| NEWS & INFO |
New Marching Mellophone
Improves Upon a Classic Yamaha's
marching mellophone reaches new heights with the introduction
of the YMP-203M and YMP-203MS (silver). The new models build
upon the proven quality of the YMP-202M with improvements that
enhance the instrument's sound. Developed with the assistance of the eight-time Drum Corps International champion Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps, the YMP-203M introduces a new bell flare design, a first valveslide thumbhook and a second water key that greatly improves drainage. The result is a warm, round tone with plenty of presence and the ability to hold the sound together at all volumes. "I am most impressed with the new mellophone's ability to project without being overplayed," says Jay Bocook, arranger for the Cadets, DCI co-champions in 2000. "The timbre is perfect for those moving lines that soar over the top of the ensemble. It also offers better control and intonation thanks to a larger bell and first valve thumb slide. It was clearly one of the keys to our success this past summer!" Like its predecessor, the YMP-203M features pressure-formed tubing for smoother air flow, precisely honed valves for reduced air leakage, perfectly fit hand-lapped valves and slides, excellent balance, and heavy bracing for increased durability. "It's exciting to work on a new model with one of the best organizations in marching activity," says Kurt Witt, Wind Instrument product manager, Band & Orchestral Division. "With the help of the Cadets, we've made the YMP-203M Marching Mellophone an ideal choice for high schools, universities, and drum corps everywhere." |
New Horizons for Hiroaki Imaoka For the past five years, Yamaha has been fortunate
to have access to the skills and knowledge of a fine craftsman,
Hiroaki Imaoka. Known by all as simply "Hiro," he has
been a valuable asset to players and dealers through his custom
shop in New York City. On a daily basis, Hiro would make minor
adjustments, perform repairs, and execute complicated design
requests, as well as provide a trained set of ears whenever necessary.
Most of all, he has simply been a valued musical design resource
and a friend to all who know him.In May 2001, Hiro will be returning to Yamaha to become the head of the Brass Design Section for Yamaha Corporation of Japan. In this position, he'll oversee all aspects of instrument design from proposals to finished products. Yamaha's Band & Orchestral Division-and all the Yamaha artists who have worked with Hiro over the past five years-wish him the best of luck in his new endeavor. We are excited to have such an excellent friend and colleague in this position. "I have been privileged to have worked closely with Hiro Imaoka on many occasions during the years he has been working for Yamaha in New York City," says Yamaha trombone artist Doug Yeo. "He is a keen listener, a first-class technician, and a good friend. Whether it is something as large as a custom mouthpiece design, or seemingly as trivial as a minor repair on a water key, Hiro always applies the same attention to detail. I wish him well as he returns to Japan and I look forward to visiting him in his new role at Hamamatsu. Yamaha is indeed fortunate to have him on their team, and it's been my great pleasure to count him as a friend." |
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Tower of Power Keeps
It Hip with Yamaha Horns The Tower of Power Horn Section, using many Yamaha instruments, is one of the most sought-after backup ensambles in the industry. |
Have Marimba, Will Travel Now it's even easier for percussionists to travel
with their instruments, thanks to Yamaha's line of marimba cases,
introduced at Winter NAMM 2001. The new cases make it easier for musicians to transport their instruments safely. The PCS-YM5100A case, for Yamaha's YM-5100A model marimba, is a custom-designed series of five soft-style bags that quickly and easily protect the entire instrument when broken down into its separate components. With comfortable shoulder straps and durable metal fasteners, the cases are perfect for everyone from the working professional to university and college students. The case for the YM-2400 marimba, the PCH-YM2400, has a hard-sided aluminum frame and extra padding for rugged travel. This case houses the entire instrument frame, with easy access slots for quick set-up and teardown in any order. It is perfect for touring educational groups that need to travel with the instrument under the bus or in the equipment truck. The telescoping handle allows for easy transport with the separate padded case. This allows the sensitive bars of the instrument to travel as a separate item for extra security. This year, Yamaha has also introduced soft cases for the YM-4900A and YM-4600A marimbas, as well as hard-side cases for its most popular vibe (YV-2700) and xylophone (YX-335). "We are proud to introduce our first marimba cases," says Joel Tetzlaff, product specialist, Band & Orchestral Division. "Percussionists will appreciate the convenience and peace of mind they get from a rugged, custom-fit protective transport system for their prized instruments." |
New Brass Mouthpieces Join
the Popular Signature Series Three new brass mouthpieces have been added to Yamaha's
Signature Series-all specially created for the trumpet. Each
of the Signature Series brass mouthpieces was designed and is
used by top Yamaha artists Rod Franks, John Wallace and Mike
Vax. The silver-plated mouthpieces bear the name of each respective
player: YAC FRANKS, YAC WALLACE and YAC VAX.Renowned Yamaha artist Rod Franks is the principal trumpet of the London Symphony Orchestra, and is frequently called upon to record movie scores for well-known composer John Williams. Yamaha artist John Wallace is a highly regarded international trumpet soloist from Great Britain who teaches at the Royal Conservatory of Music in London. Finally, Mike Vax, formerly lead trumpeter in the Stan Kenton Band, has designed a mouth-piece and was also instrumental in the development of the YTR-6335HSMV trumpet that continues to gain worldwide popularity. "We are very pleased to add the brass mouthpieces of noted trumpeters Rod Franks, John Wallace and Mike Vax to our Signature Series," states Michael Schaner, Accessory product manager, Yamaha Corporation of America. "The Signature Series is the most unique group of brass mouthpieces-giving any player the opportunity to play the same mouthpiece as their favorite Yamaha artist." |
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Richards Reeds Available Exclusively from
Yamaha Yamaha Band & Orchestral Division is now the exclusive distributor of Richards Reeds, a line of handmade double reed products created and produced by Yamaha performing artist and clinician Richard Rath. Richards Reeds are meticulously crafted using the finest materials. They are designed to have a more even response throughout the full range of the instrument. Each reed is a specific length and tested for pitch. Richards "Pro" series reeds are individually made, using a more professional shape and gouge. Pro series oboe reeds use the finest nickel silver tubes. The Pro series was designed to meet the performance needs of the advanced player. Rath is well known throughout the US as a clinician and soloist. He has served as the principal oboist of the Oklahoma Sinfonia, Arkansas Symphony, Shreveport Symphony, and the South Dakota Symphony. Currently, he is an oboe and saxophone instructor at Oral Roberts University, and performs with the Tulsa Philharmonic. |
Get Tough Truly band-director-designed, the Tough-Terrain Frame
has a minimum amount of adjustments to eliminate loosening and
subsequent loss of parts. Welded-steel construction and 10-inch
pneumatic tires protect the instrument from the rigors of transport
while two lower crossbars protect resonators from damage. "The
Ladder" accessory bar accommodates most brands and types
of clamps on the market, while an optional hitch system is available
to allow towing of one or several Tough-Terrain Frames.The frames are height adjustable, and they can be adapted to older Yamaha frames. The Tough-Terrain System Frame is designed for instruments transported, moved, and carried while set-up. Handles on the frame eliminate the need to touch the instrument when moving. The Tough-Terrain Frame System from Yamaha is an excellent way to protect your investment and improve your sound. |
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"Tighter than a clenched fist"-that's how
the Hollywood Reporter once described Tower of Power, the funky,
horn-driven institution that has dominated its own musical niche
since it was founded in the Bay Area in the late '60s. When the
band's famous horn section raises its instruments and lights
it up, the brass in their hands is from Yamaha's Band & Orchestral
Division.