Pure Tone, Rich Finish: Yamaha Unveils New 8000-Series Concert Toms

BUENA PARK, Calif.—At Winter NAMM 2011, Yamaha Corporation of America reveals the first upgrade to its 800-Series Concert Toms since 1985, when the company first launched its line of percussion instruments. Featuring an elegant, rich, new dark wood stain finish, the new 8000-Series offers an birch-ply shell to promote a fuller sound and increased shell response.

The 8000-Series is offered in eight traditional sizes of single headed concert toms, in three traditional setups: CTS-6802B (6", 8", 10", 12" with two stands); CTS-0234B (10", 12", 13", 14" with two stands); CTS-3456B (13", 14", 15", 16" with two stands). Constructed using the exclusive Yamaha Air Seal System, a process that ensures that the shells start round and stay round, the 8-ply birch-ply concert toms feature an in-round shell that tunes clearer to provide a pure fundamental tone and a distinct Yamaha sound.

The 1.6mm triple-flanged hoop steel rims offer traditional sound, yet are easy to tune and enhance low-end partials. Additionally, each set of four concert toms comes with two WS-865A stands featuring double braced legs for increased stability and a ball and socket zinc alloy mount design.

The 8000-Series is ideal for middle and high school music ensembles, as well as for higher concert band and percussion ensembles looking for additional tambors.

"Yamaha has completely revamped these toms to improve form and enhance playability," says Troy Wollwage, Percussion Marketing Manager, Yamaha Band & Orchestral Division. "The 8000-Series improves upon a solid predecessor, making them an extremely reliable, affordable choice for middle and high school students playing in concerts, bands and percussion ensembles, as well as pit and field percussionists."

Individual drums are now available at an SRP starting at $220. They may be sold individually or in sets of two and four with and SRP starting at $676.

For more information about Yamaha products, visit Yamaha at Winter NAMM 2012 at the Anaheim Marriott Marquis Ballroom, write Yamaha Corporation of America, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622-6600; call (714) 522-9011; email infostation@yamaha.com; or visit www.yamaha.com.