Yamaha YAS-280 Alto Sax

The saxophone arrived fine out-of-box except for the octave key which was riding a little high and in released position was about 1 mm above equal height with the thumb rest. All notes in standard range respond well, in tune and clear. Altissimo range is more easily accessible as high F# key is provided. The side C and Bb seem a little undervented. The G# pad sometimes sticks closed the next day after playing as it often does on other saxophones. The neck collar jaws are much improved from earlier versions - they are beefy enough to not bend shut when the neck screw is tightened (that was an issue on YAS-23 where the neck collar jaws were much thinner). The bell when looked on from player's side, while parallel to the main body, is facing somewhat to the left which appears to be a compact design feature, as all low stack keys respond and seal properly. All in all, a well made, sturdy and easy to play instrument.