Yamaha YAS-480 vs. YAS-62

Yamaha YAS-480 vs. YAS-62: Summary

The shortest answer to the difference between the Yamaha YAS-480 and YAS-62 is that the first is an intermediate saxophone while the latter is a professional one.

So, if you’re willing to pay extra and you’ve already mastered the sax to a high degree, the Yamaha YAS-62 could be the better option for you.

The Full Comparison

Now that we’ve gotten the biggest difference out of the way, let’s look at the details of each saxophone to see which one would work better for you.

Design and Construction

In terms of construction, both horns are engraved and have body and key finishes that are gold lacquered. 

However, the body of the YAS-480 is brass, while that of the YAS-62 is also gold lacquered. The lacquer is available in both gold and silver.

Not only that, but there’s also a feature of a neck receiver, which combines the resonation of the neck and body into a beautiful sound. In other words, Yamaha applied some clever engineering to the design of the YAS-62 to give it a more consistent sound.

Both also come with a strap, a case with a backpack system, and plastic resonator pads. However, the YAS-480 also comes with an additional shoulder strap.

A good advantage of both the YAS-480 and YAS-62 is that they’re compatible with custom Yamaha necks. This means that you can mix and match necks with your horn until you get the perfect sound that you’re aiming for.

Not only that, but it means that you can play with the E1 (small), C1 (medium), or V1 (large) bore sizes.

As for its own neck, Yamaha has enhanced it over the basic YAS-280, giving you more projection to the sound.

Handling and Playability

There’s practically no one that tried both the Yamaha YAS-480 and the YAS-62 that didn’t vouch for the ease of handling and playability of the YAS-62.

In fact, most people would tell you to go for the YAS-62 right away, without going through the beginner (YAS-280) or the intermediate (YAS-480).

The Yamaha YAS-480 comes with a left-hand see-saw key that makes playing the sax easier as it provides a better space for your pinkie finger. 

Not only that, but it has a key-guard around the bell of the horn with adjustable height using the screws. 

Related: Yamaha Yas 26 vs. Yas 280 Full Comparison

As for the Yamaha YAS-62, the neck has a narrower design, which is what contributes to the fast response of this horn. 

Not to mention, the tweaks that happened to the B-C sharp mechanism enhance the sound when you’re playing the lower part of the sax, making it more reliable.

Finally, the YAS-62 replaced the stainless steel springs with hard steel ones, which further contributes to the response of the instrument. That’s why everyone commends the feel of the horn and how it takes way less effort to perfect the tunes.

Sound

The YAS-480, being a raw brass sax, will definitely give you more projection and will feel more free-blowing. That’s why it’s a good option if you’re going to play jazz music.

On the other hand, the lacquer on the YAS-62 gives it a more centered sound, so it doesn’t sound as loud.

Durability

With time, the YAS-480 is bound to lose some color and look a bit worn out. This happens as the exposure to air starts affecting the brass.

Contrarily, the YAS-62 will stay in shape for quite a while. Thanks to the gold lacquer, which protects it from the effects of wear and tear.

Must Read: The Best Alto Saxophones on The Market Now

Some players do appreciate the worn-out look of a brass sax, which saxophonists consider to showcase how “well-played” the horn is. If you’re one of those players, that difference might put the YAS-480 at an advantage.

Yamaha YAS-480 vs. Yamaha YAS-62: Pros and Cons

Need a quick recap? Here are the pros and cons of each saxophone so you can finalize your decision.

Yamaha YAS-480

Yamaha YAS-62