Yamaha YAS-23 Alto Saxophone

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$395.00 to $924.99 Price Tier: Budget

4.5 (7)

2 Reviews

Find out who is using Yamaha YAS-23

6 wishlisted

25 saved

Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

3.7 (34)

$924.99 Used

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4.0 (49)

$395.00 33 available Used

View Deal

Average Price: $660

Budget/Beginner

$1500

$3501+

Price Tier

In the Alto Saxophones category, Yamaha YAS-23 Alto Saxophone is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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The Yamaha YAS-23 Alto Saxophone is the perfect companion for budding musicians and seasoned players alike. Crafted with precision, it boasts a seamless blend of durability and playability, making it a favored choice among educators and students. This saxophone is designed with an all yellow brass neck, body, and bell, ensuring a robust build and a warm, resonant tone that suits various musical styles from jazz to classical.

The YAS-23 features nickel-plated keys that provide a smooth, responsive action, allowing for effortless playability and comfort during extended practice sessions. Its clear-baked epoxy lacquer finish not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also adds an extra layer of protection against wear and tear. Additionally, this saxophone is equipped with features typically found in higher-end models, such as leather pads with wool felt and Front F auxiliary keys, offering a professional touch to an entry-level instrument.

Whether you're stepping onto the marching band field or preparing for a solo performance in a jazz club, the Yamaha YAS-23 ensures a reliable and expressive performance every time. Its reputation as a discontinued model lends it an air of exclusivity and makes it an affordable option for those just starting their musical journey or looking to add a classic to their collection.

Key Features:

All yellow brass neck, body, and bell
Nickel-plated keys for smooth action
Clear-baked epoxy lacquer finish
Leather pads with wool felt
Front F auxiliary keys for enhanced playability

Product specs

Brand	Yamaha
Model	YAS-23 Alto Saxophone
Finish	Brass
Year	2000s
Made In	Japan
Categories	Saxophones

FAQs

Is the Yamaha YAS-23 Alto Saxophone suitable for beginners?: Yes, the Yamaha YAS-23 is widely regarded as an excellent choice for beginners due to its durability, ease of play, and reliable intonation.
What is the finish of the Yamaha YAS-23 Alto Saxophone?: The Yamaha YAS-23 Alto Saxophone features a brass finish, which contributes to its classic appearance and sound quality.
Does the Yamaha YAS-23 Alto Saxophone come with a case?: The Yamaha YAS-23 typically comes with a hard case, providing protection and portability for the instrument.
How does the Yamaha YAS-23 Alto Saxophone compare to professional models?: While the YAS-23 is designed for students and beginners, it offers excellent build quality and sound, though it may lack the advanced features and tonal complexity of professional models.
What maintenance does the Yamaha YAS-23 Alto Saxophone require?: Regular maintenance for the YAS-23 includes cleaning the mouthpiece, swabbing the body after playing, and periodic check-ups by a professional technician to ensure optimal performance.

Videos

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Steve the Saxman

Yamaha yas-23 alto sax

Steve the Saxman

Yamaha Beginner Sax Comparison (YAS-23 vs 26 vs 280): What Yamaha Doesn't WANT You To Know!

SaxTuition

(The 2nd) Most Legendary Saxophone? Yamaha YAS-23 / AS-100 Review

SaxTuition

Yamaha Alto Sax YAS 23

Mike Hammer

Is A Used Saxophone Better For Beginners? - ebay YAS-23 vs PRO Sax

Sax School Online

Yamaha Saxophone YAS-23

TheMusicStore

Kathy Mitchell Yamaha Alto Sax YAS 23

Mike Hammer

Alto Sax - Yamaha YAS 23 Play Test

Luke

The Yamaha YAS 23 Alto Saxophone

Michael MEndenhall

Reviews

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PROS

Consistent quality across different manufacturing locations, Japanese and Chinese
Highly recommended for beginners by woodwind technicians
Excellent tone and playability noted by students and instructors
Durable build requiring minimal maintenance over years of use
Interchangeable parts facilitate easy repairs and adjustments
Maintains sound quality despite physical wear and tear
Accurate product representation in descriptions and photos
Great sound quality appreciated by both beginners and experienced players
Competitive pricing for the quality offered
Strong company reputation for consistency and quality

CONS

Occasional shipping damages requiring repairs
Reeds provided may cause squeaking on specific notes
Some units reported with bent keys and other damage requiring repair
Lack of high F-sharp key can be limiting

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha YAS-23 Alto Saxophone.

User experience

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Even with visible lacquer wear, older YAS-23 saxophones are praised for their superior playability compared to many modern student models.
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Owners recommend replacing the original neck strap, as it can absorb sweat and develop unpleasant odors over time.
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Owners often note that even well-used YAS-23 saxophones maintain their reliability and can still perform well for new players.
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Owners report that Yamaha saxophones, including the YAS-23, play easily with low resistance, which is ideal for beginner students.
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Value and pricing

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Despite cosmetic wear and minor dents, a YAS-23 with functional keys and a good bell condition is considered a great deal, even requiring a few hundred dollars in repairs.
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Accessories like mouthpieces and neck straps add minimal value; selling them separately may yield better returns.
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The YAS-23 can fetch between $300-$500 depending on condition; older models made in Japan are particularly sought after.
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Used YAS-23 saxophones are noted for retaining value due to their durability and quality, with some sellers offering fully restored models.
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Setup and maintenance

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A leak light is recommended to ensure seals are intact, as visual inspection alone may miss issues.
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A low C# on a YAS-23 does not inherently have a felt pad, and adjustments should be made using the G# key for proper calibration.
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The lower bell keys may need checking for proper sealing due to dings in the bow area, which can affect playability.
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A full overhaul, including pad replacements, can cost $200-$300, which should be factored into the selling price.
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It's noted that repair costs for Yamaha saxophones are generally lower due to accessible parts and easier maintenance compared to less reputable brands.
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Build quality

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Greenish corrosion was observed around the D hole, suggesting potential issues with moisture exposure or improper storage.
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The YAS-23 features structurally sound brass that takes dentwork well, unlike some cheaper student saxophones that feel flimsy.
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Comparisons

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The YAS-23 is often compared to a Toyota Corolla for its reliability, while the Etude EAS 100 is likened to a less reputable brand due to its poor build.
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Features and functionality

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Yamaha's design includes keywork that's high quality and easy to replace, contributing to the instrument's longevity.
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4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 7 Ratings

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1 star

rude_nate

113

almost 9 years ago

A pretty decent horn

Mine is literally being held together with scotch tape, but still plays great. I've done professional, paying gigs on it.

Doesn't have a high F-sharp key, which is a bummer.

caedonhawk

160

over 8 years ago

Plays Careless Whisper

I'm a sexy sax boi aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Composer

Genres:

Electronic Rock Pop

Artist usage

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FKJ

Guitarist, Bassist

Verified via YouTube

FKJ playing saxophone with masego

Jungkook

Singer, Composer

BTS

Verified via Photo

In a user-uploaded photo, Jungkook is seen attempting to play a Yamaha YAS-23 Alto Saxophone during the same show where V demonstrates his saxophone skills. While Jungkook may not match V's proficiency, his versatility suggests he could become adept with the instrument.

V (BTS)

Singer, Composer

BTS

Verified via Photo

In the user-uploaded photo, V from BTS is seen playing a Yamaha YAS-23 Alto Saxophone. He has a background in saxophone performance, having won an award for playing "Desperado" by The Eagles during junior high school. Additionally, he experiments with EDM on this saxophone. Interestingly, fellow BTS member Jungkook also plays the saxophone, although V is noted to be more skilled.