Yamaha's Well-Received A-Series Guitars Issued In Bear Claw Spruce Tops

ANAHEIM, CA.—Yamaha's new handcrafted A-Series acoustic-electric guitars, which have received excellent reviews in the guitar press, will be issued with Bear Claw Spruce tops. The 50 A3RBC dreadnought and 50 AC3RBC concert shape models are expected to sell out quickly. Bear Claw Spruce generally features interesting-looking wood grain patterns as opposed to typical Sitka Spruce tops, where the grain usually runs straight.

Featuring a new look, a new feel and a new sound for Yamaha guitars, the A-Series launches the company into a previously untapped market segment by providing a professional instrument designed to be the workhorse of any steel-string guitarist's arsenal. From the new headstock design to the touch-of-class rosette and mahogany binding, Yamaha has focused on every detail to create the feel and playability sought by today's acoustic-electric guitar player. Featuring a slim neck profile and a rounded fretboard edge, the A-Series delivers ease and comfort. Yamaha also increased its traditional string spacing and lowered the action to accommodate today's players. In addition, the semi-open pore finish on the necks of the A-Series maintains the wood's feel, yet also enhances playability.

Tone is always key to an acoustic electric guitar and Yamaha has overachieved with the A-Series. Dreadnought and concert shapes are offered in Mahogany back and sides and Rosewood back and sides. All models feature solid spruce tops and are outfitted with new S.R.T. (Studio Response Technology) electronics developed by Yamaha.

The new S.R.T. preamp, an exclusive Yamaha technology, incorporates a piezo pickup system with a built-in microphone modeling technique specific to each guitar model. The S.R.T. system lets players choose from three different mic settings that can be blended with the piezo pickup, delivering on the often-elusive dream of providing studio-quality sound while playing live on stage. In addition, the S.R.T. system's feedback detector cancels feedback frequencies in live situations.

"We often hear stories from artists and customers that their first guitar was a Yamaha and now, with the new A-Series, their next guitar should also be a Yamaha," said Dennis Webster, Marketing Manager, Yamaha Guitars. "The new handcrafted A-Series guitars exhibit many firsts for Yamaha acoustic-electric guitars while delivering an outstanding look, unbelievable tone, and a comfortable feel. With these incredible guitars, Yamaha will reach new players."

Armando Vega, Product Manager, Yamaha Guitars, said "this guitar is definitely designed for frequent performers who require a reliable workhorse that looks great, feels great and sounds amazing in all applications. The A-Series provides the ultimate performance-level 'bang-for-your-buck' guitar by offering quality build and materials, leading edge electronics and a neck profile that is a thrill to play instead of a chore."

For more information, visit Yamaha at Winter NAMM 2012 in the Marriott Marquis Ballroom; write Yamaha Corporation of America, Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; email infostation@yamaha.com; or visit www.yamaha.com/press.