Yamaha YDS-150 / Digital Saxophone

The groundbreaking new wind instrument retains the full expressiveness of the saxophone, yet unlike an acoustic saxophone it can be as quiet as you want, making it more convenient and easier to play.

Yamaha's patented Integrated Bell Acoustic System is a fusion of traditional saxophone design and advanced digital technologies that offers the uniquely rich sound of an acoustic saxophone while also allowing you to enjoy playing without regard for time or place.

Sound can be produced by simply blowing into the mouthpiece, while volume and tone can be carefully modulated using the intensity of the breath, resulting in a wind instrument which can cater to the expressive needs of both beginners and experienced players alike.


1) Play the saxophone anytime, anywhere - even if it's in the living room, or at night

Digital technology enables volume adjustment over a range of 15 steps, allowing one to enjoy playing the saxophone anytime, anywhere - even if it's in the living room, or at night. You can also connect a set of headphones to play in total silence and focus completely on your performance without worrying about others around you, even if you had previously given up playing the saxophone because of its loudness. In addition, you can use the dedicated app to freely adjust the volume, tone, and even fingering.

2) Experience playing in an innovative, new way - simply blow into the instrument to produce gorgeous saxophone sound

Despite the instrument having a mouthpiece designed the same as that of an acoustic saxophone, you can still produce gorgeous sound by simply blowing into the mouthpiece and playing the keys with correct fingering, without needing to overcome the initial hurdle to performance known as embouchure (mouth shape). Volume and tone can also be adjusted by changing the intensity of your blowing. The YDS-150 uses sampled sounds of Yamaha's soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones, meticulously recorded to produce 56 saxophone voices, including variations, in addition to other sounds such as synthesizers for a total of 73 instrument sounds. Perform music in virtually any genre using your favorite instrument sounds.

3) Experience authentic saxophone design and resonance

The YDS-150 uses the same key layout, mouthpiece, and thumb rest as an acoustic saxophone to deliver a natural playing experience. It also features a real brass bell and is the same length as a soprano saxophone in order to provide optimal balance. The newly developed Integrated Bell Acoustic System adds authentic, luxurious resonance to give the player the same seamless sense of expressive unity experienced with an acoustic saxophone.


Development Background

Development of the YDS-150 began with a desire to create a saxophone that could be played more easily and with more freedom by even more people. All of us have wished we could play a favorite tune at least once in our lives, and the YDS-150 makes that possible with a fusion of Yamaha's acoustic and digital technologies. The instrument's broad range of sound and rich expressiveness make it suitable for experienced saxophone players and beginners alike.

About Integrated Bell Acoustic System (Patented)

Integrated Bell Acoustic System (IBAS) is an acoustic system developed specifically for the YDS-150 which reproduces the unique physical feedback (sound resonance and vibration) of an acoustic saxophone. The system consists of speaker units, an acoustic pipe, and a real brass bell, enabling it to effectively deliver sound resonance and vibration back to the player's mouth and fingertips.