2006 Yamaha Custom YAS-82Z Alto Saxophone

2006 Yamaha Custom 82Z alto saxophone, s/n 346506. The Custom series is Yamaha's top professional line, a step above the 62. Yamaha based the 82Z on the scale and design of the classic 62, then built it from a lighter French brass.

This is a first version 82Z, made before the 82ZII update in 2013. The pads seal well and the sax comes in its original case.

Although it is marketed as a jazz horn, it is equally at home in any musical style. To me, these play like a souped up Yamaha 62. It has that solid core of sound you find in the best Yamahas, but has updated keywork that feels a bit more sturdy and natural compared to earlier versions.

The horn is playing very well and the entire range responds with ease down to low Bb.