The stage lights glared, reflecting harshly off the polished brass. I was backstage at the Blue Note, about to hand off my vintage Selmer Mark VI to a visiting guest soloist. He needed a reliable horn for the gig; his own had, alas, met a tragic accident involving a particularly enthusiastic airport baggage handler. “Here, this YAS-62III should do the trick,” I said, handing it over with a slight smile. The look on his face? Priceless. He was clearly expecting a student model.

The Yamaha 62 series holds a unique position in the alto sax world. It’s a workhorse. Reliable. A true friend. For a long time, the YAS-62 was the go-to intermediate horn, bridging the gap between beginner models and professional beasts like my Mark VI. Yamaha has cleverly refined the design, making the YAS-62III a significant upgrade. The integrated key posts are a crucial improvement. No more wobbly keys after a few years of regular playing. Those little details really matter.

He spent the next hour coaxing beautiful sound from it. The neck receiver, redesigned in this iteration, seemed to effortlessly accommodate his mouthpiece, and he was able to dial in a comfortable resistance level. This can be tricky, depending on your mouthpiece choice. The horn responded beautifully to his touch, a responsive instrument, a joy to play.

But here’s the thing. While the gold lacquer finish is gorgeous (and durable), it can be a fingerprint magnet. You’ll probably find yourself wiping it down after every session. It’s a small price to pay, though, for an alto that consistently delivers, and a minor issue that can be readily addressed with a microfiber cloth.

There are other saxophones in this category. The Yanagisawa AWO1 is a stellar option, known for its intricate keywork and exceptional intonation. However, it also demands a significantly larger financial outlay. The Yamaha, in contrast, offers a compelling blend of playability, build quality, and value.

For the gigging musician, the student stepping up their game, or someone finally ready for something better than what they started with, I’d say this horn is a winner. The professional-grade neck is fantastic, but the responsiveness is what really sells it. Buy one. You won’t regret it.