We are delighted to welcome Yamaha master engraver Kenji Matsushita to SAX at 1pm on Wednesday 18th November 2026 for a live saxophone hand-engraving demonstration.

The bell of the saxophone is engraved by hand. The design varies depending on the model and although a preliminary sketch is drawn, the finished design differs slightly depending on the engraver. Mr Matsushita will be visiting us to demonstrate a live engraving right here in the SAX store.

It is strenuous work that can easily cause strain to the wrists and elbows, and requires specialised skills and artistic flair. Only a few people in the Yamaha factory are capable of carrying out this work.

Whilst some other companies use laser engraving, Yamaha is committed to aesthetic beauty and therefore employs hand-engraving, which allows for the creation of exquisite shading.

The engraving designs are created by a specialist team tasked with incorporating the functionality and beauty of Yamaha products into the design; the final design is confirmed in consultation with the artist.

There are two types of carving: ‘outer carving’, which outlines the contours using a thicker chisel, and ‘inner carving’, which is applied to the details within the leaves and petals. Craftsmen use approximately 20 different types of carving chisels, modifying the handles and blade tips to suit their own style. Consequently, a craftsman’s chisels cannot be used by other craftsmen.

The handles of Mr Matsushita’s carving tools are modelled on the Kongō-bō staff used for climbing Mount Fuji. An expert carver can identify the craftsman who carved the engravings on instruments displayed in a music shop simply by looking at them (based on the way curves are drawn or lines intersect, for example).

Particularly with custom-made instruments, every stage of the process involves the craftsman’s touch; as the skills of several craftsmen are incorporated into a single instrument, each instrument develops its own unique character, even within the same model.

We look forward to welcoming Kenji and his Yamaha colleagues to SAX at 1pm on Wednesday 18th November 2026 to demonstrate a live engraving.

For more information, please get in touch.