Yamaha Intermediate Alto Saxophone YAS-480

The Yamaha YAS-480 Alto Saxophone is a fine instrument with comfortable keywork and ergonomics. The lacquer finish is well done with hand engraving on the bell. The intonation throughout the instrument is very good, and I tested it using a portable Korg Tuner Metronome. The instrument responds very well from low Bb to high F above the staff, and was set-up very, very, well by the woodwind tech at Dillon. The case is nice, sturdy, and protective with a very good compartment for the neck strap, cork grease, and other necessities a saxophonist needs.The case has a nice external compartment for holding music books or sheet music. For my 480, I use Runyon Palm Key Risers on the Palm Keys, with a Selmer (Paris) S90 (170) Hard Rubber Mouthpiece, a Bonade Lacquer Inverted Ligature, a Rico 2.5 Orange Box Unfiled Reed with a BG France Neckstrap, These saxophones are very mouthpiece friendly, and are affordable for both student and professional. Finally, the service I received from Matt Walters, Adam, and Andrea was excellent. They are great to work with and are very professional.