Yanagisawa

Yanagisawa has become known for their reputation for high quality and hand craftsmanship. The family legacy dates back to 1893 with Tokutaro Yanagisawa repairing woodwind instruments in Japan for military band members. In 1921, the first factory was established for making trumpets and cornets. During this time, Tokutaro would mentor young instrument makers including Kouichi Muramatsu, who would eventually build the famed Muramatsu flute company.

In 1951, Takutaro’s son Takanobu followed in his father’s footsteps to build his first prototype saxophone. During the 60’s and 70’s, Yanagisawa developed and built new models of saxophones including the model B-6 bari saxophone and the S-6 soprano saxophone, the first ever of their type to be built in Japan.

Since 1969, Yanagisawa has become most well known for their innovations in soprano and sopranino saxophones. The first sopranino SN-6 ever built in 1972 now belongs to Sonny Rollins. In 1985, the company released the S-880, the first soprano saxophone with a detachable neck. In 1990, this innovation continued with the S-990, the first saxophone to have a high G key.