Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $164
Budget/Beginner
$1500
$3501+
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Budget
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Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Yamaha YVS-120 Alto Venova". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Discover the Yamaha YVS-120 Alto Venova, a truly innovative wind instrument that effortlessly blends the rich tones of a saxophone with the simplicity of a recorder. Crafted from rugged ABS plastic, this instrument introduces a new era of playability, appealing to both beginners and seasoned musicians. The Venova’s unique "branched pipe" design cleverly shortens the distance between tone holes, enabling a full range of notes with fewer keys. This design not only makes the instrument more accessible but also ensures a resonant, mellow sound that you'd expect from a traditional alto sax.
The Alto Venova is designed with convenience in mind. Its lightweight, portable structure makes it easy to carry to practice sessions or performances. Plus, the two-piece body is a breeze to clean, ensuring that maintenance never interrupts your musical journey. The fingering system mirrors that of a recorder, making it a fantastic choice for those new to wind instruments. With its water-safe synthetic resin reed and pads, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that a quick rinse won't harm your instrument.
Whether you’re exploring new musical territories or adding a unique voice to your compositions, the Yamaha YVS-120 Alto Venova offers a delightful blend of innovation and tradition, inviting you to play with confidence and creativity.
Key Features:
- Made of durable ABS plastic for long-lasting use
- Tonal range spans over two octaves
- Tuning: F
- Recorder-like fingering system (German fingering)
- Includes alto saxophone mouthpiece, reed, and a protective case with strap
- Easy-to-clean two-piece body design
Owner's manual
Yamaha YVS-120 Alto Venova User ManualProduct specs
| Type | Alto Reed Insturment |
| Key | F, Range: F33-F57, 2 octaves |
| Material | ABS Resin |
| Finish | White |
| Dimensions | 23.22" x 3.77" x 2.16" |
FAQs
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What type of material is the Yamaha YVS-120 Alto Venova made from?
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The Yamaha YVS-120 Alto Venova is made from ABS resin, which makes it lightweight, durable, and easy to maintain, ideal for both beginners and casual players.
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How does the Yamaha YVS-120 Alto Venova compare to a traditional alto saxophone in terms of playability?
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The Yamaha YVS-120 Alto Venova is more compact and lighter than a traditional alto saxophone, making it easier for beginners to handle while still offering a similar fingering system.
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What is the range of the Yamaha YVS-120 Alto Venova?
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The Yamaha YVS-120 Alto Venova has a chromatic range from F33 to F57, allowing players to perform a wide variety of musical pieces.
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Is the Yamaha YVS-120 Alto Venova suitable for outdoor performances?
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Yes, the Yamaha YVS-120 Alto Venova is designed to be portable and durable, making it well-suited for outdoor performances and casual playing environments.
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Does the Yamaha YVS-120 Alto Venova require special maintenance compared to other woodwind instruments?
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The Yamaha YVS-120 Alto Venova requires standard maintenance similar to other woodwind instruments, including regular cleaning and reed care, but its ABS resin body makes it more resilient to weather changes.
Videos
Earspasm Music
Yamaha Venova & Alto Venova Reviewed!
Reviews
PROS
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Portable and fits in small bags, great for travel
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Durable and easy to clean, perfect for various environments
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Offers a unique, expressive sound with proper technique
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More affordable than entry-level saxophones with a similar sound
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Simple fingerings, especially compared to other woodwinds
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Excellent practice tool for experienced players
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Allows for diverse sound expressions, from smooth clarinet-like tones to hard sax-like sounds
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Lightweight resin body ensures handling ease and durability
CONS
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Stock synthetic reed is often criticized for poor playability
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Requires embouchure manipulation for some pitches, especially Ab and Bb
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Not beginner-friendly; requires effort to produce a decent sound
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Limited sheet music availability for the Venova
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Sounds different from a traditional saxophone, may not satisfy purists
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Spit buildup can affect playability and is difficult to clean
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha YVS-120 Alto Venova.
Features and functionality
Setup and maintenance
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Real reeds like Rico 2.5's are preferred over the stock resin reed, improving playability and sound quality on the Alto Venova.
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Mods and upgrades
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Owners recommend using a Yamaha 6C mouthpiece for the Soprano Venova to improve performance, while the stock mouthpiece suffices for the Alto.
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Real cane reeds, particularly soft 2's, are suggested for improved playability, especially for those not accustomed to playing a real saxophone.
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User experience
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Achieving a reliable high C on the Soprano Venova requires a significant embouchure adjustment, described as needing to "eat the mouthpiece."
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The F# note on the Soprano Venova presents challenges and may not improve significantly over time, impacting overall satisfaction for some users.
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Some beginners view the Venova as a unique recorder rather than a sax substitute, ideal for learning embouchure basics without forming bad habits.
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Use cases and applications
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The Alto Venova's portability is a highlight for owners, making it a worry-free option for homes with young children.
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Beginners can use piano sheet music with the Alto Venova by consulting the manual for guidance on transposing and playing single notes.
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Treating the Venova as a diatonic rather than chromatic instrument enhances its sound; transposing into C is often recommended for better performance.
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