A vintage Japanese-made Yanagisawa metal tenor saxophone mouthpiece, marked 5 and retaining its original two-screw Yanagisawa ligature. The older wreath-style trademark, “Japan” marking and simple Yanagisawa engraving identify this as an earlier version of the company’s long-running silver-plated metal mouthpiece, likely dating from approximately the 1970s or 1980s.

Machined from brass and originally silver plated, the mouthpiece features a low-profile body, rollover baffle and squared chamber. This combination generally produces a focused, projecting sound with a bright edge but more tonal body than many high-baffle metal designs. The moderate No. 5 opening should offer comfortable response and control, making it suitable for jazz, big-band, commercial and general tenor playing.

This example is in heavily used vintage condition, with extensive tarnish, surface oxidation, scratches and broad areas of plating wear. The bite plate remains present and shows wear. The tip and rails appear intact, but their accuracy—and the condition of the table and facing—should be confirmed by measurement and play-testing. The original Yanagisawa ligature is functional but displays corresponding oxidation and finish wear. No cap is included.