Pinchas Zukerman Carbon Fiber Bow Latest in Yamaha Signature Line

ANAHEIM, CA (January 15, 2004) — Yamaha Corporation of America, Band & Orchestral Division, will unveil the CBB-107PZ Pinchas Zukerman signature bow at Winter NAMM 2004.

Yamaha designers had the opportunity of working with Pinchas Zukerman on the new signature line. One of the most highly regarded and sought after violin soloists in the world, his attention to the intricate details of the bow design process was guided by the desire to produce a bow for the professional violinist, and those in professional studies.

"Modern technology and modern materials in bow making is the future," states Zukerman. "Yamaha has a great vision of industry and player needs. This signature bow has good resonance, is durable, versatile and affordable."

"The newest member of our Silent String family is the best-sounding electric upright on the market," says Mike Schaner, Assistant Manager, Yamaha Strings. "Add portability to the unsurpassed tonal quality, and you have a combination that appeals to any upright bassist on the move."

Born in Tel Aviv, Zukerman's extensive discography contains over 100 titles, and has earned him 21 GRAMMY® nominations with two awards: "Best Chamber Music Performance" in 1980 and "Best Classical Performance, Instrumental Soloist Without Orchestra" in 1981. He was presented with the King Solomon Award by the America-Israel Cultural Foundation and President Reagan awarded him the 1983 Medal of Arts for his leadership in the musical world. In October 2002 he became the first recipient of the Isaac Stern Award for Artistic Excellence. Zukerman's conducting career began in 1970 with the English Chamber Orchestra and he has since conducted many of the world's leading orchestras.

A heavier bow at 64 grams, the Zukerman signature bow features a simulated tortoise-shell frog and gold plated fittings.

"There is a lot of Mr. Zukerman in this bow," says Michael Schaner, Assistant Manager, Strings. "Our long, collaborative design process insured that the bow met his exacting specifications. At the same time, the bow is almost as powerful and expressive as Pinchas Zukerman himself."

Carbon fiber bows have the same feel and playability of Pernambuco bows at a fraction of the cost, and provide musicians a more durable and consistent material than wood. The bows come close to matching the characteristics of wood, but changes in weather, temperature, or humidity have little effect on carbon fiber, making it highly stable and perfect for use in any situation – especially those in which musicians would rather not risk using their primary bow, such as when playing outdoors or on tour. The bows are great alternatives that can be used with confidence in any musical setting. In addition, the bows are lightweight and possess an optimum combination of strength and flexibility.

Demonstrating corporate and environmental responsibility, Yamaha has begun manufacturing carbon fiber bows to help protect the diminishing supplies of Pernambuco wood, which comes from the rainforests of Brazil and is becoming increasingly scarce.

The CBB-107PZ will be available in April.

For more information, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Band & Orchestral Division, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com.