Pre-Owned Yamaha YAS-480 Intermediate Alto Saxophone - Gold Lacquer

We have a phenomenal step-up instrument in the shop today. The Yamaha YAS-480 is the undisputed industry standard for intermediate alto saxophones. If you have an advancing student who is ready to move on from their beginner rental and needs a horn that will comfortably take them entirely through high school (and beyond), this is the absolute best option available.

The 480 provides a massive upgrade in tone, ergonomics, and mechanical reliability compared to student horns. It offers a warm, highly focused core sound and the famously precise intonation that Yamaha is known for worldwide.

Key Features

• 62-Style Neck: Comes standard with a Yamaha 62-style neck, providing improved airflow, a beautifully mature tonal core, and excellent response.

• Custom Neck Compatibility: Unlike beginner models, the octave key system on the YAS-480 is completely redesigned to accept professional Yamaha Custom necks (like the V1, C1, or E1). This means you can easily upgrade the horn's sound in the future without buying an entirely new saxophone!

• Improved Low B - C# Connection: Features Yamaha's upgraded mechanism for the low B to C# linkage, ensuring the low C# key closes reliably and makes the low register much easier to articulate.

• Hand-Engraved Bell: A beautiful touch of traditional craftsmanship that sets it apart visually from entry-level horns.

Condition & Shop Inspection

• Cosmetics: Great Player's Condition. This horn has been played and shows some standard, honest cosmetic wear (minor lacquer scratches and light signs of use), but it is structurally perfectly sound. There is no major damage, and the gold lacquer still looks fantastic.

• Mechanics: Bench-Tested & Ready. Our in-house repair team has gone through this saxophone top to bottom. The pads are in great shape and seal perfectly, the key action is snappy and properly regulated, and the horn plays effortlessly from sub-tone lows to the altissimo register.

• Accessories: Includes the original Yamaha hard case.

Specifications

• Brand: Yamaha

• Model: YAS-480

• Serial Number: S99484

• Key: Eb

• Finish: Gold Lacquer

• Level: Intermediate / Step-Up

• Condition: Pre-Owned / Great Condition

The Fleming Music Commitment

When you purchase an instrument from Fleming Musical Instruments & Repair, you aren't just buying a horn—you are gaining a dedicated support team. Every instrument is meticulously inspected and regulated by our on-site master technicians before it ever leaves our hands. We back our inventory with a 14-day return window and a full 1-year warranty, so you can invest in your sound with absolute confidence.

Have questions about financing, need to discuss a potential trade-in, or want to hear how this horn sounds? Reach out to our team directly: .

Local to Houston? We always encourage you to visit the shop and put air through the horn yourself! Keep up with our latest arrivals, repair videos, and local events on our social channels: . Thank you for supporting independent music retail!