Yanagisawa SN-981 Sopranino Sax

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Yanagisawa SN-981 Sopranino Sax

Yanagisawa

SN-981 Sopranino Sax

5 Expert Rating

Product Info

Article Number: 100561
Model: SN-981 Sopranino Sax
Price: $3,903.90

* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.

The SN-981 is Yanagisawa’s top-tier sopranino, and it shows. The refined brass body delivers a uniquely vocal tone, and the keywork is simply superb—it’s responsive and feels incredibly natural. This is for the serious saxophonist looking for a premium instrument with exceptional projection and a truly professional feel.

Product Description

  • Yanagisawa SN-981 Sopranino Saxophone
  • Sopranino Saxophone
  • Neck
  • body and bell made of refined brass
  • Gold lacquer finish
  • High E key
  • Includes case
PROS
  • • Refined brass construction yields a remarkably warm, complex tone.
  • • High E key significantly expands the instrument's upper register accessibility.
  • • Yanagisawa’s renowned keywork provides exceptional smoothness and precision.
  • • Gold lacquer finish offers beautiful aesthetics and enhanced protection.
CONS
  • • Sopranino saxophones are inherently challenging to master, requiring considerable embouchure control.
  • • The instrument's size and weight can be fatiguing for extended playing sessions.
  • • Limited repertoire compared to more common saxophones like alto or tenor.

Product Video

Key Features

Type Sopranino Saxophone
Material Refined Brass
Keywork Mechanically linked key system with precision bearings
Finish Gold Lacquer
Mouthpiece Ships with a standard Yamaha mouthpiece (typically 4C)
Weight Approximately 6.5 lbs

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yanagisawa has addressed common intonation issues found in many sopraninos; however, meticulous tuning and embouchure adjustments are still essential for optimal results.
The High E key is a significant improvement, allowing for more consistent and reliable high-register playing, although it still requires practice and a controlled embouchure.
Yanagisawa’s craftsmanship is consistently excellent, rivaling or surpassing brands like Selmer and P. Mauriat in terms of mechanical precision and overall durability.

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