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Yamaha Saxophone Serial Number Lookup

broken image


Nov 27, 2014 The YAS 62 horn definitely had engraving on the bell with the Yamaha logo and the Yamaha blurb with the serial number on the body above the thumb rest. I'm pretty sure that the G1 necks came later. (Ads has confirmed my suspicion in the meantime with his post above) I still have the original neck from that horn as it fell off a dodgy stage at a. Yamaha Saxophone Serial Number Lookup In 1969, our first baritone sax, the YBS-61 was also launched closely followed by the YAS and YTS-21 in the next year. Yamaha began the full-scale development of Wind instruments in 1963.

BUESCHER
Serial#Year
50001905
112501910
251031915
612551920
1752751925
2552501930
2690001935
2910001940
3030001945
3320001950
3500001955
3600001960
3810001963
Bought out by Selmer
4088181965
5200001970
6300001975
7850001980
8750001983
SELMER (PARIS)
Serial#Year
100001929
120001930
Cigar Cutter
140001931
170001932
180001933
190001934
200001935
Balanced Action
220001936
240001937
250001938
270001939
300001940
330001947
Super Balanced Action
350001948
370001949
400001950
430001951
Low A Baritone
460001952
500001953
520001954
Mark VI
570001955
620001956
660001957
710001958
760001959
810001960
900001961
940001962
1030001963
1100001964
1200001965
1290001966
1370001967
1490001968
1600001969
1710001970
1820001971
1920001972
2040001973
2180001974
2310001975
Mark VII
2430001976
2560001977
2720001978
2820001979
3000001980
3273001981
Super Action 80
3402001982
3538001983
3664001984
3788001985
3910001986
Super Action 80 II
4060001987
CONN
Serial#Year
96001905
108001906
120001907
130001908
154001909
178001910
212001911
225001912
250001913
300001914
350001916
400001917
500001919
580001920
640001921
830001922
1017751923
1246001924
1454001925
1679001926
1934501927
2092501928
2246001929
2378001930
2447001931
2492301932
2565011933
2600001934
2635001935
2710001936
2780001937
2840001938
2850001939
2883001940
2952501941
3045001942
3092501943
3093001944
3102001945
3140001946
3200001947
3271501948
3321501949
3372501950
3418501951
3418511952
3547421953
3592511954
5000011955
5717501956
6520021957
7186261958
7796571959
8342001960
8985561961
9494651962
C005011963
C738541964
E541061965
H312471966
K352741967
L204541968
BUFFET
Serial#Year
29251952
31151953
33901954
37631955
42261956
48171957
53921958
61721959
68081960
74161961
86561962
96691963
100641964
117491965
127781966
137661967
144871968
153471969
163231970
173191971
184451972
197871973
214411974
226871975
244171976
261511977
272801978
287331979
301901980
315391981
329611982
339241983
346641984
357331985
Yamaha Saxophone Serial Number Lookup
KING
Serial#Year
50001915
780001925
1260001930
1610001935
2200001940
2750001945
3050001950
3400001955
3700001960
4065001965
4576001970
5117501975
MARTIN
Serial#Year
172211919
194821920
199331921
237811921
299421922
348381923
406441924
484891523421925
54853
678521628521926
172051
792541927
866871928
*19253610271929
*first digit dropped on most serial numbers
9832429821930
10162271191931
1050961932
1065461933
1083011934
107581112531935
145261165511936
153961180381937
188611269981938
205631320701939
232311360401940
245721401991941
266431444551942
1453221943
1944
1453521945
1542891946
1615201947
1653261948
1703951949
1722151950
172449 first Imperial
1751401951
416931793171952
45824 Indiana1831251953
49586 Indiana1876141954
1937471955
561621962131956
667192038091957
667272019171958
709882053771959
762242090891960
818852116751961
878502139991962
2188551963
HOLTON
Serial#Year
11901
2541902
4761903
5261904
11511905
18721906
33451907
46301908
60711909
94741910
12,4021911
15,9501912
20,8071913
21,1001914
31,6221915
33,6711916
37,9091917
41,070 – 43,9721918
55,000 – 55,2491918
43,973 – 47,6001919
55,250 – 57,0401919
47,601 – 49,8171920
57,041 – 58,4991920
70,000 – 70,5491920
49,818 – 54,9991921
58,500 – 59,4991921
70,550 – 73,1991921
59,500 – 60,5991922
73,200 – 76,0991922
60,600 – 61,6491923
76,100 – 81,0001923
61,650 – 62,1991924
81,001 – 85,6001924
62,200 – 62,8991925
85,900 – 89,8491925
62,900 – 63,1491926
89,850 – 92,7991926
63,150 – 63,2991927
92,800 – 97,1991927
63,300 – 63,5491928
97,200 – 101,3991928
63,550 – 63,8491929
101,400 – 105,1991929
63,850 – 64,0491930
105,200 – 108,3991930
64,050 – 64,1491931
108,400 – 111,0491931
111,099 – 113,8991932
113,990 – 114,9991933
115,000 – 117,2991934
117,300 – 118,5991935
118,600 – 120,5991936
120,600 – 122,8991937
122,900 – 125,8491938
125,850 – 132,7991939
132,800 – 140,0991940
140,100 – 151,2991941
151,300 – 154,1991942
154,200 – 154,6991943
154,700 – 154,8991944
154,900 – 156,0991945
156,100 – 165,5991946
165,600 – 181,9991947
182,000 – 198,2991948
198,399 – 210,2991949
210,300 – 220,4991950
220,500 – 232,5991951
232,600 – 243,3491952
243,350 – 254,0991953
254,100 – 268,9991954
269,000 – 281,3991955
281,400 – 293,6991956
293,700 – 307,3991957
307,400 – 315,6991958
315,700 – 326,0991959
326,100 – 337,5991960
337,600 – 348,3991961
348,400 – 358,4991962
358,500 – 373,6991963
373,700 – 388,9491964
388,950 – 403,3501965
403,351 – 435,9991966
536,600 – 455,7491967
455,750 – 467,0991968
467,100 – 483,0991969
483,100 – 496,7991970
496,800 – 504,2001971
504,201 – 519,2991972
519,300 – 524,5991973
524,600 – 529,8991974
529,900 – 535,1991975
535,200 – 541,9991976
542,000 – 548,4291977
CLEVELAND
Serial#Year
11925
10,0001930
30,0001935
40,0001940
45,0001945
50,0001950
56,0001955
100,0001960
160,0001965
420,0001970
600,0001975
YANIGASAWASAXOPHONES
During the 1970′s, the 3rd and 4th digit of the serial number indicate the year of manufacture.1972 – 12729030
1973 – 12731254
1974 – 12745400
1975 – 12753382
1976 – 12764553
1977 – 12775790
1978 – 12781317
1979 – 12791801
1980 – 00102143
1981 – 00106981
1982 – 00111892
1983 – 00117142
1984 – 00122663
1985 – 00128485
1986 – 00134903
1987 – 00141658
1988 – 00148774
1989 – 00156006
1990 – 00162968
1991 – 00170073
1992 – 00177116
1993 – 00184318
1994 – 00189050
1995 – 00197400
1996 – 00205400
1997 – 00213000
1998 – 00219500
1999 – 00228250
2000 – 00235000
SML SAXOPHONES
Serial#Year
1? – 30001934 to 1940
3000 – 55001940 to 1945
5500 – 80001945 to 1950
8000 – 120001950 to 1955
12000 – 160001955 to 1960
16000 – 190001960 to 1965
19000 – 220001965 to 1970
22000 – 240001970 to 1975
24000 – 260001975 to 1980
26000 – >270001980 to 1982

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

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

Search
  • 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.
  • Buescher Saxophone Serial Number

  • 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 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 Saxophone Serial Number Lookup
    KING
    Serial#Year
    50001915
    780001925
    1260001930
    1610001935
    2200001940
    2750001945
    3050001950
    3400001955
    3700001960
    4065001965
    4576001970
    5117501975
    MARTIN
    Serial#Year
    172211919
    194821920
    199331921
    237811921
    299421922
    348381923
    406441924
    484891523421925
    54853
    678521628521926
    172051
    792541927
    866871928
    *19253610271929
    *first digit dropped on most serial numbers
    9832429821930
    10162271191931
    1050961932
    1065461933
    1083011934
    107581112531935
    145261165511936
    153961180381937
    188611269981938
    205631320701939
    232311360401940
    245721401991941
    266431444551942
    1453221943
    1944
    1453521945
    1542891946
    1615201947
    1653261948
    1703951949
    1722151950
    172449 first Imperial
    1751401951
    416931793171952
    45824 Indiana1831251953
    49586 Indiana1876141954
    1937471955
    561621962131956
    667192038091957
    667272019171958
    709882053771959
    762242090891960
    818852116751961
    878502139991962
    2188551963
    HOLTON
    Serial#Year
    11901
    2541902
    4761903
    5261904
    11511905
    18721906
    33451907
    46301908
    60711909
    94741910
    12,4021911
    15,9501912
    20,8071913
    21,1001914
    31,6221915
    33,6711916
    37,9091917
    41,070 – 43,9721918
    55,000 – 55,2491918
    43,973 – 47,6001919
    55,250 – 57,0401919
    47,601 – 49,8171920
    57,041 – 58,4991920
    70,000 – 70,5491920
    49,818 – 54,9991921
    58,500 – 59,4991921
    70,550 – 73,1991921
    59,500 – 60,5991922
    73,200 – 76,0991922
    60,600 – 61,6491923
    76,100 – 81,0001923
    61,650 – 62,1991924
    81,001 – 85,6001924
    62,200 – 62,8991925
    85,900 – 89,8491925
    62,900 – 63,1491926
    89,850 – 92,7991926
    63,150 – 63,2991927
    92,800 – 97,1991927
    63,300 – 63,5491928
    97,200 – 101,3991928
    63,550 – 63,8491929
    101,400 – 105,1991929
    63,850 – 64,0491930
    105,200 – 108,3991930
    64,050 – 64,1491931
    108,400 – 111,0491931
    111,099 – 113,8991932
    113,990 – 114,9991933
    115,000 – 117,2991934
    117,300 – 118,5991935
    118,600 – 120,5991936
    120,600 – 122,8991937
    122,900 – 125,8491938
    125,850 – 132,7991939
    132,800 – 140,0991940
    140,100 – 151,2991941
    151,300 – 154,1991942
    154,200 – 154,6991943
    154,700 – 154,8991944
    154,900 – 156,0991945
    156,100 – 165,5991946
    165,600 – 181,9991947
    182,000 – 198,2991948
    198,399 – 210,2991949
    210,300 – 220,4991950
    220,500 – 232,5991951
    232,600 – 243,3491952
    243,350 – 254,0991953
    254,100 – 268,9991954
    269,000 – 281,3991955
    281,400 – 293,6991956
    293,700 – 307,3991957
    307,400 – 315,6991958
    315,700 – 326,0991959
    326,100 – 337,5991960
    337,600 – 348,3991961
    348,400 – 358,4991962
    358,500 – 373,6991963
    373,700 – 388,9491964
    388,950 – 403,3501965
    403,351 – 435,9991966
    536,600 – 455,7491967
    455,750 – 467,0991968
    467,100 – 483,0991969
    483,100 – 496,7991970
    496,800 – 504,2001971
    504,201 – 519,2991972
    519,300 – 524,5991973
    524,600 – 529,8991974
    529,900 – 535,1991975
    535,200 – 541,9991976
    542,000 – 548,4291977
    CLEVELAND
    Serial#Year
    11925
    10,0001930
    30,0001935
    40,0001940
    45,0001945
    50,0001950
    56,0001955
    100,0001960
    160,0001965
    420,0001970
    600,0001975
    YANIGASAWASAXOPHONES
    During the 1970′s, the 3rd and 4th digit of the serial number indicate the year of manufacture.1972 – 12729030
    1973 – 12731254
    1974 – 12745400
    1975 – 12753382
    1976 – 12764553
    1977 – 12775790
    1978 – 12781317
    1979 – 12791801
    1980 – 00102143
    1981 – 00106981
    1982 – 00111892
    1983 – 00117142
    1984 – 00122663
    1985 – 00128485
    1986 – 00134903
    1987 – 00141658
    1988 – 00148774
    1989 – 00156006
    1990 – 00162968
    1991 – 00170073
    1992 – 00177116
    1993 – 00184318
    1994 – 00189050
    1995 – 00197400
    1996 – 00205400
    1997 – 00213000
    1998 – 00219500
    1999 – 00228250
    2000 – 00235000
    SML SAXOPHONES
    Serial#Year
    1? – 30001934 to 1940
    3000 – 55001940 to 1945
    5500 – 80001945 to 1950
    8000 – 120001950 to 1955
    12000 – 160001955 to 1960
    16000 – 190001960 to 1965
    19000 – 220001965 to 1970
    22000 – 240001970 to 1975
    24000 – 260001975 to 1980
    26000 – >270001980 to 1982

    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

    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 Factory Picture Tour.
  • Buescher Saxophone Serial Number

  • 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 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.
  • The 10 Millionth Instrument. Some info about Nikkan Gakki Corp, too.
  • Yamaha Saxophone Serial Number Lookup Age

    Originally published May 24, 2010.
    Added info about Yamaha's blog and a link to my Nikkan pics on July 21, 2010.

    Yamaha Drum Serial Number Lookup






    broken image