Since 1893, the firm of Yanagisawa has been repairing and manufacturing wind instruments in Japan.

However, their interest in the Saxophone world is comparatively recent. In 1954, after many years of research, Yanagisawa announced the launch of their first Tenor Saxophone The T3. This first model was silver plated and engraved with the picture of a castle (Incidentally, this first model is said to have been bought by an American soldier at the Komaki music store in Tokyo). The launch of their first alto model, The A3 followed in 1956.

For the next ten years, the company continued to produce Alto and Tenor saxophones but did not produce any new models. However, as the company motto 'Yanagisawa pursues technology' suggests, they were by no means dormant. The company endeavouring to become a saxophone specialist, remodelled the current saxophone range and plans were on the drawing board to produce a full range of saxophones for the domestic market.

In June 1965, the remodelled alto was released as the A5, closely followed by the T5 in February 1966. In April of the same year, two new models The A4 and T4 were introduced. It was also announced that a baritone was to be added to the range. The B6 being the first baritone saxophone produced in Japan, was released in March 1967 and attracted a great deal of attention and acclaim. The following year, the Yanagisawa company achieved their long-awaited ambition and the S6 soprano was completed. The S6 was released in March 1969 (again the first of its kind to be released in Japan).

The company continued their policy of upgrading and superseded the A5 by bringing out the A6 in August 1970. By this time, the Yanagisawa company had proved themselves to be the leading innovators of fine saxophones on their domestic market, but the world stage was still waiting.

In February 1972, Yanagisawa developed their first alto saxophone made of all-sterling silver mouthpiece and body. This was followed closely by the completion and release of the world's first sopranino - model number SN 6, with a high F# key. The first sopranino produced is now in the hands of Sonny Rollins.

With the saxophone line fulfilled, the company gained a full-fledged capacity as the saxophone specialist manufacturer to accommodate all saxophone artists. The demand for custom made parts was soon increasing and it rapidly became apparent that there was a demand for a range of better quality mouthpieces. Always obliging in their quest to satisfy the needs of musicians, the company completed and released their hand-made ebonite and metal mouthpieces in December 1972. These are still hand made today.

During this period, the Yanagisawa company took on their greatest challenge and in June 1979 they succeeded in completing their curved soprano. This proved to be one of the most difficult instruments to make, but through Yanagisawa's well-seasoned technology it proved to be a great success. Both academics and famed artist of Japan and overseas who has advised on its design and manufacture, praised the instrument highly.

Whilst all this was going on, improvements were also carried out to the existing range of altos and tenors resulting in the introduction of the 500 and 900 series. This range continued until 1992 when they were superseded by the current range in the 900 series. Another major innovation which appeared in June 1985 was the introduction of the first interchangeable neck straight soprano model S 880. This saxophone has enjoyed enormous success with professionals worldwide. The demands on this saxophone gave birth to the S 990 which was released at the end of 1991, this being the first interchangeable straight soprano fitted with a high G key.

Major modifications were carried out in 1998 with the introduction of the 901 and 991 series saxophones. These instruments were fine tuned for optimum performance in playability and tone. The tone holes were re-located for the ultimate in fine-tuning and the action was further improved for comfort and speed demanded by todays musicians. Yanagisawa patented a new design brass thumb and hook rest to enhance the natural resonance of the instrument.

In 1992 the range was augmented by the enormously successful 992 Bronze series. The darker tone much favoured by leading jazz musicians has undoubtedly secured Yanagisawa as the leading Saxophone manufacturer in the World.

The manufacturing process begins with skilled hands, goes through machines and returns to skilled hands. It is a combination of the superb skills of craftsmen and modern machinery that produces each and every part of the whole instrument.

Endorsees in the USA include: Greg Osley, Kenny Garrett, Vincent Herring and Antonio Hart
Endorsees in the UK include: Peter King, Tommy Smith, Barbara Thomson, Tim Garland and Matt Wates