Description
The Yanagisawa 900µ (often written “900u” or “μ”) line (sometimes called the “mu-series” or transitional 900 series) is an interesting and somewhat niche chapter in Yanagisawa’s development. This instrument is in near mint condition and ships in the maker’s striking burgundy case. It is free blowing with a beautiful tone
Below is a summary of what’s known about this rare model
What is the “μ / u” / transitional 900 model?
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The “u” or “μ” suffix denotes a transitional model between the original 900/990 series and the later 901/991 (and subsequent) series.
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In effect, the 900µ models allowed Yanagisawa to experiment with tweaks (tonehole repositioning, acoustical refinements, etc.) before rolling those improvements into the next generation.
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As one forum put it: “’u’ designates a model in transition, improvements made during a model’s run before the introduction of a new model. Probably slightly different tone hole placement and possibly cosmetics …”
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The 900µ models were introduced around late 1994 and were discontinued by late 1997.
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They were produced in alto (Eb) and tenor (Bb) versions (i.e. not in all saxophone ranges) under the 900u / 990u lines.
Key specifications & design options (for 900u / 990u)
| Feature | Known or reported |
|---|---|
| Years produced | ~1994 to ~1997 |
| Pitches available | Alto and Tenor only |
| Finish | Lacquered brass |
| Neck | Lacquered brass |
| Tonehole / acoustical changes | The mu models attempted to “move and resize toneholes to create a better sax” — these acoustic experiments were folded into the later 901/991 series. |
| Relation to 901 / successor series | The learnings from the mu line were integrated into the 901/991 generation as the standard production model evolved. |
| Serial numbering / timeline context | The 900 series (pre-µ) ran from ~1990–1998 in Yanagisawa’s model lineup. |
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