Yamaha YTS480 Intermediate Tenor Saxophone, Gold Lacquer

Playing videos requires marketing & advertising cookies. By pressing Play, you consent to their use, which will override previously rejected settings. To update your preferences, see our cookie policy.
Playing videos requires marketing & advertising cookies. By pressing Play, you consent to their use, which will override previously rejected settings. To update your preferences, see our cookie policy.

Video 1
Video 2

prev next

This product is currently unavailable for delivery to your country

Colour: Gold

prev next

Key Features

480-series neck delivers responsive tone
62-style body creates a brighter, lighter response
Two-point contact supports projection and free-blowing response
Improved low B-C# mechanism promotes clear low notes
Custom-compatible neck receiver enables future flexibility

Yamaha YTS480 Intermediate Tenor Saxophone, Gold Lacquer Overview

The Yamaha YTS480 Intermediate Tenor Saxophone is built for advancing players developing their sound, technique, and confidence. Drawing on features found across Yamaha's professional saxophones, it combines a 480-series neck with a traditional 62-style body for improved response, a brighter sound, and a lighter playing feel. The two-point contact design supports projection while helping the instrument respond freely, giving you room to develop your breath control and expression.

Comfort is considered throughout the keywork. A teardrop front F key and left-hand seesaw mechanism help your fingers move naturally, while the improved low B-C# connection promotes reliable key closure and clear low-register response. You can also fit compatible Custom Z and Custom EX necks (not included), giving you extra scope to adapt the instrument as your playing develops. A Yamaha 4C mouthpiece, ligature, and TSC-400EII semi-hard case are also included.

Product Ref: 24705

Full Description

View Full Description

Three Months of Tomplay Premium

Register your instrument to receive a free three-month Tomplay Premium subscription, with access to over 40,000 interactive scores and backing tracks recorded by professional musicians. Filter scores by style, composer, difficulty, or accompaniment, then adjust the tempo, create practice loops, annotate or print your music, and record yourself playing. Visit the Yamaha/Tomplay website for more information.

Yamaha Five-Year Extended Warranty

Yamaha offers a free five-year extended warranty when you register your instrument within six months of purchase. Visit the Yamaha website to register your warranty and view the full terms and conditions.

Develop your sound with confidence

The YTS480 gives advancing players features designed to support greater control and expression. Its dedicated 480-series neck is shaped to improve tone and response, while the traditional 62-style body contributes a brighter sound and lighter playing feel. Two-point contact further supports projection and a free-blowing response — useful when you're developing the breath control needed for more demanding repertoire and ensemble playing. Bell rings also help the instrument vibrate freely as you play. Together, these details give you an instrument designed to respond as your technique develops, without making the transition from a beginner saxophone unnecessarily difficult.

Keywork that feels comfortable

As your repertoire becomes more demanding, comfortable keywork can make fast passages and awkward transitions easier to manage. The YTS480's teardrop-shaped front F key is designed with playability in mind, while the left-hand seesaw mechanism provides a comfortable feel when moving around the lower keywork. Regular key posts help reduce resistance, contributing to an easier playing response. Yamaha has also improved the low B-C# connection so the low C# key closes consistently. This helps notes in the lower register respond clearly, letting you concentrate on your technique rather than compensating for the mechanism.

Adapt the setup as you progress

Your preferences can change as your playing develops, so the YTS480 gives you some useful flexibility. Its redesigned octave key system allows the supplied 480-series neck to be exchanged for compatible Yamaha Custom Z and Custom EX necks. That gives you the option to explore a different setup later without changing the entire instrument. The octave mechanism itself uses a straightforward joint designed for smooth operation. Plus, separate-style key guards feature adjustable screw-cap stoppers, allowing the kind of technical adjustment associated with professional-style saxophone construction.

Made for regular playing and travel

The YTS480 combines a brass body with a two-piece bell, formed from two joined sheets of brass. Hand engraving adds detailed decoration to the bell, while an adjustable thumb hook lets you fine-tune your hand position for a comfortable setup. High F# and front F auxiliary keys give you the keywork needed for developing repertoire. When it's time to pack up, the included TSC-400EII semi-hard case makes the saxophone easier to transport between different venues. A Yamaha 4C mouthpiece and ligature are also supplied, so the essential playing accessories are covered.

Want to learn more about saxophones?

Check out our handy guide on choosing your first saxophone. In this guide you can find information about how materials affect the sound of your saxophone, as well as the different mouthpieces, reeds and finishes that are available.