Yanagisawa SC-800 / SC-880 Curved Soprano Saxophone

Description

This is a clean example of a vintage Yanagisawa curved soprano saxophone. Yanagisawa makes the best curved sopranos in the world, and this one is no exception.
There is no actual model name for this soprano, but people usually call it an SC-800 or SC-880. It is their curved soprano that they made in the late 70’s and 80’s up until they introduced the SC-900, which has more modern style palm keys. Interestingly, the Mark VI style palm keys are remarkably comfortable when used on a curved soprano, because the position of your hands makes them much more accessible than they are on the straight version.

Cosmetically, this horn has no dents or dings or past repairs. It has most of its original lacquer with some wear between bell and body and a few other places. The older pads are still sealing well, and the horn plays well as is. At least some pads will need be replaced soon if you play a lot. The tone is warm and round, with an alto kind of feel to it. The bore of these horns is similar to a Mark VI, so if you have heard a VI soprano, that is the basic idea, but the curved body tube makes it have more body. Curved soprano is lots of fun to play, and this is a very good curved soprano. The intonation is good on this horn, as it is on every Yanagisawa that I have played so far. It ships in the original case, which is in excellent condition.