Yanagisawa S-800 Soprano Saxophone S6 Prima

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The Yanagisawa S6 and S800 are very similar models of saxophone. While some people will try to distinguish them by palm keys, both horns have VI style inline palm keys. The Elimona and S900 that follow these models are the first to have modern palm keys. This particular horn is the rare and desirable “Prima” version of the S-800, which was also sold with just “Yanagisawa” on the bell (see the museum section of this site for one of those) and also with Martin on the bell. The Prima seems to have been the S800 for the Asian market (at least) and the Martin version was sold by Martin in the USA, but is again the same horn in all respects. So apart from being rare, the Prima is just the same as the other versions of this horn.

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Sell Us a Saxophone Like This!

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This saxophone is sold! But click here to see our current selection of soprano and sopranino saxophones!

The Yanagisawa S6 and S800 are very similar models of saxophone. While some people will try to distinguish them by palm keys, both horns have VI style inline palm keys. The Elimona and S900 that follow these models are the first to have modern palm keys. The S-800 typically has a plastic thumb hook and besides that, it seems to be virtually identical to the S-6. I think the reason that people distinguish the two from each other is because Yanagisawa also made an S-880 with two necks at this same period (roughly 1980’s). The curved version also sports the inline palm keys, and I should have one of those in soon.

This particular horn is the rare and desirable “Prima” version of the S-800, which was also sold with just “Yanagisawa” on the bell (see the museum section of this site for one of those) and also with Martin on the bell. The Prima seems to have been the S800 for the Asian market (at least) and the Martin version was sold by Martin in the USA, but is again the same horn in all respects. So apart from being rare, the Prima is just the same as the other versions of this horn.

Regardless of what you call it, this is a very good soprano. It is inspired by the Mark VI soprano, but general consensus seems to be that it plays better than a VI. Yanagisawa is a company that relentlessly improves its design, so it is not surprising that its hand-made S800 has better intonation and evenness of tone across the instrument than the Selmer that it copies. There are of course exceptions, and there are great VI sopranos out there for sure. But this is no step-down from a VI. It is every bit as good.

This particular horn has no dents and one tiny ding that has been removed from the bell flare. There are no resolders and the horn is in great shape. Body is straight. Most of the pads have just been replaced, and it plays GREAT. With the padwork, the rarity, and in this condition, this horn is a great DEAL at this price! It ships in the original case, which is in good condition as well.