Pre-Owned Yamaha YTS-52 Tenor Saxophone - Heavy Patina / Player's Condition
If you are looking for a pristine, shiny case queen, keep scrolling! But if you want an absolute tank of a saxophone that delivers legendary Yamaha intonation, massive sound, and bulletproof mechanics, you just found your new favorite horn.
The Yamaha YTS-52 is widely considered one of the greatest "step-up" or intermediate saxophones ever built, often blurring the line into professional territory. This specific instrument is the ultimate "rat rod." It has been played hard, loved heavily, and shows it. It is the perfect workhorse for a gigging musician who wants a top-tier backup horn for bar gigs, or an advancing student who needs a reliable tenor that they don't have to worry about scratching.
Key Features
- The 52 Series Legacy: Yamaha's 52 series is famous for offering a professional-style bore taper and key layout, resulting in a rich, centered tone and effortless intonation that rivals horns triple its price.
- Unapologetic "Rat Rod" Aesthetic: This horn features heavy, authentic patina around the bell and key touches. It has lived a full life on the bandstand, and even features a replaced bottom key guard on the low C. It looks mean, and it plays exactly the same way.
- The Legendary Tri-Pack Case: Included is the original Yamaha hard case, famously designed as a "Tri-Pack" to hold a tenor, a clarinet, and a flute all in one footprint. Note: The outer "skin" (tolex) of the case has been completely removed over time, adding to the rugged, road-worn vibe of this outfit.
Condition & Shop Inspection
- Cosmetics: Heavy Player's Condition. This saxophone shows heavy wear, extensive lacquer loss, heavy patina, and replaced parts (low C guard). It is entirely devoid of its original cosmetic shine, giving it a true, authentic vintage road-worn look.
- Mechanics: Gig-Ready. Don't let the cosmetics fool you. Our expert in-house repair team has thoroughly benched and regulated this saxophone. The pads are sealing correctly, the key action is snappy, and it plays top-to-bottom exactly like a Yamaha should.
- Accessories: Includes the original, stripped-down Yamaha Tri-Pack hard case (holds tenor, flute, and clarinet).
Specifications
- Brand: Yamaha
- Model: YTS-52 (Intermediate / Step-Up)
- Key: Bb
- Body Material: Yellow Brass
- Finish: Lacquer (Heavy Wear / Patina)
- Condition: Pre-Owned / Heavy Player's Condition
The Fleming Music Commitment When you purchase a professional 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: https://flemingrepair.com/pages/contact.
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: https://linktr.ee/Fleming_Music. Thank you for supporting independent music retail!
