• Instruments and equipment used

Instruments and equipment used

INSTRUMENTS & EQUIPMENTThe three saxophones
Every last bit of it in meaningful denominations."What kind of saxophone do you use?" — It's a question I often get asked. The Saxophone SamuraiThree saxophonesare playing by switching instruments. All of themMoney that has meaning to me at any given timeIt's an instrument I bought in [place], and it holds a lot of sentimental value for me.As of 1 September 2026

We do not have expensive instruments lined up. However,Each one has a story from when it was bought.I will introduce them in order: my part-time job wage, my first salary, and the tips I received on the street corner.

tenor saxophonetenor saxophone

THE FIRST ONEHenri Selmer Paris
Super Action 80 Series IIThe very first one I ever got my hands on.ModelSuper Action 80 Series II(SA80 Series 2)France's Henri Selmer Paris. This is a classic model that has continued since 1986.mouthpieceGottsu Hibiki/MetalThis is a model from a Japanese mouthpiece workshop (currently discontinued).leadRico Royal strength 2This reed is easy to play and produces a clear tone.FinishingUnlacqueredI'm stripping the paint myself.When I was a secondary school student, I listened to a Kenny G CD and decided to become a saxophone player. But a secondary school student has no money. I dreamed about it for years,Becoming a university student and finally being able to work part-time, this is the one I managed to buyis.

I am still using it actively. The surface finish (lacquer)I dropped it myself and gave it an unlacquered finish.I swap to it for songs I want to be heard with a low, rich tone, such as "Lemon" and "Rainy Blue".

alto saxophoneALTO SAXOPHONE

FIRST SALARYYAMAHA
YAS-32The bottle I bought with my first salary.ModelYAMAHA YAS-32Yamaha alto saxophone. A long-established and popular model.mouthpieceMeyer/Hard rubberThis is a standard mouthpiece for jazz alto.leadSelect JazzThese reeds are made for jazz.I graduated from university and became a working adult.This alto saxophone is what I bought with my very first paychequeis.

It produces a slightly warmer and softer sound than a soprano. I use it in songs like "Nakada no Kokoro", "Kiseki o Nozomu Nara", and "Yasashisa de Afureru You ni".

soprano saxophoneSOPRANO SAXOPHONE

FROM THE STREETCadeson
S-208AS Antique SatinA single bottle bought with tips received on the street corner.ModelCadeson S-208AS/ Antique satin finishA Taiwanese manufacturer. Known for its distinctive texture that challenges the conventional notion that saxophones are gold or silver.mouthpiecePlaynickThis is a model from a European mouthpiece workshop.leadFrederick L. HemkeThis is a reed with a subdued tone favoured by classical players.TurnThe one I use the mostI play most standard ballads like "Letter to Tomorrow", "Snowflower", and "Shape of Love" using just this one.so that I could carry on playing in the street,I bought this with the tips I saved up from people who stopped to watch me perform.is this soprano saxophone.

A thin, clear, high note resonates most closely to a human singing voice. Because of its straight shape, it is often mistaken for a clarinet, but this is also a type of saxophone.

Most of the sound you are listening to right now as the "Saxophone Samurai's sound" comes from this single instrument., and I am delivering sound to you with the instruments bought with the money you gave me. When I think about that, this single instrument carries a special weight.

I bought every single one of them with money that had meaning to me at the time.A student's part-time job wage, a first salary, and tips received on the street corner.It's not that I've chosen expensive instruments.However, the feeling I had when I bought each one remains. That's why I haven't let go of any of them and continue to use them.

How to use the three of them differentlyHOW WE CHOOSE

I choose the pitch and tone that best suits the track and the venue.Even for the same piece of music, I sometimes switch to a different instrument depending on the day.

Sopranosoprano saxophoneIt's the one I use the most. Its thin, clear, high-pitched tone resonates closest to the human singing voice. I play most of my classic ballads on this single instrument.STOPalto saxophoneIt has a slightly richer and softer sound than the soprano. I use it for pieces where I want to create a gentle, enveloping sound.tenortenor saxophoneIt has the lowest and thickest sound. It was also the first one I ever owned, and I often switch to it for mellow tunes.

Which song is played on which saxophone

About audio equipmentPA equipment

The audio equipmentBasically, we bring everything ourselves.Therefore, the organisers will not be required to bear the cost of the equipment rental.

1SpeakerYAMAHA STAGEPAS 1KI am using a Stagepas 1K. If it's within driving distance,We will bring the complete sound equipment set, including the power supply.I will do so.
2Microphone and effects pedalsMike isfor Audio-Technica saxophoneEffector pedals areBOSS VE-20am using. The accompaniment is sent wirelessly from a smartphone,One power socketThat will do.
3At the distant venueIf you are visiting from a distance by Shinkansen or aeroplane,Bringing only instruments, costumes, microphones, and effect pedalsPlease arrange for the speakers locally. As deep straw hats are difficult to transport,mailed in advanceam doing.

Details on venue size, how to proceed when you have a sound (PA) engineer, and rental information are comprehensively outlined on our FAQ page.
Frequently asked questions about sound and equipment

About the costumesCOSTUME

What is overlappingRonin hatThat is to say, it is what a samurai wears. It is slightly different from the "komuso hat" worn by komuso monks. A traditional Japanese outfit paired with a ronin hat is the Saxophone Samurai's style.

What made you start wearing this sedge hat?the COVID-19 pandemicIt was. Because it's a wind instrument, I thought people might say it was 'inconsiderate', and while looking for something to cover my face, I ended up with this rōnin hat.

Why are you hiding your face?

Please also seeRELATED PAGESSONGSSignature songs and repertoireHere are 20 songs I often play, ordered by how frequently they are actually listened to.VIDEOSPopular video and social media achievementsYou can view the frequently seen performances here.PROFILESaxophone Samurai profileThe start of the activity, age and hometown, things made public and things kept private.FOR VISITORSInformation for first-time gig-goersFree admission, no reservation required, and drop in/out as you please. Schedule of the day and guidelines for cancellation.
The story of Saxophone Samurai so farRECORD & VOICESThe list of venues visited and the feedback received from everyone who stopped by have been put together on their respective pages.VOICES7,100That particular feedbackFeedback from everyone who listenedWe are collecting the genuine words sent to us from everyone who stopped by at the venue.Reading your feedbackRECORD1,300performances exceeding the showPerformance historyYou can view a list of the venues and regions we have visited, including large commercial facilities, hotels, halls, and tourist spots.View past performances
Come and listen to the real soundThe quickest way to understand what kind of sound these three make is probably just to listen to them.
You can check our live schedule to see where we are performing next.View live scheduleRead about our dedication to sound