Yamaha: Advancing The Art Of Drumming For 45 Years

ANAHEIM, Calif.—Since 1967, Yamaha Drums has set the standard for innovation in the drumming world. The process of manufacturing drum shells begins with select woods. Introducing precision processing that combined a staggered diagonal seam with the Air-Seal System, which puts even pressure on the shell’s inner surface to create a perfectly round shell with uniform thickness and excellent durability, Yamaha created a revolution in drum manufacturing.

From there, the company made its mark with the legendary Recording Custom set, known as the most recorded drum set in history, which established a pinnacle in sound and quality. Three years ago, Yamaha Drums introduced the flagship PHX kit, a hybrid shell that includes hard, resonant jatoba and kapur wood never before used in a drum kit. The PHX's adoption by several of the world's great drummers attests to its quality. Since then, Yamaha continues to introduce new products that excite drummers and music fans, including the Rock Tour, Club Custom and an overhauled Absolute line. Yamaha even re-designed its hardware to provide increased operability, stability and durability.

Hardware inventions include the hideaway cymbal boom arm, locking hi-hat clutch, a ball joint tom mount that rotates 360 degrees and interchangeable pipe diameters to provide maximum flexibility in hardware set-up. Yamaha high-performance lugs ensure ease of use and the Yamaha Enhanced Sustain System (YESS) creates a high-resonating shell. At this year's NAMM show, Yamaha also introduces the new HexRack II, the lightest, strongest drum rack in the business.

Of course, Yamaha couldn't do it alone: the company receives support, input and guidance from drumming legends and a huge list of well-respected performers and instructors from every genre of music, including Carter Beauford, Keith Carlock, Billy Cobham, Dave Garibaldi, Roy Haynes, Steve Gadd, Steve Jordan, Dafnis Prieto, ?uestlove and Dave Weckl.

"Created in conjunction with musicians, Yamaha Drums has never scrimped on the creation of its drums, including acoustically engineered designs and the skills of the company's master craftsmen," said David Jewell, marketing manager, Yamaha Drums, Pro Audio & Combo Division. "With the inspiration of our artists, Yamaha Drums will continue to our mission of blending new technology with rich history to create incomparable instruments and experiences far into the future."

For more information, visit Yamaha at Winter NAMM 2012 at the Anaheim Marriott, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Pro Audio & Combo Division, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com or visit http://4wrd.it/yamahadrums.