Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $2,533
Standard/Professional
$1500
$3501+
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Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Yamaha YAS-480 Intermediate Alto Saxophone". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Unlock your musical potential with the Yamaha YAS-480 Intermediate Alto Saxophone, a standout choice for aspiring saxophonists eager to elevate their sound. This saxophone embodies the perfect balance of playability, craftsmanship, and value, adorned with features usually reserved for Yamaha's professional models. The YAS-480 is a testament to Yamaha's commitment to quality, offering enhanced playability with its 62-style neck, which provides a fast response and focused intonation. This neck is not just any upgrade; it’s tailored for a seamless transition from student to more advanced playing.
The YAS-480 is designed for those who seek to cultivate their own style while enjoying superior tone and smooth action. With an improved low B to C# connection, you’ll experience consistent key closure and a clearer response in the lower register. Its separate key guards and a high F# key set you up for a professional feel and versatility. The saxophone's lightweight, durable body ensures comfortable handling, making it as reliable as it is resonant. Whether you're in a school band or a wind ensemble, this instrument is your gateway to artistic expression and technical mastery.
Key Features:
- Post-to-body construction with yellow brass body and keys
- 62-style neck for optimum tone and response
- Professional neck receiver and octave key system for custom neck compatibility
- High F# key and improved low B–C# connection
- Separate key guards with adjustable screw cap stoppers
- Left-hand seesaw key for improved playability
- Adjustable plastic thumb hook
- Hand-engraved bell for aesthetic appeal
- Includes 4C mouthpiece, ligature, and case
Product specs
| Key | Eb |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Auxillary Keys | High F#, Front F |
| Neck Type | 62 Style, Annealed |
| Neck Material | Yellow Brass |
| Bell Decoration | Hand Engraved |
| Key Buttons | Polyester with Yellow Brass Keys |
| Springs | Stainless Steel |
| Pads | Leather & Wool Felt with Plastic Tone Boosters |
| Tone Holes | Drawn |
| Mouthpiece | 4C |
| Thumb Hook | Adjustable, Plastic |
| Case/Gig Bag | Backpack Case |
FAQs
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What level of player is the Yamaha YAS-480 Intermediate Alto Saxophone designed for?
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The Yamaha YAS-480 is designed for intermediate players, offering advanced features and improved sound quality over beginner models, making it suitable for students transitioning from entry-level saxophones.
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What are the standout features of the Yamaha YAS-480 Alto Saxophone?
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The Yamaha YAS-480 features a hand-engraved bell, improved low B-C# connection, and a separate key guard for added durability and precision, enhancing both playability and sound quality.
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Is the Yamaha YAS-480 Alto Saxophone suitable for jazz music?
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Yes, the Yamaha YAS-480 is versatile and well-suited for jazz, offering a rich, full tone and excellent intonation that complements jazz performance styles.
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Does the Yamaha YAS-480 come with a case and mouthpiece?
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Yes, the Yamaha YAS-480 typically comes with a durable case and a high-quality Yamaha 4C mouthpiece, providing essential accessories for immediate use.
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How does the Yamaha YAS-480 compare to professional saxophones?
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While the Yamaha YAS-480 offers excellent sound and build quality for intermediate players, professional models typically provide a fuller tone and more intricate craftsmanship, catering to advanced performance needs.
Videos
dawkesmusic
Yamaha Alto Saxophone Range - Model Differences between 280 / 480 / 62
Reviews
PROS
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Smooth and rich sound, ideal for expressive playing
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Quick key response enhances musical expression
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Outstanding build quality for an intermediate saxophone
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Provides a solid, well-crafted feel in hand
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Good response across all registers
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Produces a warm, rounded jazz sound with compatible mouthpiece
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Ideal for musicians transitioning from student models
CONS
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Some confusion regarding manufacturing origin (China vs. Indonesia)
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha YAS-480 Intermediate Alto Saxophone.
Build quality
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Yamaha's intermediate saxes like the YAS-480 are made with softer metal, making them more susceptible to dents than student models.
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Features and functionality
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The YAS-480 includes a high F# key, which is useful for advanced music, although not essential for beginners.
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Comparisons
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There's a small price gap between the YAS-480 and professional models like the Yamaha 62, making the latter a feasible upgrade for some.
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The YAS-62 Purple Logo is considered a long-term investment due to its status as an industry standard and better value retention compared to intermediate models like the YAS-480.
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User experience
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Users highlight the YAS-480's superior key action compared to professional models, which can be crucial for players with arthritis.
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Some players find a subtle, yet distinct tonal edge in the YAS-62 when compared directly to the YAS-480, enhancing their performance experience.
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Vintage Yamaha saxophones, including the older YAS-62 models, are praised for their durability and are regularly used by musicians even after 100 years if well maintained.
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Value and pricing
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The YAS-480 is considered a better investment than the YAS-200ADII due to its superior sound quality and "room to grow" for advancing players.
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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
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