ST5 Enhances Artistic Options for Wind Players

GRAND RAPIDS, MI (January 3, 2003) — The ST5 Digital Effect System has been developed by Yamaha to enhance the artistic options for wind instrument musicians. For the first time, trumpet, saxophone, and flute players, among other wind instrument and brass players, can produce "cool" effects previously only available to electric guitar players.

Now with the ST5, effects such as echo, reverb, and distortion – up to 32 effects variations and 50 preset programs – can be created with the push of a button, giving wind players an unprecedented palette of tonal effects to choose from. An ideal solution for high school and college students as well as semi-professional and professional musicians, the ST5 facilitates play in a variety of situations from private practice to amplified performance. Increased sound quality enables greater musical diversity and exciting sonic possibilities and encourages artists to be more enthusiastic about playing and practicing longer. The ST5 is about the size of a cassette tape, and just as light.

The unique Phrase Trainer allows musicians to digitally record passages up to 16 seconds long – either from an external source or the player's own instrument – and then slow down or speed up the playback without affecting pitch. This function makes it easy for musicians to practice and perfect difficult passages at their own pace. The ST5 can also transpose sound received from the input jack to the desired performance key. Equipped with an AUX IN jack, it can accept signals from a CD or MP3 player to provide accompaniment. The unit also includes an auto-tuner, built-in metronome, backlit display for easy use in low light, and large value dial to allow quick settings.

The new ST5 Digital Effect System represents a remarkable addition to the Yamaha wind instrument product line.

For the store nearest you, or for more information, contact Yamaha Corporation of America, Band & Orchestral Division, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90620; (714) 522-9011 or send e-mail to infostation@yamaha.com.