Best
Student
Yamaha Sax
Saxophone THE NUMBER ONE SAXOPHONE FOR LEARNERS
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Overall: Beautiful Look And Rich Tone With A Gold Lacquer Finish
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Best Feature: Easier Response From Lower Notes With The Improved, Stronger B-C# Mechanism
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Beginner
Yamaha
Sax
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Overall: Ergonomic key design that allows for comfortable finger placement
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Best Feature: Produces a warm, full-bodied tone, thanks to its high-quality brass construction and well-designed mouthpiece
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TedScore™: 10/10
Best
Advanced
Yamaha Sax
Yas480
Intermediate
Alto
Saxophone LOOK AND FEEL LIKE A PRO
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Overall: Professional Quality
With Hand Engraving -
Best Feature:
Enjoy Great Intonation
With The Advanced, 62-Style Neck -
TedScore™: 9.2/10
The Yamaha YAS-23A might be your new best friend!
This alto saxophone is designed for beginners. It offers a smooth playing experience and a rich, warm sound that will make you feel like a pro in no time.

In this article, we’ll explore its standout features, including its durable construction and easy playability, which make it a favorite among aspiring musicians. Whether you’re jamming at home or performing on stage, the YAS-23A has everything you need to shine.
Design and Build Quality
The Yamaha YAS-23A features a robust design that is built to last.
Constructed from high-quality brass, it looks stunning and produces a warm, rich sound that is perfect for a variety of musical styles.
The instrument is finished with a beautiful gold lacquer that enhances its aesthetic appeal and provides protection against wear and tear.
Its ergonomic key layout makes it comfortable to play, allowing beginners to focus on their technique without feeling hindered by awkward finger placements.
Sound Quality

When you pick up the YAS-23A, you’ll quickly notice its impressive sound quality.
The saxophone produces a full-bodied tone that resonates beautifully, making it ideal for jazz, classical, or even pop music.
Thanks to its well-designed mouthpiece and high-quality reeds, players can achieve excellent projection and clarity in their sound. Whether you’re playing softly in a practice session or belting out notes in a band, the YAS-23A delivers a sound that is sure to impress.
Playability and Comfort

One of the standout features of the Yamaha YAS-23A is its playability.
Designed for beginners, this saxophone is lightweight and easy to handle, making it perfect for beginners.
The keys of the Yamaha YAS-23A are not just smooth, they are also highly responsive, ensuring a quality and precision that is essential for developing good technique.
Additionally, the adjustable thumb rest ensures that players of all hand sizes can find a comfortable grip, making practice sessions more enjoyable.
Accessories and Value

The Yamaha YAS-23A comes with a variety of accessories that enhance the overall experience.
The saxophone comes with a sturdy case for protection, a mouthpiece, and a cleaning kit, ensuring that you have everything you need to start playing right away.
When considering the price point, the YAS-23A offers incredible value for beginners.
Its combination of quality materials, excellent sound, and thoughtful design makes it a worthwhile investment for any aspiring saxophonist.
Yamaha YAS-23A

FEATURES: Ergonomic key design that allows for comfortable finger placement
OTHER INFO: Produces a warm, full-bodied tone, thanks to its high-quality brass construction and well-designed mouthpiece
- Ergonomic key layout and lightweight construction make it comfortable for beginners
- Made from high-quality brass with a protective gold lacquer finish
- None
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
An Investment for Beginners
The Yamaha YAS-23A is a fantastic entry-level alto saxophone that has earned a solid reputation among beginners and educators alike.
As a trusted brand in the music industry, Yamaha delivers quality instruments that are designed to last.
The horn features high-quality pads that ensure excellent sealing and responsiveness, which is crucial for producing a clear and vibrant sound.
With its ergonomic design, the YAS-23A allows players to navigate through notes effortlessly, making it a great choice for those just starting out. The saxophone’s durable construction and reliable pads make it a dependable option for students who need an instrument that can withstand regular use.

Other Yamaha Saxophone Model
Yamaha YAS280 Student Alto Saxophone

PERFECT FOR: Student saxophone players
FEATURES: Beautiful look and rich tone with a gold lacquer finish
OTHER INFO: Easier response from lower notes with the improved, stronger B-C# mechanism
Yamaha YAS280 Student Alto Saxophone
- Register for a 5-year extended warranty and 3-month Tomplay Premium
- Includes case & high-quality 4C mouthpiece
- Yamaha quality creates the best student saxophone
- You might want to upgrade as you advance your playing skills
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Yamaha YAS480 Intermediate Alto Saxophone

PERFECT FOR: Advanced and professional sax players
FEATURES: Professional quality with hand engraving
OTHER INFO: Enjoy great intonation with the advanced, 62-style neck
Yamaha YAS480 Intermediate Alto Saxophone
- Increased playability with a seesaw key and improved low B-C# connection
- You're ready to play with the included 4C mouthpiece and case
- Register for a 5-year extended warranty and 3-month Tomplay Premium
- None!
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Final Verdict:
Yamaha YAS-23A
The Yamaha YAS-23A is an outstanding alto saxophone that offers quality, comfort, and versatility to musicians of all levels. Its exceptional build quality and rich sound make it a favorite among both beginners and experienced players.

The Yamaha YAS-23A, with its versatile design and user-friendly features, is a perfect fit for those who want to explore the world of saxophone playing. Whether you’re jamming with friends or performing on stage, this instrument will help you stand out.
So, if you’re ready to embark on your musical journey, the Yamaha YAS-23A is waiting for you! Grab your saxophone and let the music flow!
Wait! Keep on reading…
If you’re in the market for a saxophone, be sure to check out saxophone brands to avoid to steer clear of potential pitfalls and make an informed decision on your next musical investment!
FAQ's
The Yamaha YAS-23 was introduced in 1992 and quickly became a popular choice for students and beginner saxophonists due to its excellent sound quality and playability. It was designed to provide an affordable yet reliable option for those starting their musical journey.
The serial number on a Yamaha saxophone is typically located on the back of the instrument, near the neck or just above the thumb rest on the body.
The Yamaha YAS-480 is made in Japan.
heard a lot of good stuff about the yas-23a and this just seals the deal for me, can’t wait to start playing, it sounds perfect for beginners
great choice, jax_78! starting with a yas-23a will definitely set you on the right path. enjoy the journey!
Is the YAS-23A too advanced for a complete beginner? My son is just starting band and I’m wondering if this would be a good fit for him.
u mentioned the YAS-23A has ‘impressive sound quality’ but didn’t dive into how it stands up in a band setting. i’ve played sax for over a decade and found the YAS-23 can be a bit bright for some jazz ensembles. it’s solid for solo practice though. anyone else find the same?
Yeah, SaxManMike, totally get where you’re coming from. It does have a brighter tone, which I kinda like for certain pieces, but blending in smoothly in a jazz ensemble takes a bit of work. Found using a darker reed helps a bit.
Robert, the YAS-23A seems to be quite a beneficial starting point for students delving into the world of music, particularly saxophony. Could you provide some insights into how this model compares with others in terms of student progress and ease of learning? Thank you.
got to admit, yamaha always nails it with durability. my first sax was a yas-23 and it survived everything i put it through.
Really appreciated the section on the YAS-23A’s robust design, Robert Emery. I’ve been on the fence about what my first sax should be and knowing it’s built to last puts my mind at ease. Sounds like a solid choice for someone just getting into it like me.