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 Saxophone Serial Number
- Yamaha Saxophone Serial Number Lookup Age
- Yamaha Drum Serial Number Lookup
BUESCHER | |
Serial# | Year |
5000 | 1905 |
11250 | 1910 |
25103 | 1915 |
61255 | 1920 |
175275 | 1925 |
255250 | 1930 |
269000 | 1935 |
291000 | 1940 |
303000 | 1945 |
332000 | 1950 |
350000 | 1955 |
360000 | 1960 |
381000 | 1963 |
Bought out by Selmer | |
408818 | 1965 |
520000 | 1970 |
630000 | 1975 |
785000 | 1980 |
875000 | 1983 |
SELMER (PARIS) | |
Serial# | Year |
10000 | 1929 |
12000 | 1930 |
Cigar Cutter | |
14000 | 1931 |
17000 | 1932 |
18000 | 1933 |
19000 | 1934 |
20000 | 1935 |
Balanced Action | |
22000 | 1936 |
24000 | 1937 |
25000 | 1938 |
27000 | 1939 |
30000 | 1940 |
33000 | 1947 |
Super Balanced Action | |
35000 | 1948 |
37000 | 1949 |
40000 | 1950 |
43000 | 1951 |
Low A Baritone | |
46000 | 1952 |
50000 | 1953 |
52000 | 1954 |
Mark VI | |
57000 | 1955 |
62000 | 1956 |
66000 | 1957 |
71000 | 1958 |
76000 | 1959 |
81000 | 1960 |
90000 | 1961 |
94000 | 1962 |
103000 | 1963 |
110000 | 1964 |
120000 | 1965 |
129000 | 1966 |
137000 | 1967 |
149000 | 1968 |
160000 | 1969 |
171000 | 1970 |
182000 | 1971 |
192000 | 1972 |
204000 | 1973 |
218000 | 1974 |
231000 | 1975 |
Mark VII | |
243000 | 1976 |
256000 | 1977 |
272000 | 1978 |
282000 | 1979 |
300000 | 1980 |
327300 | 1981 |
Super Action 80 | |
340200 | 1982 |
353800 | 1983 |
366400 | 1984 |
378800 | 1985 |
391000 | 1986 |
Super Action 80 II | |
406000 | 1987 |
CONN | |
Serial# | Year |
9600 | 1905 |
10800 | 1906 |
12000 | 1907 |
13000 | 1908 |
15400 | 1909 |
17800 | 1910 |
21200 | 1911 |
22500 | 1912 |
25000 | 1913 |
30000 | 1914 |
35000 | 1916 |
40000 | 1917 |
50000 | 1919 |
58000 | 1920 |
64000 | 1921 |
83000 | 1922 |
101775 | 1923 |
124600 | 1924 |
145400 | 1925 |
167900 | 1926 |
193450 | 1927 |
209250 | 1928 |
224600 | 1929 |
237800 | 1930 |
244700 | 1931 |
249230 | 1932 |
256501 | 1933 |
260000 | 1934 |
263500 | 1935 |
271000 | 1936 |
278000 | 1937 |
284000 | 1938 |
285000 | 1939 |
288300 | 1940 |
295250 | 1941 |
304500 | 1942 |
309250 | 1943 |
309300 | 1944 |
310200 | 1945 |
314000 | 1946 |
320000 | 1947 |
327150 | 1948 |
332150 | 1949 |
337250 | 1950 |
341850 | 1951 |
341851 | 1952 |
354742 | 1953 |
359251 | 1954 |
500001 | 1955 |
571750 | 1956 |
652002 | 1957 |
718626 | 1958 |
779657 | 1959 |
834200 | 1960 |
898556 | 1961 |
949465 | 1962 |
C00501 | 1963 |
C73854 | 1964 |
E54106 | 1965 |
H31247 | 1966 |
K35274 | 1967 |
L20454 | 1968 |
BUFFET | |
Serial# | Year |
2925 | 1952 |
3115 | 1953 |
3390 | 1954 |
3763 | 1955 |
4226 | 1956 |
4817 | 1957 |
5392 | 1958 |
6172 | 1959 |
6808 | 1960 |
7416 | 1961 |
8656 | 1962 |
9669 | 1963 |
10064 | 1964 |
11749 | 1965 |
12778 | 1966 |
13766 | 1967 |
14487 | 1968 |
15347 | 1969 |
16323 | 1970 |
17319 | 1971 |
18445 | 1972 |
19787 | 1973 |
21441 | 1974 |
22687 | 1975 |
24417 | 1976 |
26151 | 1977 |
27280 | 1978 |
28733 | 1979 |
30190 | 1980 |
31539 | 1981 |
32961 | 1982 |
33924 | 1983 |
34664 | 1984 |
35733 | 1985 |
KING | |
Serial# | Year |
5000 | 1915 |
78000 | 1925 |
126000 | 1930 |
161000 | 1935 |
220000 | 1940 |
275000 | 1945 |
305000 | 1950 |
340000 | 1955 |
370000 | 1960 |
406500 | 1965 |
457600 | 1970 |
511750 | 1975 |
MARTIN | ||
Serial# | Year | |
17221 | 1919 | |
19482 | 1920 | |
19933 | 1921 | |
23781 | 1921 | |
29942 | 1922 | |
34838 | 1923 | |
40644 | 1924 | |
48489 | 152342 | 1925 |
54853 | ||
67852 | 162852 | 1926 |
172051 | ||
79254 | 1927 | |
86687 | 1928 | |
*192536 | 1027 | 1929 |
*first digit dropped on most serial numbers | ||
98324 | 2982 | 1930 |
101622 | 7119 | 1931 |
105096 | 1932 | |
106546 | 1933 | |
108301 | 1934 | |
10758 | 111253 | 1935 |
14526 | 116551 | 1936 |
15396 | 118038 | 1937 |
18861 | 126998 | 1938 |
20563 | 132070 | 1939 |
23231 | 136040 | 1940 |
24572 | 140199 | 1941 |
26643 | 144455 | 1942 |
145322 | 1943 | |
1944 | ||
145352 | 1945 | |
154289 | 1946 | |
161520 | 1947 | |
165326 | 1948 | |
170395 | 1949 | |
172215 | 1950 | |
172449 first Imperial | ||
175140 | 1951 | |
41693 | 179317 | 1952 |
45824 Indiana | 183125 | 1953 |
49586 Indiana | 187614 | 1954 |
193747 | 1955 | |
56162 | 196213 | 1956 |
66719 | 203809 | 1957 |
66727 | 201917 | 1958 |
70988 | 205377 | 1959 |
76224 | 209089 | 1960 |
81885 | 211675 | 1961 |
87850 | 213999 | 1962 |
218855 | 1963 |
HOLTON | |
Serial# | Year |
1 | 1901 |
254 | 1902 |
476 | 1903 |
526 | 1904 |
1151 | 1905 |
1872 | 1906 |
3345 | 1907 |
4630 | 1908 |
6071 | 1909 |
9474 | 1910 |
12,402 | 1911 |
15,950 | 1912 |
20,807 | 1913 |
21,100 | 1914 |
31,622 | 1915 |
33,671 | 1916 |
37,909 | 1917 |
41,070 – 43,972 | 1918 |
55,000 – 55,249 | 1918 |
43,973 – 47,600 | 1919 |
55,250 – 57,040 | 1919 |
47,601 – 49,817 | 1920 |
57,041 – 58,499 | 1920 |
70,000 – 70,549 | 1920 |
49,818 – 54,999 | 1921 |
58,500 – 59,499 | 1921 |
70,550 – 73,199 | 1921 |
59,500 – 60,599 | 1922 |
73,200 – 76,099 | 1922 |
60,600 – 61,649 | 1923 |
76,100 – 81,000 | 1923 |
61,650 – 62,199 | 1924 |
81,001 – 85,600 | 1924 |
62,200 – 62,899 | 1925 |
85,900 – 89,849 | 1925 |
62,900 – 63,149 | 1926 |
89,850 – 92,799 | 1926 |
63,150 – 63,299 | 1927 |
92,800 – 97,199 | 1927 |
63,300 – 63,549 | 1928 |
97,200 – 101,399 | 1928 |
63,550 – 63,849 | 1929 |
101,400 – 105,199 | 1929 |
63,850 – 64,049 | 1930 |
105,200 – 108,399 | 1930 |
64,050 – 64,149 | 1931 |
108,400 – 111,049 | 1931 |
111,099 – 113,899 | 1932 |
113,990 – 114,999 | 1933 |
115,000 – 117,299 | 1934 |
117,300 – 118,599 | 1935 |
118,600 – 120,599 | 1936 |
120,600 – 122,899 | 1937 |
122,900 – 125,849 | 1938 |
125,850 – 132,799 | 1939 |
132,800 – 140,099 | 1940 |
140,100 – 151,299 | 1941 |
151,300 – 154,199 | 1942 |
154,200 – 154,699 | 1943 |
154,700 – 154,899 | 1944 |
154,900 – 156,099 | 1945 |
156,100 – 165,599 | 1946 |
165,600 – 181,999 | 1947 |
182,000 – 198,299 | 1948 |
198,399 – 210,299 | 1949 |
210,300 – 220,499 | 1950 |
220,500 – 232,599 | 1951 |
232,600 – 243,349 | 1952 |
243,350 – 254,099 | 1953 |
254,100 – 268,999 | 1954 |
269,000 – 281,399 | 1955 |
281,400 – 293,699 | 1956 |
293,700 – 307,399 | 1957 |
307,400 – 315,699 | 1958 |
315,700 – 326,099 | 1959 |
326,100 – 337,599 | 1960 |
337,600 – 348,399 | 1961 |
348,400 – 358,499 | 1962 |
358,500 – 373,699 | 1963 |
373,700 – 388,949 | 1964 |
388,950 – 403,350 | 1965 |
403,351 – 435,999 | 1966 |
536,600 – 455,749 | 1967 |
455,750 – 467,099 | 1968 |
467,100 – 483,099 | 1969 |
483,100 – 496,799 | 1970 |
496,800 – 504,200 | 1971 |
504,201 – 519,299 | 1972 |
519,300 – 524,599 | 1973 |
524,600 – 529,899 | 1974 |
529,900 – 535,199 | 1975 |
535,200 – 541,999 | 1976 |
542,000 – 548,429 | 1977 |
CLEVELAND | |
Serial# | Year |
1 | 1925 |
10,000 | 1930 |
30,000 | 1935 |
40,000 | 1940 |
45,000 | 1945 |
50,000 | 1950 |
56,000 | 1955 |
100,000 | 1960 |
160,000 | 1965 |
420,000 | 1970 |
600,000 | 1975 |
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? – 3000 | 1934 to 1940 |
3000 – 5500 | 1940 to 1945 |
5500 – 8000 | 1945 to 1950 |
8000 – 12000 | 1950 to 1955 |
12000 – 16000 | 1955 to 1960 |
16000 – 19000 | 1960 to 1965 |
19000 – 22000 | 1965 to 1970 |
22000 – 24000 | 1970 to 1975 |
24000 – 26000 | 1975 to 1980 |
26000 – >27000 | 1980 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).
|
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:
Buescher Saxophone Serial Number
KING | |
Serial# | Year |
5000 | 1915 |
78000 | 1925 |
126000 | 1930 |
161000 | 1935 |
220000 | 1940 |
275000 | 1945 |
305000 | 1950 |
340000 | 1955 |
370000 | 1960 |
406500 | 1965 |
457600 | 1970 |
511750 | 1975 |
MARTIN | ||
Serial# | Year | |
17221 | 1919 | |
19482 | 1920 | |
19933 | 1921 | |
23781 | 1921 | |
29942 | 1922 | |
34838 | 1923 | |
40644 | 1924 | |
48489 | 152342 | 1925 |
54853 | ||
67852 | 162852 | 1926 |
172051 | ||
79254 | 1927 | |
86687 | 1928 | |
*192536 | 1027 | 1929 |
*first digit dropped on most serial numbers | ||
98324 | 2982 | 1930 |
101622 | 7119 | 1931 |
105096 | 1932 | |
106546 | 1933 | |
108301 | 1934 | |
10758 | 111253 | 1935 |
14526 | 116551 | 1936 |
15396 | 118038 | 1937 |
18861 | 126998 | 1938 |
20563 | 132070 | 1939 |
23231 | 136040 | 1940 |
24572 | 140199 | 1941 |
26643 | 144455 | 1942 |
145322 | 1943 | |
1944 | ||
145352 | 1945 | |
154289 | 1946 | |
161520 | 1947 | |
165326 | 1948 | |
170395 | 1949 | |
172215 | 1950 | |
172449 first Imperial | ||
175140 | 1951 | |
41693 | 179317 | 1952 |
45824 Indiana | 183125 | 1953 |
49586 Indiana | 187614 | 1954 |
193747 | 1955 | |
56162 | 196213 | 1956 |
66719 | 203809 | 1957 |
66727 | 201917 | 1958 |
70988 | 205377 | 1959 |
76224 | 209089 | 1960 |
81885 | 211675 | 1961 |
87850 | 213999 | 1962 |
218855 | 1963 |
HOLTON | |
Serial# | Year |
1 | 1901 |
254 | 1902 |
476 | 1903 |
526 | 1904 |
1151 | 1905 |
1872 | 1906 |
3345 | 1907 |
4630 | 1908 |
6071 | 1909 |
9474 | 1910 |
12,402 | 1911 |
15,950 | 1912 |
20,807 | 1913 |
21,100 | 1914 |
31,622 | 1915 |
33,671 | 1916 |
37,909 | 1917 |
41,070 – 43,972 | 1918 |
55,000 – 55,249 | 1918 |
43,973 – 47,600 | 1919 |
55,250 – 57,040 | 1919 |
47,601 – 49,817 | 1920 |
57,041 – 58,499 | 1920 |
70,000 – 70,549 | 1920 |
49,818 – 54,999 | 1921 |
58,500 – 59,499 | 1921 |
70,550 – 73,199 | 1921 |
59,500 – 60,599 | 1922 |
73,200 – 76,099 | 1922 |
60,600 – 61,649 | 1923 |
76,100 – 81,000 | 1923 |
61,650 – 62,199 | 1924 |
81,001 – 85,600 | 1924 |
62,200 – 62,899 | 1925 |
85,900 – 89,849 | 1925 |
62,900 – 63,149 | 1926 |
89,850 – 92,799 | 1926 |
63,150 – 63,299 | 1927 |
92,800 – 97,199 | 1927 |
63,300 – 63,549 | 1928 |
97,200 – 101,399 | 1928 |
63,550 – 63,849 | 1929 |
101,400 – 105,199 | 1929 |
63,850 – 64,049 | 1930 |
105,200 – 108,399 | 1930 |
64,050 – 64,149 | 1931 |
108,400 – 111,049 | 1931 |
111,099 – 113,899 | 1932 |
113,990 – 114,999 | 1933 |
115,000 – 117,299 | 1934 |
117,300 – 118,599 | 1935 |
118,600 – 120,599 | 1936 |
120,600 – 122,899 | 1937 |
122,900 – 125,849 | 1938 |
125,850 – 132,799 | 1939 |
132,800 – 140,099 | 1940 |
140,100 – 151,299 | 1941 |
151,300 – 154,199 | 1942 |
154,200 – 154,699 | 1943 |
154,700 – 154,899 | 1944 |
154,900 – 156,099 | 1945 |
156,100 – 165,599 | 1946 |
165,600 – 181,999 | 1947 |
182,000 – 198,299 | 1948 |
198,399 – 210,299 | 1949 |
210,300 – 220,499 | 1950 |
220,500 – 232,599 | 1951 |
232,600 – 243,349 | 1952 |
243,350 – 254,099 | 1953 |
254,100 – 268,999 | 1954 |
269,000 – 281,399 | 1955 |
281,400 – 293,699 | 1956 |
293,700 – 307,399 | 1957 |
307,400 – 315,699 | 1958 |
315,700 – 326,099 | 1959 |
326,100 – 337,599 | 1960 |
337,600 – 348,399 | 1961 |
348,400 – 358,499 | 1962 |
358,500 – 373,699 | 1963 |
373,700 – 388,949 | 1964 |
388,950 – 403,350 | 1965 |
403,351 – 435,999 | 1966 |
536,600 – 455,749 | 1967 |
455,750 – 467,099 | 1968 |
467,100 – 483,099 | 1969 |
483,100 – 496,799 | 1970 |
496,800 – 504,200 | 1971 |
504,201 – 519,299 | 1972 |
519,300 – 524,599 | 1973 |
524,600 – 529,899 | 1974 |
529,900 – 535,199 | 1975 |
535,200 – 541,999 | 1976 |
542,000 – 548,429 | 1977 |
CLEVELAND | |
Serial# | Year |
1 | 1925 |
10,000 | 1930 |
30,000 | 1935 |
40,000 | 1940 |
45,000 | 1945 |
50,000 | 1950 |
56,000 | 1955 |
100,000 | 1960 |
160,000 | 1965 |
420,000 | 1970 |
600,000 | 1975 |
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? – 3000 | 1934 to 1940 |
3000 – 5500 | 1940 to 1945 |
5500 – 8000 | 1945 to 1950 |
8000 – 12000 | 1950 to 1955 |
12000 – 16000 | 1955 to 1960 |
16000 – 19000 | 1960 to 1965 |
19000 – 22000 | 1965 to 1970 |
22000 – 24000 | 1970 to 1975 |
24000 – 26000 | 1975 to 1980 |
26000 – >27000 | 1980 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).
|
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:
Buescher Saxophone Serial Number
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.