Yamaha YDS-122 digital saxophone

Yamaha YDS-122 digital saxophone

The Yamaha YDS-122 digital saxophone brings the expressive sound and familiar playing experience of an acoustic saxophone into a versatile, lightweight digital instrument. Designed for beginners, experienced saxophonists and anyone wanting the freedom to practise without disturbing others, it combines realistic saxophone sounds with adjustable volume, headphone connectivity and intuitive controls.

Building on the popular YDS-120, the updated YDS-122 introduces an expanded selection of 87 instrument voices and a modern USB-C connection. With authentic saxophone fingering, a responsive breath sensor and a specially designed mouthpiece, it offers an accessible and enjoyable way to explore saxophone playing at home or on the move.

Practise wherever and whenever you like

Enjoy the freedom to play without the volume of a traditional acoustic saxophone. The YDS-122 features 15 adjustable volume levels, allowing you to practise comfortably in a wide range of environments. Connect headphones for quiet, personal practice while retaining the expressive character of the instrument. Whether you're rehearsing at home, warming up backstage or playing late in the evening, the YDS-122 makes it easier to fit music into your day.

87 voices with authentic saxophone sounds

Explore 56 saxophone voices covering soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxophones, carefully sampled from Yamaha's acoustic instruments to reproduce their distinctive tonal characteristics. The YDS-122 also includes an expanded selection of other instrument sounds, including flutes, traditional wind instruments and electronic voices, giving you 87 sounds in total. From mellow jazz passages to bright, contemporary performances, there's plenty of creative potential in a single instrument.

Expressive playing with natural breath control

The YDS-122 uses a sensitive breath sensor to detect the pressure of your breath, allowing you to shape the volume and character of each note naturally. Its specially designed mouthpiece makes sound production straightforward without requiring the embouchure technique of an acoustic saxophone. Combined with Yamaha's digital sound generation and internal speaker, this creates a responsive playing experience that's approachable for newcomers while offering expressive control for established musicians.

Familiar saxophone fingering

With a key layout based on Yamaha's acoustic saxophones, the YDS-122 feels immediately familiar to existing saxophone players and provides a useful introduction to saxophone fingering for beginners. Dedicated keys for high F-sharp, front F and low A offer additional flexibility, while the analogue controller expands your expressive possibilities. Fingering configurations and other instrument settings can also be customised using the YDS Controller app.

Updated USB-C connectivity and creative features

Replacing the micro-USB connection of the YDS-120, the YDS-122 features a USB-C port for power and connectivity with compatible devices. It can also function as a MIDI controller, opening up opportunities for digital music production and recording. A 3.5mm auxiliary input and headphone output provide further flexibility for practising alongside external audio sources.

Customise your sound with Yamaha's dedicated apps

The Yamaha YDS Controller app allows you to adjust instrument settings, customise sounds and select alternative fingering arrangements. The YDS-122 is also compatible with Yamaha's Rec'n'Share app, making it easy to practise alongside music, adjust playback speed and capture performances for sharing.

Record and share your performances

With Yamaha's free Rec'n'Share app, you can play along with your favourite music and record audio or video performances using a compatible smart device. Useful practice features include adjustable playback tempo, repeatable sections and automatic click-track generation, helping you develop your playing while making it easier to capture and share your progress.

Lightweight, portable and ready to play

Weighing approximately 810g without batteries, the YDS-122 is easy to handle and transport. It can be powered using four AAA batteries or a compatible 5V/1A USB-C power supply, making it a practical choice for playing at home, in rehearsal spaces or on the move. The removable mouthpiece makes routine cleaning straightforward, while the instrument's compact design provides a convenient alternative to an acoustic saxophone for everyday practice. Please note that batteries and the USB power supply are not included.

YDS-122 or YDS-152: which should you choose?

Both Yamaha digital saxophones offer 87 instrument voices, authentic saxophone fingering, adjustable volume, headphone connectivity and USB-C. The YDS-122 is the lighter, more compact option, weighing approximately 810g and featuring a simple horn-style acoustic system. It offers an accessible way to enjoy digital saxophone playing, making it particularly appealing for beginners, everyday practice and musicians looking for maximum portability.

For players who want a more immersive experience closer to an acoustic instrument, the Yamaha YDS-152 digital saxophone features a genuine brass bell and Yamaha's Integrated Bell Acoustic System, which creates physical vibrations throughout the instrument as you play. The YDS-152 also includes Bluetooth MIDI connectivity for the YDS Controller app and a dedicated carrying case.