How the Best Saxophones in the World are Made - Yanagisawa Factory Tour

[@timchesonis]

THIS is why your channel is better than all other saxophone channels. You truly do love the saxophone. I so appreciate your love for attention to detail, which obviously shows here in this video. The fact that your video was NOT sponsored by Yanagisawa, and that you paid for the trip yourself speak volumes. The fact that you went through all of this effort to show you how (the competition) makes their saxophones is astounding. Thank you so much for providing content like this. I have so much respect for you.

[@appleborn]

Although he has own sax brand, does this yanagisawa video 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@bettersax]

I appreciate this. Glad so many people are enjoying the videos. I do love making them.

[@kessax]

i totally agree with you. Jay your channel is the best

[@ronklein482]

With all the personal attention and time put into each sax, I’m amazed that they are still able to sell them at a competitive price compared to all the other Asian horns out there.

[@ohsweetmystery]

They waste no money on the superficial trappings of modern business. A huge ❤ for that.

[@GardensoftheAncientsHerbal]

It’s cuz the horns are GOOD!

[@winstonbeech3418]

I own a Yanagisawa B990 bari from 1998. I chose it over 9 others including a Selmer SA80-2 and a Yamaha 62. TBQH it blew them away. I toured the Selmer factory along with my parents in 1965 when I was 7-8 years old and saw the manufacturing of saxophones and clarinets in Elkhart. I doubt I’ll ever get to Japan but 25 year later I have no regrets choosing the B990 bari. Even with its quirks - and it has them - I have never doubted it.

[@sonholee5769]

Holy Yanagisawa GAS... I knew they were handmade, but the keys and posts and everything! Wow!

[@furtherdefinitions1]

I lived in Japan for 4 years, and I had the chance to visit the Yanagisawa factory back in 2005. I also remember the room where they kept vintage saxophones from America, France, Germany, etc. I have to say that their saxophones are the best playing, and among the best sounding horns I've ever played. Anyway, I loved living in Japan

[@marcelosoto-quiroga1965]

Wow! Must have been a cool experience to play a Yani literally "out-of-the-factory", more than out-of-the-box.

[@BrassThunder]

I'm a 64 year old life long musician, (Trumpet) but early on my asperations were to become a High School Band Director. I was in High School when I taught myself how to play the sax and owned a couple for quite a few years. Thank you for doing this video, so many students have no idea the amount of work it takes just to get that instrument in their hands. The trick is getting them past the instant gratification so many expect and actually put the time in to learn how to really play.

[@MaxVian77]

I bought a Yanagisawa alto WO10 three days ago and I still can't believe what I'm experiencing these days. I come from a long period of study with a Yamaha 280 and the difference is absolutely abysmal, in fact I would say it is like playing the saxophone for the first time. The sensations of fluidity, solidity and precision, both mechanically and in the emission of air, are undescribable. I can now effortlessly play well, even with hard reeds and with intonation that is always almost perfect, but above all I no longer feel any sense of fatigue when producing sounds, and all my energy and concentration can finally be devoted exclusively to the quality of the sound and the music. I can't understand how it is possible to make such an incredibly good and wonderfully satisfying instrument with manual techniques. I think it would be very nice to see not only the construction process alone, but also how the design and perfection of this wonderful instrument was conceived. It is an incredibly nice coincidence for me to be able to watch a video on the making of these instruments right around the time I bought one, from which I already know I will not part any more.

[@bobblues1158]

This is why I play Yanagisawa -Soprano, Tenor, Alto. My tenor came direct from the factory to I.K. Gottfried in Copenhagen. No one else had played it, it was not a demo horn. It was perfect out of the box. No setup needed.

[@Simon.the.Likeable]

My baritone came direct from Japan (B990, back in the '90s) to the distributor in Sydney, Australia. When it arrived, he called me and I told him I'd be right over as it was only 15 minutes drive from my house. I was very anxious to get my hands on it. We opened the cardboard box, pulled the case out and removed the plastic bag and all the transport corks. He had wanted to do a set-up but it wasn't necessary. I played it right there and it was also perfect straight out of the box as you said. He agreed that it didn't need anything apart from a little lubricant. After all these years, travelling and gigs, it has only two tiny spots of missing lacquer. Yanigasawa horns are the top of the line.

[@こにゃん-h4h]

明日、念願の柳沢のテナーサックスを地域の祭りで、吹奏楽団で演奏します。本当に素晴らしい日本が世界に誇れる街工場ですね。本当に民家を改装して工場にしてますね。最終テストを必要としない、手作業の精度のすばらしさ、この伝統の工法と技術が継承されて行く事を願います。

[@alfabsc]

This channel is the reason I own Yanagisawa. I had been playing Selmer, but they were not mine. I retired from that group, and wanted to buy my own. I watched a lot of videos, comparing brands. That led me to this channel. You compared several brands. You even played the cheapest for us. In one of the videos you mentioned that your saxophones were Yanagisawa. That is when I made up my mind. I love my Yani! Thanks for giving us a tour of the factory.

[@manjularathnayake2532]

Weldon Sri. My Alto Saxophone is Yanagisawa. One of the best Sax in world. I really appreciate it. ❤🎉

[@thefoosa7342]

Jay, we(my daughter) just received her Sc WO10 fresh from the factory 2 weeks ago after a 5mth wait. This is in addition to the AWO2 bought earlier this year. Your vids from the past had a fair amount to do with our decision to move from Yamaha to Yany. After spending oh, a reasonable amount of money this yr, it sure would be nice to have a Yany T shirt. They sound like the holy grail of T shirts.

[@scwag0915]

This is why we watch you, we've never seen something like this before.

[@bryandickerson5365]

When playing with the Glenn Miller Orchestra in the late ‘80s our sax section was invited to tour the Yanagisawa factory. Even way back then I was impressed with the amount of hand work involved so I’m doubly happy to see that is still the case! I love my tenor and alto Selmer Mk VIs, but I equally love my Yanagisawa (‘80’s Vito) baritone and soprano. They are extremely durable and reliable instruments with great action and tone. Such fantastic horns that I am blessed to own!

[@Laura-wg5jk]

Wow, just wow! How weird am I that I literally had tears in my eyes when you showed the engraving room and how they are hand done. Those are truly beautiful pieces of art. And those solid silver bells! So impressive. Loved this video!

[@pukalo]

It's incredible how they are able to handmake everything about these horns to top pro standards, and still be able to sell them for less than Yamaha horns. Yani is my first choice if I ever buy a professional saxophone.

[@BURNING777]

Unbelievable video! wow... I had never thought everything was handmade like this. Now I feel like my Tenor T-WO1 is worth 10 times what I paid... I have enjoyed playing it from day one but after watching this video I feel like it is a unique masterpiece of an instrument. I will value it the rest of my life.

[@m.w.]

Definitly one of my most favourite videos, like the one about Rigotti reeds. I play a Yanagisawa soprano Sax for 25 years now. I was just repaired once during that period of time. It plays like on the first day .🎷👍

[@davidspears7478]

Until now, I doubt if many people knew the craftsmanship involved in manufacturing a saxophone. Than you for bringing this detail to us.

[@youbeenchased]

I got my first Yanagisawa (tenor) earlier this year. It’s the best horn I’ve ever played and owned. Thank you so much for the insight into how these beautiful instruments are made. 😊

[@mitchellmally6381]

I was working at Frank Holton & Co in Elkhorn 11:04 Wis. Back the 1980s. I would read the company news magazine and that is where I first read about these Saxes and found out that G. LeBlanc Corp. Was the North American distributor for these horns. We made saxophones well but your main focus was the French horn. I was there when we developed the Berry Tuckwell model H108 horn, I did a lot of work on the small parts it was a privilege to be able to meet Berry Tuckwell and even got his autograph, really nice guy. It was sad to hear of his passing away a year ago. Thanks for the great video. It brings back found memories.

[@EricTorreborre]

I was _so_ surprised that they are not play testing their saxophones 😮

[@WorshipLeaderCoC]

That was extremely shocking to me. THAT'S confidence right there. Holy crap!

[@brianthrom6858]

Considering that their QC is great, it’s nice that you’re the first one to get to play that instrument

[@geoffcsax]

With other brands if you said they don't play test their saxes, you'd say "Oh that's why". But with if you have play tested a Yani in a sax shop you'll say "Oh, okay"......which is crazy when you think about it. Amazing saxes, amazing video!

[@mchelvantx]

Haven't played sax in about 40 years, but loved your video. I am a better listener than player.

[@zootMKVI]

Completely ignorant how saxes were made until I saw this video. An almost vintage/artisan method of construction. The best video I watched this year.

[@SgtHenick]

I'm a big Japanese musical instrument engineering fan and a big Yamaha fan, I play a mid 2000s Yamaha custom z and started on a yas-23 but there is a special place in my heart for a Yamagisawa❤❤❤

[@bryandickerson5365]

Finally got to finish this…so awesome! What an anecdote to the modern-world-blues to see something beautiful made by the hands of talented, committed craftspersons. It also reconfirms my continued respect for the Japanese people’s sense of quality and aesthetics. When I traveled to Japan years ago, every time I turned around I was confronted by something of superb engineering and/or beauty.

[@mpbraendle9621]

What a great video, thank you Jay! 17 years ago, I sold my Selmer Mark6 Low-Bb baritone to buy a Yanagisawa B991 low-A. I have never regretted this move - this bari just sings and has become dear to my heart!

[@markhiggins8315]

I've played Yanagisawa saxophones (alto and tenor) for over 40 years and have not found anything to equal their consistency and overall quality. They can do exactly what you are capable of producing in every capacity.

[@kevinlucas8437]

Next level quality and workmanship !!!

[@samlee7279]

Craftmanship, the spirit and pride...that's why "made in Japan" is still the best of the world. I am still shocked that those engravings done by hand...holy moly...

[@1eflat]

The Limits of Our Humanity are only realized by our Humility, Wonderful Video

[@saxmusicmail]

I have had the wonderful experience of playing and repairing several Yanagisawa saxophones and like every one of them. Their sopranos in particular... they have a warm saxophone tone, not at all nasal and oboish like nearly all others. Intonation is spot on.

[@AndreasLindholm]

Just the passion of the workers!

[@Sumatakyo]

Wow. Thanks for sharing this! I love your short documentary-style videos! There is so much careful manual labour in making a great sax like Yanagisawa! I hope I get to visit their factory some day.

[@XB29SP]

Great video. After buying a Yanagisawa soprano at Mannys of NYC back in 77, which I still own and play after many road gigs, I was not afraid to order a TWO2 tenor online. After A/B-ing the TWO2 and my Selmer SA80II I purchased new in 89, for about three months, I sold the Selmer. The Yani played easier, both sounded great, but something about the response and the bronze made it the winner. Out of the box it played perfect. Surprised they do not play test, but then again, maybe not.

[@Phrizby]

mindblowing stuff!! so crazy how perfect their process is that play tests aren't needed and cool to see how they install pads with shellac flakes instead of the messy sticks. love my Yani!

[@frankzona5459]

I loved watching this video. I've always been curious as to how a Saxophone is manufactured. As someone who made a living in the manufacturing world, showing the fabrication and assembly processes of Selmer and now Yanagisawa saxophones is of great interest to me. I picked up on their attention to detail, product batching, work stations, parts storage/management process, safety, moving product through the line, etc. To know that there's no need to play test speaks volumes for the quality of the materials, process control, worker training,/craftsmanship and dedication to excellence at Yanagisawa. It also makes me curious as to how the lower priced higher volume shops do it. Thanks so much for this video Jay, now I'm going to go back and watch it a few more times.

[@paoloalbano4690]

Jay, thank you so much for this video.. I'm not a Yanagisawa player (I only played a WO1 alto for 4 years and then I sold it), but this video is wonderful!! You can tell the commitment of each worker and also your love for saxophones.. it would have been the same for me too

[@peterhodges6684]

The fact that they don't play test their instruments speaks volumes ! Very impressive.

[@pageseven1792]

This was a great video. I'm surprised there wasn't something setup for later in the evening for the factory workers to gather somewhere and listen to you play one of their saxophones in a mini-performance.

[@user-PB7.]

Real Profs make real quality with real professionalism.

[@radicalradzik]

So awesome! As a saxophonist who loves Japan and has visited Yamaha and Roland for work, this was a real treat, Jay. I look forward to the day when I will have the opportunity to play an Yanagisawa saxophone. Looking forward to future factory visits and playtests. Keep the amazing videos and sax lessons coming. Thanks Jay!

[@dileepnaik1312]

Most impressed with the whole video explaining the total process of making a saxophone. It’s all the skill of hand that finally gets A Yanigasava out in hands of a saxophone player. Most impressed with fact that they don’t test them. It shows that the process is so perfect and with multiple check points that they know the Sax will sound exactly as it is supposed to. Thanks again. If ever I get that sort of money I will surely buy Yanigasawa tenor. Right now my Cheatau is keeping me happy.

[@eljames2011]

the fact they dont need test their sax is really amazing Great video by the way! Thanks

[@westonashe5941]

Truly the best saxophones out there! I really hope to acquire a yani one day

[@fathanmaheswara5445]

The real reseacher and saxophone educator...❤

[@Marcosls2015]

Just Amazing! Thanks so much for doing this! So many fascinating things…the factory in a house in a normal neighbourhood! The silence…and sure The lack of sound testing!! Really a good example to think about how things can be so idiosyncratic.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Wow Jay, great video and fascinating to see behind the scenes with what goes on at Yanagisawa!

[@davidwood351]

I love the Yanagisawa instruments, I have 6 saxes and 2 flutes made by them.

[@SliverCreations]

This is just incredible. I was in the market for a supreme but I got to test this one.

[@hopper6620]

Hey Jay, everytime i watch one of your videos im fascinated. Saxophones are magic! Keep on

[@gianlucawork]

One of the reasons I will buy my pro soprano saxophone at Yanagisawa (WO1) if I will save enough money is explained in this video ;-) Superb job Jay!!! Thank you.

[@zvonimirtosic6171]

I have never seen a video like this. Your content is unique, and above all, educational for all music lovers.

[@iamkaioken]

Wonderful tour at the factory. It's been a number of years since playing, but my trusty A-990 sits waiting in its Martin Johnson case. Thanks for sharing such awesome memories with the wonderful folks at Yanagisawa! Many great memories of my own from the mid 90s on with my old trusty axe.

[@tomaszszlapanski5988]

Great video, I'm play T880 (1981) bare brass and is so amazing saxophone. Recently visiting shop in London I played WO20 and WO32, and so nice machines but won't swap for my 880 , brilliant!

[@super20dan]

wow! this explaines why they are the best saxes ever made

[@davidrennie8197]

Lovely video. Really old school workshop:) As a Brit, it's odd to hear the USA pronunciation of solder - even though it's how we pronounced it at the time settlers went over to North America

[@leewaggers4733]

Amazing video and a great insight into the manufacturing and assembly of a precision instrument. Thanks very much 👍

[@ezraschwartz5201]

Thanks!

[@bettersax]

Thank you!

[@Wormier]

I'm getting a two37 soon, love this look into the creation of them!

[@josephknudson5097]

Wow! Very enlightening. God bless you.

[@petegalindez9961]

Very cool Jay…Having lived in Japan for two years, it is an incredible place to see/experience/watch them do any type of manufacturing…amazing video…

[@saiskanda]

"They are so confident in their process and systems that they don't need to test them before sending them out" 👌👌

[@mshamatuli]

Wow! Jay this is great stuff. I've enjoyed the video and I'm stunned at how simple it all looks, yet they (Yanagisawa) have stayed true to their process - Simply amazing!

[@russellzauner]

Nice job - surprised you were allowed in and grateful to be able to see it. Something that fascinates me more than even the manufacturing process is watching them be repaired. I've just sat in awe watching some artisan put a mashed f horn back to rights (f horn is my primary and I've bent a few lol) then realized an hour had passed; it's happened more than once. I've worked with metal a bit, solders/brazing too - restoring something made of metal is very different than building it, even though the literal same skill set is used. In a decent sized city there are probably at least 3 or 4 repair shops - the school band geeks have to get their stuff fixed/tuned up somewhere; I bet people who enjoyed this content would enjoy some of that, too. Thanks for publishing another well produced, informative, and entertaining video.

[@1MrAlpaca]

Got my Yanagisawa elite tenor 1,5 years ago, absolutely love it.

[@fulviodamico16]

G’day Jay, Coming to you from the land of down under (Australia) 👍 I can’t begin to tell you how much I truly enjoy the video you made at the YANAGASAWA factory of music instruments (SAX’s) I play the alto sax and I’ve only been learning for three weeks, but I am excited about the prospect of getting one of those beautiful from their factory when I’m good enough to do it justice Thanks for the great video mate 👍

[@wildxoce87]

This really gives you an appreciation for the work that goes into making a Yanagisawa saxophone. It is truly a work of art! I hope to purchase one in the future. Thank you for this content!!!

[@sikisab09]

I was so impressed this Video, also understood their price.

[@anthonynelson2267]

My dear friend Hidemasa!!!

[@kelvinrwalker]

Thanks for the tour. Now I can more fully appreciate my Yanagisawa alto saxophone.

[@sidneiramalho]

Pretty amazing to watch all that holding my Yany. Mind blowing to know my sax went through all those steps. Thanks Jay for sharing this amazing video.

[@olusegunolabode5351]

This is interesting to watch. Thank you for the opportunity to see this on your channel. ❤🎉

[@joshuabonnelle6527]

Amazing process, awsome video, new respect for this company and product!

[@Nestor_Fernandez]

Amazing video! This is the way we all should work!!

[@dcallan812]

I have a Pearl silver flute made in Japan at the very start of their flute manufacturing still works flawlessly 30 plus years later. I emailed the serial number and got a full build list back from them. Along with a very nice note saying how happy there are to hear my flute is still getting played. So yes the Japanese's have a great work ethic and an eye on the details,.

[@TheOtorider]

What a fantastic video! Thanks for sharing, Jay!

[@CharlieMcCormack]

Great video, thanks for posting Jay. I will treasure my Yani Elimona 880 even more after seeing how it was made. Basically everything is done meticulously by hand.

[@hanovergreen4091]

Thank You for this! Very much enjoyed the tour and information! Best Regards and Best Wishes!

[@andyquinn1125]

As the owner of a Yani sax - thanks! And well done.

[@jetcarddude]

I own a Yanagisawa sax and love it but I had no idea that it was more by hand than machine....Now its even more special to me.

[@ondrejkudrna8710]

I LOVE my Yanagisawa A4, little maintenance required and whenever I send it to a technition for adjusting he's joyous and telling me how good the mechanisms are

[@rusty728]

Wow, makes me happy about my silver Yanagisawa I just bought but haven’t received yet.

[@marklee1965]

Thanks Jay for a fascinating video. The quality of workmanship and attention to detail is outstanding, no wonder Yanigasawa are so highly thought of.

[@DL1GKC]

Part of my family lives in Japan. If possible at all (for a non-endorser) I would like to visit the factory as well during my next visit. My S-880 soprano is 20 years old, still needs no overhaul despite regular playing. Amazing! For me it was surprising to see that the factory building looks like a home with garage. Also fascinating to hear that quality check does not involve any play testing. Thanks Jay for all the insights and that you share all your passion with us.

[@grannyjack1]

Great video. My first new sax was a yanagisawa bari.❤️… long gone. Wish I’d known it’s origins back then🙏

[@nickpetrov2939]

That was very interesting! Two left, Selmer and Yamaha

[@paolopicchi7642]

AMAZING. These videos are truly unique Jay. Thanks a lot for your passion and dedication.

[@bettersax]

I appreciate that!

[@bobdownes162]

An enthraling Documentary. But after watching I played my Selmer MK 6 Tenor and said to it " Have no fear Baby, you ain't ever goin' anywhere without me "

[@AaronLarrabee]

Thanks for the great video! it's amazing the dedication you have to playing the saxophone and I enjoy it!

[@SteveBateman-i3z]

Your vids are so informative. Thanks for all the info you share.

[@marcomarrone174]

Insightful glimpse into the process. Thanks Jay!!

[@bettersax]

My pleasure!

[@eugeniaavilava584]

Wow! Sooo investing Jay. Thank you.

[@serzok1]

Very interesting !!! Thank you !!!

[@nicolapotter1636]

This Very Interesting! Nice to see how my saxes were made! Thanks Jay 🥰🎷🎶x

[@fabfae]

Wow, thank you Jay for that beautiful and insightful video! I just bought an T-WO20U in March and it's gorgeous! And I could see now where and how it's built. Thank you!

[@ewhizzle]

Woah right around 10:40 you can see the mix they use for adhesive. A Big clear glue pellet and some flake shellac. Very interesting

[@jimmyvonesh3188]

Amazing Video Jay ! Very interesting. Thanks for doing this.