Yamaha Sets the Tone at Winter NAMM 2005

BUENA PARK, CA (January 28, 2005) — Yamaha Corporation of America showcased its newest products at Winter NAMM 2005 January 20-23 in Anaheim, Calif., joining hundreds of manufacturers in affirming the positive outlook of the industry for the coming year.

"Each year, the Winter NAMM show is a great opportunity to renew our dealer and industry relationships, and to show our newest products. This year the view from Anaheim was terrific," says Terry Lewis, senior vice president, Music Marketing Group, Yamaha Corporation of America. "From the industry awards we're honored to have taken home, to the great celebrity artists who showed their support, and to every single NAMM show participant who visited our showcase, the feedback was tremendous."

The show began with recognition of manufacturing achievement as the Band & Orchestral Division celebrated the history of Yamaha brass instruments and production of the company's ten millionth horn. The division kept the momentum going throughout the show with visits and performances by Yamaha violinist Lisa Haley, trumpeter Bobby Shew, flute artist Jim Walker and saxophone artist Dave Koz.

On Thursday evening, the Pro Audio & Combo Division pulled out all the proverbial stops by hosting a dealer reception and multimedia presentation of the show's key new products. Surprise guest Sammy Hagar not only showcased his new signature guitar, but also his special brand of humor – and tequila – as emcee for the evening. Hagar was joined onstage by his band the Waboritas and Van Halen band mate Michael Anthony for a jam session. One lucky dealer, Al Green, manager of The Music Man in Anchorage, AK, was chosen for a trip to Cabo San Lucas, home of Hagar's music venue "Cabo Wabo."

Top musical artists participated in special events throughout Winter NAMM. Yamaha Guitars hosted several signings with Michael Anthony (Van Halen), Billy Sheehan, Lee Ritenour, Troy Van Leeuwen (Queens of the Stone Age), Nathan East, Clint Lowery (Sevendust, Dark Blue) Chris Henderson (3 Doors Down), plus members of Orgy, Taproot and others. Yamaha Drums hosted an autograph signing with a number of renowned artists that included Dave Weckl, Jimmy Chamberlin, Peter Erskine, Roy Haynes, Earl Palmer, Russ Miller, Steve Gadd and JR Robinson.

Friday and Saturday afternoons found young musicians from the Yamaha Junior Original Concert program offering live performances of their own original compositions in a pair of concerts. Participants included Gabriel Dotson, age 11 and Renee Smith, age 12, both from Chandler, AZ, and students at East Valley Yamaha Music School; and Sarah Kunstman, age 9, from Appleton, WI, a student at Heid Yamaha Music School.

Yamaha entered a new era in music software development with the acquisition of Steinberg Media Technologies from Pinnacle Systems, Inc. With this acquisition, Yamaha plans to further promote the Studio Connection initiative, and expand the market by making it easier for general users and professionals to create music. The acquisition was finalized with a press conference and a handshake between Mr. Shuji Ito, president of Yamaha Corporation, and Patti Hart, chairman & CEO of Pinnacle Systems.

Visitors were able to view new products from the Pro Audio & Combo, Piano and Band & Orchestral divisions at the Yamaha booth. The Piano Division provided NAMM show attendees with a look at the innovative Disklavier Mark IV Series and Clavinova CVP300 Series, as well as a preview of the new Clavinova CLP "Slimline." Attendees were treated to the Elton John Limited Edition Disklavier Mark IV Red Piano which was on display in the booth.

Yamaha Professional Audio ventured into the portable PA system market with the debut of the STAGEPAS 300, and introduced two new powered speakers, the MSR400 and MSR800 Subwoofer. Music Production showcased the new Motif ES Rack, a rackmount version of the acclaimed Motif ES Synthesizer, and provided demonstrations of Studio Connections Recall, a software solution and product of the Studio Connections initiative between Yamaha and Steinberg. Portable Keyboards showcased two new introductory PSR models, while Accessory Products presented the first new line of headphones in nearly a decade.

Winter NAMM proved to be an important showcase for Yamaha Guitars, with the introduction of a number of significant new products including the BB electric bass line, revamped FG models, the BBT500 bass combo amps and signature products from Sammy Hagar and Troy Van Leeuwen.

Yamaha Drums showcased DTXPLORER, which brings its renowned electronic drum technology within reach of the beginner, traditional musician, hobbyist and educator. The department also expanded its line of signature snares, with models from Steve Gadd, Manu Katche, Paul Leim and Dave Weckl. Also drawing interest at the exhibit was the drum set and accessories which had belonged to the late Elvin Jones, jazz legend and longtime Yamaha artist.

New products from the Band & Orchestral Division will meet the needs of the career musician as well as the beginning student. Designed for top orchestral professionals, the Artist Model Orchestral C Trumpet sets the standard for other instruments to be released in the future as part of the Artist Model series. The Q-Class series features three student-level instruments: a flute, alto saxophone and trumpet, packaged in an attractive, full-color display that includes quotes and images from professional musicians Jim Walker, Dave Koz and Bobby Shew.

Yamaha products were also recognized by several music trade publications.Electronic Musician magazine honored the 01X with an "Editor's Choice" award, while the SPX2000 and DGX505 each garnered awards from Music & Sound Retailer. Musical Merchandise Review awarded the Yamaha P Series Disklavier Series as overall Product of the Year.

For more information on these new products and events, write Yamaha Corporation of America, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622-6600; or telephone (714) 522-9011.