Yamaha YTS-52 tenor saxophone, s/n 6671A. Yamaha built the YTS-52 as its intermediate tenor, sitting just below the 62 series in the lineup. It replaced the YTS-32 and was later succeeded by the 475 and 480. That is the marketing story. The playing story is that the 52 shares Yamaha's professional keywork layout and its incredibly accurate intonation, and in my experience it outplays just about every other brand's professional model on the market. Yamaha builds very high quality instruments from the beginner level all the way through the Custom series, and the 52 sits right in the sweet spot of that range.

Where the 52 lands relative to the 62: the ergonomics and intonation are quite similar, and it includes a high F# key, which is normally a professional level feature. The main difference is in the sound. The 52 has a pure, direct tone that is a little less rich in harmonics than the 62 and Custom horns, but it still sounds wonderful.

This sax was just serviced by my repairman prior to sale. The pads are in great condition and seal well. The neck is original and has never been bent down. The sax comes in its original case, also in great condition.

This is an ideal horn for an advancing student, a doubler, or a working player who wants a reliable tenor that is easy to play, plays in tune and sounds great.