Since 1967, Yamaha has created a wide variety of saxophones for both beginner and advanced players. One of their recent models, the Yamaha YAS-280, is catered to the beginner. If you’re searching for a high-quality instrument, it’s no surprise you’ve come across the YAS-280.
This model is prided as one of the best choices for starting-out players. With the countless saxophone models on the market, it’s essential to find the right one for you. In this Yamaha YAS-280 review, I’ll cover all the features and details of this well-known sax.
From a student’s point of view, it is an instrument that will grow with them as they play. There will not be a need to change it quickly, and it will last for many years. The keypads and keys are all well-made and smooth in operation. It plays as a Yamaha saxophone should.
Before we get into our YAMAHA YAS-280 Saxophone Review, let’s just consider that the Yamaha saxophone is a quality instrument. And it does feel like Saxophones have been around a long time like the trumpet has.
However, they are in musical terms a recent innovation. They have only been with us for 150 years, which is why you won’t find them included in classical works. After their creation, they had to make their own way.
It was in the early 1900s that they were seen more often — the early instruments were made of wood and usually played as joke instruments on US Vaudeville. But in New Orleans, something was stirring musically. It became known later as Jazz, and the Sax fitted the bill. Jazz has its roots in a strange combination between Ragtime and Blues. Today it has become a form of expression.
In a way whilst the Blues sang about repression, Jazz was about freedom, which was expressed musically. These new-found freedoms expressed in music were having their effect. Whilst the 60s changed the world forever, that period had its roots in the post-war period. Jazz and the Sax stirred the pre-second world war period.
But those expressions became more extreme in the 40s and 50s, and something new was bubbling away under the musical surface.
Blues, jazz, and boogie-woogie piano combined to form Rhythm and Blues, and from there, it was one small step for mankind to Rock n Roll. The Saxophone was in the middle of it and in many ways, driving it on. As an instrument, it was getting an important place, as Little Richard demonstrated with ‘The Girl Can’t Help It.’
But nothing prepared us for what happened next. How could it? We had not seen anything like this before.
The UK was still in love with Johnny Ray. My sixteen-year-old sister at the time nearly passed out at every glimpse. We sat down for ‘tea’ one Sunday evening, and our grainy black and white TV nearly exploded. Our Mum just stared, our Dad mumbled something about ‘bloody young people today,’ and my sister is dancing around the room.
On the TV, a certain Mr. William Clifton was strutting his stuff. Bill Haley and his Comets had arrived, and his saxophone player was playing a solo on his back with his legs in the air.
People say it all started with Elvis. For some, it might have done, but in the UK, it started right then and there. ‘Cry’ was taken off of our little record player, and ‘Rock Around the Clock’ was on it. The next day at school, it was the topic of conversation. The saxophone had arrived big time. Since then, it is everywhere, and just about everyone has used one on their recordings.
As an instrument, it has this ability to be able to have you leaping around the room or almost ripping your heart out. Clarence Clemons took the Bill Haley trick to Bruce Springsteen, and even the Beatles used it. But as an instrument for us, it came of age with Gerry Rafferty’s ‘Baker Street’ and Paul Simon’s ‘Still Crazy After All these years” When played like that there is little that can touch it as an instrument.
Raise a glass to Raphael for Baker Street and Mike for Still Crazy and say ‘thanks.’ And to all the jazz greats like Charlie Parker and Stan Getz. The saxophone in all its guises is here to stay.
Product Information
The Yamaha YAS-280 beginner Sax offers a perfect introduction to the world of the saxophone. Whether a student beginner or an advanced player needs a doubling instrument, the 280 series saxes offer surprisingly high-quality features at a student model price.
This is the top-selling student/intermediate sax in the world. Made to the highest standards the 280 still outperforms everything around it. The design of the crook is based on the Professional 62 model to give a flexible, responsive tone. We were really impressed with the YAS-280 in our recordings as it had impeccable tuning and a free-blowing sound that is unparalleled at this price range.
New beginners will find this sax easy to play and produce a secure tone on, advancing players will enjoy the quality tone and positive action.
We professionally set up each YAS280 in our Workshops to our Platinum standard ensuring perfect blowing and action.
- Supplied with backpack style hard case
- Includes Yamaha 4C beginner Alto Sax mouthpiece
- Fully workshop checked and with a 2 year warranty
- Supplied on a 14 Day Home Trial
- Weight: 2.35kg (Sax + Neck only)
Features
As a beginner, it can be extra difficult to get good with a low-quality saxophone. Many ergonomic features on the instrument determine how easy it is to play. Some of them include the angles created between the hands, fingers, and wrist. If those angles are efficient and well-crafted, the sax will be much more pleasant to play. In turn, you’ll be able to practice for much longer. The YAS-280 was built with comfort in mind. This instrument is easy to play and ideal for long practice sessions and rehearsals.
- Excellent intonation
- Very comfortable to play
- Built with excellent materials
- Visually appealing
- Excellent for beginners
- On the expensive side
- F and F# keys are a bit close together
The YAS-280 is made of yellow brass and has a gold lacquer finish. An innovative neck receiver also makes it more efficient to play. The neck is a crucial aspect of overall quality, as it sculpts the sound and affects the intonation.
This model has an improved high F-sharp and low B-to-C-sharp connection. If you over-tighten the screws, the neck receiver won’t be affected. Also, there’s a convenient adjustable thumb rest to ensure a comfortable playing experience.
In terms of appearance, the YAS-280 is appealing in several ways. The key touches are white polyester, which is nice. There’s also a Yamaha bell hand engraving, which adds to the overall appeal. Each of the keys is durable, easy-to-use, and nicely-shaped. The keys covering the vent holes have pads that provide an airtight cover on the instrument’s tube. Also, you’ll find that the YAS-280 is lightweight, weighing only 5 lbs 3 oz.
How Does it Sound?
The YAS-280 comfortably plays through all registers while maintaining good intonation. With that said, it’s excellent for both students and advanced players. If you get this sax as a beginner, it will grow with you as you improve. You’ll likely enjoy many years of quality playing experience. Like with all Yamaha saxophones, the YAS-280’s keys are smooth and high-quality.
This sax produces rich tones that are very pleasant to the ear. On top of being accurate and warm, the sound resonates well and fills a large room. To keep the superb sound quality of this instrument, and any other sax, it’s essential to maintain it regularly. Your choice of reeds and the mouthpiece also plays a significant role in sound.
The Build
As you look at the various options to buy a student Alto saxophone, you need to be aware that there is a huge variety in build quality and, therefore, reliability. At the higher end of manufacturers like Yamaha, you will see that they are constructed better in every way.
New players will often be a little hard on their instruments. It is important then that you can keep it in good condition. The higher the quality, the easier this will be. As the player progresses, you need to try and get a horn that will grow with them, at least through the early stages.
Otherwise, you might be changing horns every six months. That means good key actions and good quality materials in the construction. It also means good design.
It might be hard to believe, but there are ergonomic considerations in the design of a sax. The angles that are created between fingers, hands, and wrists to the instrument are very important. If they are correct and efficient, the sax will be easy to play and not so tiring. That means longer, more efficient practice.
You get none of these problems with the Yamaha YAS-280 student alto saxophone. Yamaha has designed it to be easy and comfortable to play.
It is made from yellow brass with a gold lacquer finish. It has a Yamaha neck with a redesigned, more efficient neck receiver. The neck is not just where the mouthpiece meets the body of the sax. It shapes the sounds and also has a big influence on intonation. It has a big effect on every aspect of playing the instrument and is, therefore, important.
Yamaha has also improved the low B to C sharp connection and the high F sharp. The neck receiver is so designed that it will not complain if you over-tighten the screws. For comfort and to ensure a comfortable playing action, there is an adjustable thumb rest. The neck receiver is important for intonation.
The aesthetics have not been overlooked. If you are making a great sax, you also want it to look good. White polyester key touches and a Yamaha bell hand engraving add to the style and appearance. The keys are well-shaped, durable, and easy to use. The keys that cover the vent holes are made with pads that give an airtight cover on the tube of the instrument. It weighs just five pounds and three ounces.
Now let us just clear something up before we move on. Yamaha has a big reputation. Some seem offended by that. But like it or not, they make some of the best instruments in the world. Full stop. They do not make bad instruments, nor do they cut corners in manufacturing.
They don’t employ people, wherever they are from, who are not trained to do the job. Their reputation, which is high amongst the enlightened, would be at risk. They would not do that.
When Yamaha opened its manufacturing plant in Indonesia, all the usual remarks came out of the woodwork. A large percentage of the best instruments in the world are now made in Asia. There seems to be this idea they are incapable. In many cases, these days, it is we in the West, that are incapable.
Not the case for every manufacturer, of course. But for the high-end ones, you can forget about making a criticism, and forget the ‘where is it made’ syndrome. In some areas, they are just better than we are.
All Yamaha instruments are made to the highest quality of design and manufacture. They are not always perfect, of course. But when we on our side of the world make perfection, which we don’t, then we can complain. This sax is made in Indonesia, so that opinion is laid to rest.
In the Box
Along with the saxophone, you get a 1-inch-wide nylon strap with an open plastic hook. It also comes with a robust case shaped like a suitcase. Yamaha includes a mouthpiece with the purchase. Overall, you have everything you need to get started.
Any Extras?
It comes with a nice case that has a plush-lined interior and a neck strap. There is a ligature included. This is an important device. On a single-reed instrument, the ligature holds the reed in the correct position on the mouthpiece whilst letting it vibrate freely. Quite an important piece of kit to take good care of. A Yamaha plastic size 4C mouthpiece is supplied with a Rico 2.5 strength reed.
Is it Worth?
Before buying any saxophone, it’s essential to figure out if it’s the best choice for you. The Yamaha YAS-280 is priced at $1,340.00 and is an excellent instrument for beginners and advanced players. However, it’s catered more to beginner saxophonists. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and efficiently shaped. As you’d expect from Yamaha, the YAS-280’s intonation is stellar. Once you tune it, you’re good to go for the entire practice session.
The neck receiver is very stable and promotes an instant response and ease of play. Since beginners tend to be rough with their instruments, durability is essential. This saxophone is exceptionally durable and can handle some wear and tear. The low notes play very well because of an improved mechanism from the low B-C#. On top of that, you can adjust the thumb rest to your likings.
If you value appearance, the YAS-280 doesn’t disappoint. The gold lacquer finish and white polyester key touches are aesthetically pleasing. In the box, you get a strap, which is convenient. However, there are definitely more comfortable straps available. If you value the most pleasant experience, you might benefit from a better strap.
Yamaha is a world leader in pianos, guitars, and saxophones. The YAS-280 is one of the most excellent beginner saxophones on the market. In this Yamaha YAS-280 review, I’ve gone over all the significant aspects of this model. If you’re looking for a well-built, visually-appealing sax for beginners, the YAS-280 might be your best choice.
FAQ for Yamaha YAS-280 Saxophone
What is the Yamaha YAS-280 Saxophone?
The Yamaha YAS-280 Saxophone is a saxophone that is made with high-quality materials and offers a great sound. It comes with a case and mouthpiece to protect it and make it easier to transport. It’s also available in different colors and can be made to order.
What are the benefits of Yamaha YAS-280 Saxophone?
The Yamaha YAS-280 saxophone is the perfect choice for any beginner looking to start their musical journey. It offers great sound quality and is easy to play.
What is the key feature of the Yamaha YAS-280 saxophone?
The Yamaha YAS-280 Saxophone is a professional saxophone that has been designed with the classical saxophonist in mind. It is a fully chromatic instrument and features a range of tones that are rich and vibrant.
The Yamaha YAS-280 Saxophone is designed for the classical saxophonist who wants an instrument with a wide variety of tone colors, which can be used for any kind of music. This saxophone features an ergonomic shape and is easy to maintain, making it perfect for both professionals and amateurs alike.
What is the price range for the Yamaha YAS-280 Saxophone?
The price range for the Yamaha YAS-280 Saxophone is $200 – $400.
Where can I buy Yamaha YAS-280 Saxophone?
Here are some of the online stores where you can buy Yamaha YAS-280 Saxophone:
- Amazon.com
- Musicians Friend
- Dawson Music
- Music123
What is the weight of Yamaha YAS-280 Saxophone?
The weight of Yamaha YAS-280 Saxophone is 3.6 pounds.