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Yamaha’s Flagship Custom EX Soprano Sax





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Since their introduction, Yamaha’s flagship Custom EX saxophones have assumed their rightful place in the pantheon of top-tier professional instruments. Building on the success of the classic YSS-875 ? widely considered one of the finest soprano saxophones ever made ? the YSS-875EX and its variants were developed in collaboration with esteemed pro saxophonists and incorporates a series of evolutionary changes that add up to a significant advancement in soprano saxophone design. The YSS-875EXHG features a high G key (the source of the “HG” in the model name) that lets you comfortably play a semitone higher than on standard soprano saxes. It also comes with two of the acclaimed G2 necks (straight and curved) to suit your preference. Playing uniformly in all ranges, the new design offers increased expressiveness with broad dynamic response and a gorgeous, sweet, and harmonically rich sound. As with all Yamaha saxophones, exceptional build quality and playability are baked in, with precision ergonomic keywork, excellent responsiveness, and superior intonation yielding an instrument that faithfully conveys every nuance of expression in your playing. If you’re in the market for a world-class professional soprano saxophone, look no further than the Yamaha YSS-875EXHG.





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The definitive evolution of the soprano sax





The Yamaha YSS-875EX is revered among professional soprano sax players, no doubt owing to its highly evolved design. The saxophone is a marvel of complexity, and the company has brought the instrument to a level of, dare we say, perfection in the modern era. Case in point: As a class, soprano saxophones can be challenging to play in tune, but Yamaha has long since resolved these issues ? and the YSS-875EX is a shining example. The Custom EX soprano incorporates 1-piece, ribbed and flanged post construction that provides a robust feel while enhancing resonance and durability. The YSS-875EXHG includes a high F# key that allows for a true high F# plus additional alternate fingerings, as well as a front F and the aforementioned high G key. And as do all Yamaha saxophones, the YSS-875EXHG is fitted with an adjustable thumb rest for comfortable and precise hand and finger positioning.





Impeccable ergonomics and responsive mechanisms





Whether you’re playing an adagio line or firing off a flurry of notes, you’ll appreciate the fluid, synergistic response of this superb saxophone as your fingers glide along the elegant mother-of-pearl key touches. The YSS-875EXHG has everything you would expect from a premium professional saxophone, including a hand-hammered, one-piece body and bell embellished with graceful, intricate hand engraving that accentuates the instrument’s natural beauty and evokes Yamaha’s tradition of old-world craftsmanship. These and countless other enhancements give you full artistic freedom in a saxophone that faithfully delivers your musical message with an opulent, refined, and richly expressive voice. And thanks to Yamaha’s high-quality Japanese manufacturing and quality control, you can be assured that your YSS-875EXHG Custom EX will go the distance throughout your career and expedite your growth as an artist.





Straight and curved necks included





In their wisdom, Yamaha has included both straight and curved necks with the YSS-875EXHG soprano. Why two necks? If you’re an alto or a tenor player, acclimating yourself to the soprano sax is an interesting experience. Although the fingering is the same, the soprano’s form factor dictates a different approach to holding it as you play. While straight soprano necks are more popular than curved ones, there are advantages to each. Straight necks offer less blowing resistance than curved necks; and while a curved neck may require more effort, some players will find the ergonomics more comfortable, as it positions the horn at a lower angle relative to your torso, making it less tiresome to support the horn. Obviously, this a highly personal decision ? one you needn’t make with the Yamaha YSS-875EXHG. It gives you the luxury of time to experiment with the included straight and curved necks to figure out what’s right for you.





A solid investment in your musical future





Yamaha’s Custom EX models were developed with input from preeminent classical saxophonists Nobuya Sugawa, Jean-Yves Fourmeau, and Otis Murphy, so one might assume that these extraordinary instruments excel in that genre ? and indeed, they do. But in reality, there’s no such thing as a “classical” or “jazz” saxophone, and you’ll find pro players in all genres who rely on the YSS-875EX as their main soprano. Its rich, expressive sound is right at home whether you’re finessing a saxophone concerto or chasin’ the Trane. Versatility is one of the attributes of a great professional instrument, and the YSS-875EXGH is a stellar example, providing a primed canvas for forging your signature sound. Saxophonists who play both classical and jazz, for instance, can choose an appropriate mouthpiece and reed to customize their horn for the music at hand. However you set it up, this is an impeccably designed and crafted professional saxophone that sounds incredible, is comfortable to play, and continuously evolves along with you on your musical journey. Open up a world of new musical possibilities with the Yamaha YSS-875EXGH Custom EX.





Yamaha saxophones: designed and built for artists





In 1967, Yamaha debuted their first saxophones: the YAS-1 alto and the YTS-1 tenor. Both found favor in the sax player community. In fact, jazz great John Coltrane, who built his reputation on the tenor and soprano, played the prototype YAS-1 gifted him by Yamaha extensively during his 1966 tour of Japan. In 1972, Yamaha partnered with renowned classical saxophonist Dr. Eugene Rousseau to develop a new line of professional-class saxophones. After arduous years of prototyping, testing, and revisions, Yamaha introduced the fruits of their labor: the YAS-62 alto, the YTS-62 tenor, and the YSS-62 soprano. Designed with three guiding principles in mind ? superior acoustics, top-notch mechanisms, and artistic feel ? the 62 series saxophones represented a milestone for Yamaha, setting the company on the path to becoming one of the world’s most-respected saxophone makers. Today, Yamaha continues to adhere to the principles established during the creation of the original 62 series nearly a half century ago, providing saxophonists with fine instruments to inspire their artistry and meet their technical demands. Sweetwater is proud to offer you Yamaha’s distinguished saxophone line, which offers outstanding value at every level, from student models to sophisticated professional saxophones heard in premier venues and concert halls around the globe.





Yamaha YSS-875EXHG Professional Soprano Saxophone Features:


Detachable G2 straight and curved necks included


Hand-hammered, 1-piece body and bell


1-piece, ribbed and flanged post construction


Auxiliary keys: front F, high F#, high G


Adjustable thumb rest


Ergonomic keywork


Mother-of-pearl key touches


Elegant hand engraving


Quality crafted in Japan


4CM mouthpiece, ligature, strap, cork grease, microfiber cloth, and hard case included