounted Keys - This is an enhanced design with the keys mounted to a rib plate which in turn is mounted to the body. This not only gives added strength to the keywork, but has the added benefit of improved resonance and tonal stability.
• Ebonite Mouthpieces - Ebonite mouthpieces are favoured for their warm tone and ability to fit into an ensemble seamlessly. However, as players discover their own voice, switching to another style of mouthpiece can open up a whole world of new tonal possibilities. Metal mouthpieces are often favoured by Jazz players or soloists who need to stand out from the crowd.
• WO Series Neck Plate - For Overslung necks, this new plate exclusive to the WO1 and WO2 models gives a tighter, more controlled tone.
• Overslung Octave Key - An overslung octave mechanism is the standard system employed by most regular saxophones. It is the simplest mechanism for manufacture, and is to be found on 901, 902, AW01 and AW02 models. This system is also used on solid silver tenor models.
• Fluororesin Non-Stick Mechanism - As standard octave key mechanisms can get sticky over time, Yanagisawa's flouroresin, non-stick coating ensures a reliable action with no stickiness.
• Air Tight Waterproof Pad - Yanagisawa's superb waterproof pad is totally air tight which allows complete confidence in the instrument's tonal integrity, plus the waterproof material offers a greatly ext
• WO Series Palm Key Plate - Previously only available on the 99* series saxophones, the WO Series' addition of the palm key plate delivers high range resonance, acoustic depth, added projection and added tonal stability.
• Pointed Pivot Screws - Special pointed pivot screws are used in all centre arms on Yanagisawa saxophones. These screws precisely maintain the stability of the centre arms, and help achieve a very high precision action.
• WO Series Right Pinky Key - The angle of the Right 'Pinky' key on WO series saxophones has been improved to give a smoother fingering feel.
• WO Series Right Side Key - The Right side key levers on WO series saxophones now has additional feet for a better touch. This affects the Bb, C and E.
• Blue Steel Springs - Blue Steel Spring are better than stainless steel - as used on most other saxes - as they hold tension more effectively, and therefore enhance the key action.