A vintage Yanagisawa metal mouthpiece for tenor saxophone, marked 5 and accompanied by its original two-screw Yanagisawa ligature. Machined from brass and silver plated, this design combines a relatively low-profile body with a rollover baffle and distinctive squared chamber. The result is generally a clear, focused sound with good projection and brightness, while retaining more body and control than many aggressively baffled metal mouthpieces.

Yanagisawa began producing metal and ebonite saxophone mouthpieces during the 1970s, and this appears to be an older example of the company’s long-running silver-plated metal design. The No. 5 is a comparatively moderate opening, making it more manageable than many contemporary jazz mouthpieces and potentially well suited to jazz, commercial, big-band and general tenor playing. Modern Yanagisawa metal mouthpieces continue to use a similar squared-chamber concept.

This mouthpiece is in well-used vintage condition. It displays extensive tarnish, scratches, oxidation and substantial wear to the silver plating, with exposed brass visible in several areas. The bite plate also shows considerable wear. The tip and rails appear complete, but the table and facing show enough wear that the piece should be measured and play-tested before sale; professional facing work may improve its performance. The original Yanagisawa ligature is included and shows corresponding cosmetic wear. No cap is included.