Eastman Music Company today announced the EAS852 52nd Street Alto Saxophone, the latest milestone in the 52nd Street professional saxophone lineup. Designed in close collaboration with acclaimed saxophonist Alex Hahn, the EAS852 extends the 52nd Street legacy to the alto, delivering power and tonal depth for professional musicians.
The Eastman EAS852 represents the next evolution in the company’s professional saxophone lineup. Its development began with the celebrated ETS852 Tenor, created alongside saxophonist Bob Mintzer, which set benchmarks for body construction and neck design. Applying that philosophy to the alto, the EAS852 emerges as an instrument built for the demands of the working professional alto player.
Every element of the EAS852 has been refined for the professional player. Rolled-style tone holes enhance resonance, while the aged unlacquered brass finish contributes to warmth. Alarge bell amplifies projection, and braised bell construction unlocks greater depth across the range.
Central to the playing experience is the patented DS Mechanism, engineered for fluid key response and mechanical stability. Whether navigating fast passages in a jazz ensemble or sustaining long tones in a chamber setting, the mechanism ensures the instrument moves with the player. The instrument leverages a dual-neck system. Both the proven Sneck and the newly developed Hneck, designed specifically with Hahn, are included. This versatility allows players to tailor response and tonal character to their style.
Eastman’s 52nd Street series has always been shaped by dialogue with artists. The ETS852 Tenor established a standard for the modern tenor saxophone. The EAS852 carries that tradition forward.
At Eastman, we have always believed the best instruments come from working closely with great artists. Collaborating with Alex Hahn on the EAS852 allowed us to create an alto saxophone that reflects the needs of today’s professional players, and we are excited to bring it to musicians around the world, said Ryan Richman, executive vice president of Eastman Music Company.
When Ifirst started playing the 52nd Street Alto, it was the first time Itruly sounded like Iwas playing like myself, said Hahn.
Together, the EAS852 Alto and ETS852 Tenor form a unified 52nd Street voice. For educators, they represent a pairing for advanced students. For professional performers, they deliver character and reliability.
Media Contact: Beau Foster, bfoster@eastmanstrings.com.
For more information, visit eastmanstrings.com.