Yamaha Expands Line of Carbon Fiber Bows With Addition of Zakhar Bron Signature

BUENA PARK, CA (April 30, 2004) — Yamaha's Band & Orchestral Division recently debuted the CBB-107ZB Zakhar Bron signature bow.

A design collaboration between Yamaha and Zakhar Bron – one of Europe's most respected and preeminent educators and violin soloists – resulted in this very unique carbon fiber bow.

"From my point of view, choosing the most suitable bow for a player is very important," states Bron. "Yamaha worked closely with me to determine the factors of a great bow design, and we arrived together at the final specifications for my signature bow."

The tip-weighted balance and 62-gram weight of this environmentally friendly bow more than meet the demands of Mr. Bron's playing and teaching styles.

"Our designers enjoyed their direct collaborations with Mr. Bron," says Michael Schaner, Assistant Manager, Strings. "His ability for teaching some of the world's finest young soloists was apparent as he explained his playing and teaching styles relative to the use and design of a fine bow."

Born in Russia, Bron has won the Queen Elisabeth International Competition and is currently Professor of Violin at the Musikhochschule in Cologne and Zurich, Jury President for the Novosibirsk International Violin Competition and a juror in many other international violin competitions such as the Tchaikovsky, Menuhin and Kreisler competitions.

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-107ZB is currently available.

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.