Introducing the YBS-480 Intermediate Baritone Saxophone

For the past 35 years, the Yamaha YBS-52 intermediate baritone saxophone has been a mainstay of marching, jazz and concert band programs in thousands of schools in the United States and around the world. But we at Yamaha are constantly trying to improve our products, no matter how successful they are. This is embodied in the Japanese philosophy of kaizen, which means continuous improvement.

The perfect example is the YBS-480 intermediate baritone sax that debuted at the 2020 NAMM show and won the prestigious Best In Show award. Its redesigned bore and neck are modeled after the (now discontinued) Yamaha YBS-62 professional baritone sax to improve the sound of the horn, with changes to the bell to enhance intonation, particularly in the lower notes. But we didn’t stop there. We also updated the ergonomics to accommodate small hands, with redesigned key positions and a shorter bell, as well as a peg receiver that allows the use of an optional detachable floor peg to help younger students stabilize the instrument. The YBS-480 is also considerably lighter in weight than the YBS-62. Together, these improvements serve to make the YBS-480 more accessible to players of all sizes.

The overriding principle here is a simple one: If we can help make their first musical experience positive, more students will continue with their musical studies. The YBS-480 does just that.

Click here to learn more about the Yamaha YBS-480.