YAMAHA YAS-62 ALTO SAXOPHONE - 1st GENERATION PURPLE LOGO - NICE PLAYER'S HORN!

Description

THANKS FOR CHECKING OUT MY AUCTION.  PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE DESCRIPTION AND MY POLICIES BEFORE PLACING YOUR BID.
Check out my
other items
!Be sure to add me to your
favorites list
!
This listing is for a Yamaha YAS-62 alto saxophone. This is a 1st generation "purple logo" 62. It has a low serial number (007,xxx), so it is probably from the late 1970's or very early 80's. I have yet to find a reliable serial number chart for Yamaha saxophones, so I can't narrow it down any more than that.
The Yamaha 62 has long been considered the workhorse of pro level saxophones. They are fantastic instruments with superior tone quality and excellent intonation. Above all, they are durable and consistent from one horn to the next. I once heard it said by a pro touring player that he favored the 62 because he knew if anything happened to his horn while on tour he could walk into any major music store in the world and buy another 62 that would play exactly the same!
The "purple logo" 62's have developed a real cult following in recent years. While all versions of the 62 are great instruments, the first ones are said to have more warmth and complexity to the tone than later generations. Bear in mind also that this was Yamaha's top model at the time, as these were the days before the "Custom" series was introduced.
This is a great 'player's horn'. That is to say that it isn't a cosmetically perfect example, but it is a solid instrument that is a great value. It has been used, but not abused, and it has some honest wear to show for it. It is in very good playing condition as is, but it might need a little more tweaking, and possibly a few pads replaced to be in tip top shape.
Physically speaking, this instrument is in great shape. The body of the sax is perfectly straight, and the neck has not been pulled down or otherwise damaged. There are no significant dents, however there are some small dings and pings on the bow and bell. Also, there is one super tiny nick on the neck, but I doubt it could be felt from the inside. I don't see any re-soldered joints. The keys are all operating smoothly, with the key-work displaying minimal mechanical wear. The lacquer is mostly intact, but it does show a fair amount of scratching, scuffing, and speckling wear consistent with regular use.
Please be advised that the neck is not original to the body, although it is a YAS-62 of slightly later vintage. Really, the only way to know that it isn't original is because the logo on the neck has a black background, rather than purple. I believe it is the same design as the original though.
As far as playability, it does play top to bottom just as it is. There are no problems hitting the low notes, and frankly, most players would find it just fine as is. A leak light inspection, however, reveals a few minor leaks. The pads look to be in generally good condition (I'd say around mid-life) so I think it could be adjusted back into excellent playing condition with maybe just a handful of pads replaced.
This instrument comes in a plastic shell replacement case. It is in overall good condition. There is some minor damage on the exterior of the case by one of the hinges...there is some cracking to the shell, and a small piece of the plastic is chipped out/missing. It is still functional though, and protects the instrument well. The interior of the case is clean and odor free.
There is no mouthpiece, nor any other accessories included with this instrument.
Please feel free to message me with any questions!
Thanks again for looking!