Yamaha Saxophone Serial Number Lookup

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Since 1887, when it began producing reed organs, the Yamaha Corporation in Japan (then Nippon Gakki Co., Ltd.) has grown to become the world’s largest manufacturer of a full line of musical instruments, and a leading producer of audio/visual products, semiconductors and other computer related products, sporting goods, home appliances and furniture, specialty metals, machine tools, and industrial robots.

Since Yamaha Music Foundation was established in 1966, it has generated a wide range of music activities throughout global society, including Yamaha music schools, and the Junior Original Concert. Strong commitment to promote and support music education and popularization is one of the most significant elements to distinguish Yamaha from its competitors (reference: http://www.yamaha.com/aboutyamaha.asp).

82Z, 855and 875 Pages

DETAILED HISTORY:http://www.yamaha.com/aboutyamaha.asp
CORPORATE WEBSITES:http://www.yamaha.com, http://www.global.yamaha.com, http://www.yamaha.co.jp.


Model Notation

Yamaha professional tenor sax. Model number: YTS-62 purple logo. Serial number: 003801 This is one of the finest tenors ever built by Yamaha and as far play-ability. Very good condition with minor scratches around the left side of tube body (player's right side). No dents or dings. An Index to Serial Number Lists. The following is presented to assist in locating serial number lists and/or other information useful in dating Brass Instruments. Tell us, If you know of listings not presented here.

Most Yamaha models are in the form of “YAS-21”. Simple: Yamaha Alto Sax – Model 21“. Below is a little chart, where “x” means “a number”.

  • 2x = Student model (21, 23, 25). 25 is identical to 23, but it has an altissimo F# key.
  • 275 = Student model. Improved version of the 2x models.
  • 32 = Intermediate model, virtually identical to 52 model.
  • 475 = Intermediate model, updated version of 52 model.
  • 52 = Intermediate model.
  • 34 = Advanced intermediate model (improved neck).
  • 575 = Advanced intermediate model (improved neck and bell).
  • 6x = Machine-made professional model (61, 62, 62II).
  • 675 = Professional soprano.
  • 82 = Custom professional.
  • 8×5 = Custom professional (855, 875).
  • YAS01M/Q/MQ: A limited edition Indonesian-made model. Student quality.
  • AD01 (Advantage): Slightly reworked model 23s for the education market.


Serial Number Information

I’m sorry; I forgot to include this on my first draft.

Yamaha serial numbers, like Yanagisawa’s, are not necessarily sequential. There are also no extant serial number charts, even for dealers. If you want to know when your Yamaha was made, the only completely accurate answer is from Yamaha, themselves. You should be able to contact them through their global website.

However, there is an extant serial number chart for the Vito 7131RK, which is the Vito-stenciled Yamaha YAS-25. This chart can give you some information.

Further, you could look at the Yamaha Parts List, as that does have some serial number ranges listed.


Errata

  • I am unaware of any Yamaha sopranino (“Eb soprano”, if you prefer) or Bb bass saxophones. They may have had a prototype at one point, but I have never seen one.
  • I may include some of the Nippon Gakki instruments if I can find them. They’re fairly uncommon, but earlier ones look like copies of various things, really late ones (like this one) are virtually identical to the Yamaha 61 horns and may actually have been built BY Yamaha before Yamaha purchased Nikkan Gakki.I also found this page, which has some shots of the Nikkan Imperial AND an MP3 of it. That’s kinda kewl.
  • “Nikkan” was also a name that was used on some early Yanagisawa brasswinds. There doesn’t appear to be any connection with these brasswinds and Yamaha.


Linkies

There are a lot of absolutely superb links to Yamaha stuff and there are some great things to be found on the Yamaha websites. I’m going to try to list some of the great linkies, below:

  • Yamaha Parts List. All the parts for each Yamaha model. Particularly beneficial if you’re trying to determine what the differences between models are. Do note that different finished parts (e.g. a silver bell as opposed to a lacquer bell) also have different part numbers.
  • Yamaha Movies. Includes a LONG factory tour (in a couple languages) and a couple LONG promo vids.
    • Yamaha Saxophone Serial Number Lookup
  • Yamaha Saxophone Factory Picture Tour.
  • Archived Pics. Yamaha’s authorized archival pics (some are mislabled).
  • Greg Vail’s Sax Reviews. Greg is a Yamaha clinician and he’s written some purple prose regarding the Yamahas. Again note that he’s a “Yamaha clinician.”
  • Yamaha necks. They have a few.
  • Caring for your Sax. Hey, it’s the official care guide.

    • Yamaha Drum Serial Number Lookup

  • Yamaha Podcasts. It’s got clinics and other great resources. A must check.
  • Yamaha Artists’ Pages.
  • Yamaha “What’s New?” Woodwind Pages.
  • Yamaha Canada. They have a very nice spread of all current instruments with specs.
  • Yamaha Advantage Website. Beginner info.
  • Yamaha Virtual Magazines.
  • Yamaha Online Catalogs (PDFs). There are actually multiple catalogs here that list saxophones.
  • Yamaha’s Blog. Hey! They also have a WordPress Blog!
  • Pete’s Nikkan Pics. Yes, I’m tooting my own horn.
    • Yamaha Saxophone Serial Number Lookup

    Buescher Saxophone Serial Number

  • The 10 Millionth Instrument. Some info about Nikkan Gakki Corp, too.
    • Originally published May 24, 2010.
    Added info about Yamaha’s blog and a link to my Nikkan pics on July 21, 2010.

    Yamaha Alto Sax Serial Number


    Serial numbers can be found in a variety of places on different instruments. Please use the images below to help locate the serial number on your instrument.

    Yamaha Saxophone Serial Number Lookup