Yamaha's Flagship Alto, Refined for the Working Professional
There's a reason so many serious saxophonists land on the Yamaha Custom EX and stay there. The YAS-875EXII is Yamaha's second-generation flagship alto saxophone, built in Japan and developed through years of collaboration with some of the world's most accomplished saxophonists — including Nobuya Sugawa, Jean-Yves Fourmeau, and Otis Murphy. Their hands-on input shaped every aspect of this horn, from the key geometry to the way it responds at the bottom of the register.
This isn't just a revision — Yamaha gave the EXII a complete overhaul of the key layout, reworked the tonehole sizes and positions for better intonation and consistency, and applied their acoustic annealing process to the bottom bow for improved low-register response. The result is a saxophone that feels natural under your hands and plays evenly from the low Bb all the way up into the altissimo.
Whether you're blending in a concert band section, carving out a solo voice in a jazz ensemble, or working through a demanding classical recital program, the YAS-875EXII adapts readily. It's an instrument that doesn't fight you — it just plays.
A Key Layout Designed Around Your Hands
Yamaha rethought the ergonomics of the EXII from the ground up. The front F key received a new shape and mechanism, while the left-hand palm keys, left-hand table keys, right-hand side keys, and right-hand pinky keys were all repositioned. These aren't cosmetic changes — players notice the difference immediately in fast passages and extended sessions.
Mother-of-pearl key buttons give each touch a smooth, consistent feel, and the adjustable thumb hook lets you dial in the horn's balance to suit your hand size and grip preference. The high F# and front F auxiliary keys are both included, giving you the full range of modern fingering options. Players with smaller hands in particular tend to find the EXII's layout a natural fit.
Body Construction and Acoustic Character
The YAS-875EXII is built from annealed brass with ribbed post construction, a design approach that adds structural rigidity while contributing to the horn's resonance characteristics. The one-piece bell is hand-engraved with Yamaha's signature "Lily" design — a hallmark of the Custom EX series applied by hand to every instrument. The standard model wears a gold lacquer finish.
The V1 neck features a wide bore taper that promotes a free-blowing feel and helps deliver the broad, responsive tone the Custom EX is known for. Tonehole sizes and placement have been optimized throughout the body for consistent resistance and reliable intonation across the full range. The reduced-diameter low C and D toneholes, combined with acoustic annealing, specifically target the low register — an area that can be uneven on lesser instruments.
Handcrafted in Japan
The YAS-875EXII is handmade in Japan, reflecting Yamaha's high-level manufacturing standards for their Custom series instruments. Hard steel needle springs provide a fast, sensitive key response that experienced players expect from a professional-grade horn. The integrated key posts (ribbed and flanged mounting) contribute to the instrument's structural integrity and vibration characteristics.
This is a horn built to last a career — and to reward serious playing every step of the way.
Product Features:
-
Instrument Type: Eb Alto Saxophone
-
Body: Annealed brass with ribbed post construction
-
Bell: One-piece brass, hand-engraved with Yamaha's "Lily" design
-
Finish: Gold lacquer
-
Neck: Custom V1 with wide bore taper
-
Key Buttons: Mother-of-pearl
-
Auxiliary Keys: High F# and Front F
-
Thumb Hook: Adjustable
-
Springs: Hard steel needle springs
-
Tonehole Design: Optimized sizing and placement; reduced-diameter low C and D toneholes with acoustic annealing
-
Country of Origin: Handmade in Japan
Brand: Yamaha
Model: YAS-875EXII Custom EX
SKU: YAS-875EXII
Condition: New
Since 1872, C.A. House Music has been helping musicians across the Ohio Valley find the right gear -- with real advice from a team that actually plays. We're your authorized dealer of all the big names in guitars, keyboards, band instruments, drums, pro audio, and more. With four family-owned and operated locations in Ohio and West Virginia (plus a full online store), you don't have to go far for instruments, lessons, rentals, and repairs. No matter your musical needs, our team of musicians wants to help you Play Music for Life.
