Yamaha Prevails in 2006 MMR "Dealer's Choice" Awards

BUENA PARK, Calif. — For an unprecedented sixth consecutive year, the Yamaha Disklavier has taken top honors as "Product of the Year" in the Musical Merchandise Review (MMR) "Dealer's Choice" Awards. In addition, Yamaha acoustic pianos were awarded "Acoustic Piano Line of the Year" and the Clavinova Series was named "Home Digital Piano Line of the Year," with further awards going to Yamaha as "Pro Digital Piano Line of the Year" and Steinberg Cubase as "Software Line of the Year." The awards are based on votes from musical products dealers throughout the country who cast their ballots for the most outstanding instruments, equipment and accessories for 2006. In addition, dealers were asked to vote on the overall 2006 Product of the Year.

Disklavier
The Yamaha Disklavier Mark IV
"The 'Dealer's Choice' Awards are especially meaningful to us because they represent broad testimonials to our products by retailers," states Terry Lewis, senior vice president, Music Marketing Group, Yamaha Corporation of America. "Recognition such as this serves to inspire us as we continue to challenge the boundaries of technology, value, design, innovation and quality."

The Disklavier Mark IV continues Yamaha's 20-year tradition of reproducing player piano innovation with a range of 21st century features. These include powerful, full-color, Wi-Fi, touch screen pocket and tablet remote controllers that can operate the piano from anywhere in the home, offering easy access to a full music library of song titles. The instrument also has the ability to play in sync with users' favorite audio CDs, enabling them to experience a "live," fully-orchestrated piano performance by prominent artists in the comfort of their own living room. Its revolutionary SmartKey™ technology can also guide beginners though simple melodies on these concert-quality grand pianos.

CVP300
The Yamaha Clavinova Digital Piano
As the largest manufacturer of pianos in the world, Yamaha celebrates over 100 years of exceptional acoustic piano craftsmanship. Offering superior quality, performance and value, its comprehensive line of grand pianos combine state-of-the-art technology and innovation with the timeless skills of artisans. Using only the finest of materials, high-level factory craftsmen perform every aspect of construction.

Setting the standard for easy-to-play home digital pianos, the Yamaha Clavinova Series features a host of cutting-edge entertainment and educational applications, as well stunningly realistic instrumental voices and natural keyboard touch. The Clavinova's striking Slimline Series offers a sleek design, space efficiency and wide range of colors, making it pleasing to both the eye and the ear.

CP300 Digital Piano
The Yamaha CP300 Stage Piano
Yamaha released the first of its CP Series stage pianos in 1976 and the "electric grands" became instant classics with their authentic sound and ease of use in live performance. "I can't think of a better way to celebrate the 30th anniversary of this classic than with a resounding endorsement of our line of home and pro digital pianos from dealers," says Lewis. The first Clavinova digital piano was introduced in 1983.

Steinberg Media Technologies, a subsidiary of Yamaha Corporation, is known the world over for its professional media solutions. The company has been developing, manufacturing and selling software products for musicians and producers in the music, film, post production, and multimedia industries since 1984. Its award-winning Cubase music production software is tailored for composers, musicians and project studios, as well as students and educators.

These Yamaha and Steinberg award-winning products will be saluted in the December 2006 issue of MMR, and awards will be presented to company executives during the upcoming Winter NAMM Show, to be held January 18-21, 2007 in Anaheim, California.

For more information, contact Yamaha Corporation of America, 6600 Orangethorpe Avenue, Buena Park, CA 90620; phone 714-522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com.

About Yamaha:
Yamaha Corporation of America is the largest subsidiary of Yamaha Corporation, Japan and offers a full line of musical instruments and audio/visual products to the U.S. market. Products include: acoustic and digital pianos, portable keyboards, guitars, acoustic and electronic drums, band and orchestral instruments, marching percussion products, synthesizers, professional digital and analog audio products, wireless content, and innovative technology products targeted to the hobbyist, education, worship, professional music, and installation markets. Yamaha Corporation of America also owns Yamaha Exporting, Inc., a subsidiary engaged in exporting many products and materials to overseas markets including Japan.