With the
Yamaha YDS-120, discover a new approach to the saxophone that pushes the boundaries of musical performance. This mid-range digital saxophone draws on Yamaha's century of expertise in instrument manufacturing to offer an authentic playing experience, enriched by the infinite possibilities of digital technology. Whether you're a beginner looking to progress without constraints, an experienced musician wanting to practice at any time, or a creator seeking new sound textures, this hybrid instrument will transform your approach to the instrument.
Natural playing thanks to the Integrated Bell Acoustic System
The YDS-120 features Yamaha's exclusive
Integrated Bell Acoustic System, which combines traditional acoustic engineering with advanced digital processing. Its breath sensor accurately detects the intensity and pressure of your air column, while the digital sound generator faithfully reproduces the resonance through an internal acoustic tube. This unique architecture allows the instrument to physically vibrate like a brass saxophone, giving you the tactile feel that is essential for expressiveness. The key layout exactly matches the ergonomic layout of Yamaha's high-end acoustic saxophones, including the high F-sharp, front F, and low A, ensuring a natural transition from your traditional instrument to this digital model.
An exceptional sound palette for all styles
Beyond its primary function, the YDS-120 becomes a true sound chameleon with its
73 sampled voices, 56 of which are dedicated to saxophones. Each note has been individually recorded by professional saxophonists on Yamaha acoustic instruments, ensuring striking realism for soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone timbres. The sound catalog also extends to exotic woodwinds such as the Japanese shakuhachi and Irish bagpipes, opening up unexplored creative horizons. Built-in reverb and chorus effects allow you to instantly tailor your sound to the desired aesthetic, from mellow jazz to saturated rock. The transpose function and range settings transform every performance into a field of experimentation.
Freedom to practice and flexibility of use
Designed to fit into your daily life as a musician, the YDS-120 offers
15 levels of volume control, allowing you to play from a whisper to a fortissimo. The headphone output allows for completely silent practice, ideal for late-night sessions or urban apartments. Its featherweight design, weighing only 1 kg, and AA battery operation (up to 9 hours of battery life) make it the perfect companion for musicians on the go. The auxiliary input allows you to connect smartphones or audio players to play along with your favorite backing tracks, while the audio and USB outputs allow for integration into a music production setup or amplification in live situations.
Accessibility and technical progression
One of the major advantages of the YDS-120 is its specially developed
flute-type mouthpiece, which eliminates the complexity of traditional mouthpieces and reed maintenance. This approach democratizes access to the saxophone by making it easy to produce sound from the very first minutes, while allowing beginners to focus on fingering, rhythm, and musicality. For experienced saxophonists, this instrument becomes an effective technical tool for rehearsing complex passages without tiring the embouchure. The dedicated YDS Controller app allows for extensive customization of fingerings and breath parameters, adapting the instrument to your specific needs and promoting continuous progress.
Modern connectivity and MIDI creation
The Yamaha YDS-120 transcends the limitations of the acoustic saxophone by becoming a versatile MIDI controller. Via its USB connection to a computer, it controls all your virtual instruments and software sound banks, giving you access to thousands of additional sound textures. This feature opens up endless possibilities in music production, allowing composers and arrangers to record their wind parts directly with the natural feel of playing. The Rec'n'Share app makes it easy to capture your audio and video performances for sharing on social media, facilitating online learning or music content creation.
Technical specifications
Sound generation system
- Generation technology: AWM (Advanced Wave Memory) sampling
- Number of voices: 73 preloaded voices, including 56 dedicated to saxophones (soprano, alto, tenor, baritone)
- Fingering: Compatible with acoustic saxophone, including high F#, front F, low A
- Wind sensor: Precise detection of intensity and pressure with sensitivity adjustment
- Acoustic system: Integrated Bell Acoustic System with internal acoustic tube
- Built-in effects: Reverb, Chorus (5 types available for headphones)
- Tone controls: Transposition by range (Eb, Bb, C synchronized with voice)
Connectivity and interfaces
- Headphone output: 3.5 mm stereo mini jack
- Auxiliary input: 3.5 mm stereo mini jack (external source playback)
- USB port: Micro USB Type B to computer (AUDIO/MIDI)
- Bluetooth connectivity: Version 4.2 - A2DP (Audio) and GATT (MIDI over BLE) profiles, SBC codec
- Dedicated app: YDS Controller for advanced parameter customization
- Recording app: Rec'n'Share for audio/video capture
Power supply and battery life
- Power options: 4 AA alkaline (LR03) or rechargeable Ni-MH (HR3) batteries / 5V/1A USB adapter (micro USB type B)
- Power consumption: 4.5 W (via USB adapter)
- Battery life with alkaline batteries: Approximately 9 hours
- Battery life with Ni-MH batteries: Approximately 6 hours (1900 mAh capacity)
- Auto power off function: Yes (energy saving)
Settings and controls
- Volume control: 15 adjustable levels
- Tuning range: 427.0 Hz to 453.0 Hz (0.5 Hz increments, reference 440 Hz)
- Performance keys: Octave keys, thumb lever, thumb pad
- Control buttons: S1/S2, scene buttons, menu buttons
- Dials: Scene category, transposition
- MIDI switch: Yes
Physical characteristics
- Dimensions: 670 mm (length) x 110 mm (width) x 94 mm (height)
- Weight: 810 g (without batteries) / 1.0 kg (with batteries)
- Mouthpiece: YDS-120 specific recorder-type mouthpiece (removable and cleanable)
- Finish: Lightweight body with authentic mechanics
Included accessories
- Mouthpiece: YDS-120 specific mouthpiece
- Ligature: Included
- Cord: Carrying cord
- Case: Soft carrying case
- Documentation: User manual with complete list of sounds
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