Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.0 (1)
$165.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$165.99
Amazon
3.9 (110)
$165.99 New
$152.50 Used (Like New)
Thomann
4.3 (6)
$155.00 $154.00 $1.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£137.00

Average Price: $164

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$1500

$3501+

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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 Manual

Product 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

What type of material is the Yamaha YVS-120 Alto Venova made from?

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.

How does the Yamaha YVS-120 Alto Venova compare to a traditional alto saxophone in terms of playability?

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.

What is the range of the Yamaha YVS-120 Alto Venova?

The Yamaha YVS-120 Alto Venova has a chromatic range from F33 to F57, allowing players to perform a wide variety of musical pieces.

Is the Yamaha YVS-120 Alto Venova suitable for outdoor performances?

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.

Does the Yamaha YVS-120 Alto Venova require special maintenance compared to other woodwind instruments?

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.

Earspasm Music

Earspasm Music

Yamaha Venova & Alto Venova Reviewed!

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Venova & Alto Venova Reviewed! by Earspasm Music

Yamaha Venova & Alto Venova Reviewed!

Earspasm Music

Earspasm Music

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Alto Venova - Bigger is Better?! by SAX

Yamaha Alto Venova - Bigger is Better?!

SAX

SAX

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Alto Venova: Unboxing and Review! | Team Recorder by Sarah Jeffery / Team Recorder

Yamaha Alto Venova: Unboxing and Review! | Team Recorder

Sarah Jeffery / Team Recorder

Sarah Jeffery / Team Recorder

Video thumbnail for Review VENOVA ALTO Yvs 120 // Por: Suelen Mondini by Suelen Mondini

Review VENOVA ALTO Yvs 120 // Por: Suelen Mondini

Suelen Mondini

Suelen Mondini

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Alto Venova Casual Wind Instrument Demo | Chuck Levin's by Chuck Levin's Washington Music Center

Yamaha Alto Venova Casual Wind Instrument Demo | Chuck Levin's

Chuck Levin's Washington Music Center

Chuck Levin's Washington Music Center

Video thumbnail for Alto Venova demo and extended technique. by RoryHoffmanMusic

Alto Venova demo and extended technique.

RoryHoffmanMusic

RoryHoffmanMusic

Reviews

PROS

  • Portable and fits in small bags, great for travel

  • Durable and easy to clean, perfect for various environments

  • Offers a unique, expressive sound with proper technique

  • More affordable than entry-level saxophones with a similar sound

  • Simple fingerings, especially compared to other woodwinds

  • Excellent practice tool for experienced players

  • Allows for diverse sound expressions, from smooth clarinet-like tones to hard sax-like sounds

  • Lightweight resin body ensures handling ease and durability

CONS

  • Stock synthetic reed is often criticized for poor playability

  • Requires embouchure manipulation for some pitches, especially Ab and Bb

  • Not beginner-friendly; requires effort to produce a decent sound

  • Limited sheet music availability for the Venova

  • Sounds different from a traditional saxophone, may not satisfy purists

  • 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

  • The Alto Venova is noted for its rich, pleasant sound and is considered easier to play than the Soprano version, which can be too squeaky.

    Source
  • Users find the Venova expressive and capable of easy note bending with proper embouchure, similar to playing an oboe or tin whistle.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Real reeds like Rico 2.5's are preferred over the stock resin reed, improving playability and sound quality on the Alto Venova.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend using a Yamaha 6C mouthpiece for the Soprano Venova to improve performance, while the stock mouthpiece suffices for the Alto.

    Source
  • Real cane reeds, particularly soft 2's, are suggested for improved playability, especially for those not accustomed to playing a real saxophone.

    Source

User experience

  • Achieving a reliable high C on the Soprano Venova requires a significant embouchure adjustment, described as needing to "eat the mouthpiece."

    Source
  • The F# note on the Soprano Venova presents challenges and may not improve significantly over time, impacting overall satisfaction for some users.

    Source
  • Some beginners view the Venova as a unique recorder rather than a sax substitute, ideal for learning embouchure basics without forming bad habits.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Alto Venova's portability is a highlight for owners, making it a worry-free option for homes with young children.

    Source
  • Beginners can use piano sheet music with the Alto Venova by consulting the manual for guidance on transposing and playing single notes.

    Source
  • Treating the Venova as a diatonic rather than chromatic instrument enhances its sound; transposing into C is often recommended for better performance.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Alto Venova (YVS-120) is easier for beginners compared to the original model, which uses a soprano sax mouthpiece and is more challenging.

    Source

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