VIRTUOSO SERIES
The well-known Yamaha Virtuoso series of high-grade mallets for keyboard percussion has set a standard of excellence with unique designs, superb construction, and unrivaled playability. We are proud to expand on this tradition with the introduction of several high-end concert percussion instruments that will stretch the musicality of top players, professional orchestras, and the most prestigious universities.

These special order models include a 4-octave vibe, 51/2-octave marimba, and 40-inch by 22-inch all-birch concert bass drum. Additional highly specialized concert percussion instruments will be added to the line in the future.

ST9 SILENT PERSONAL STUDIO™
Yamaha's new and improved Silent Brass systems have been redesigned to include everything players need-and nothing they don't. The ST9 is smaller and lighter, while still maintaining the quietness and pitch accuracy that have become the hallmarks of Silent Brass. The new ST9 is smaller than a cassette tape, fitting easily into a shirt pocket, or it can be attached to a player's belt. The sound has been greatly improved over the previous generation of Silent Brass products, allowing the player to hear more of himself and less noise. Simplicity has been emphasized, with the elimination of unneeded extra features making it even more affordable. As in previous Silent Brass systems, the ST9 is extremely versatile, and can be connected to earphones for private practice, an external sound system for sound reproduction, or a recording system.

CASES & CASE COVERS
The newest in the line of Yamaha cases, the YAC SHC-301 is a form-fitted black molded plastic case that offers the best protection to date for your Yamaha YSH-301 fiberglass sousaphone. The molded plastic material makes it a very durable and easy-to-clean case. This is an ideal way to protect the sousaphone, and thus your investment.

In an effort to help you protect your investment, we have created case covers to make transporting your instrument much more comfortable than in the past. Having recognized the player's need for convenience in transporting the instrument, music, and accessories, we have also included a zippered pocket large enough to hold books, sheet music or other accessories. These case covers give players the option of carrying their instrument in a comfortable "backpack" style, while also providing the more professional look of a briefcase. The black nylon is easy to clean and has a sophisticated appearance.

SIGNATURE MOUTHPIECES
Yamaha's Signature Series mouthpieces are models originally custom-made for some of the world's top brass players, embodying their wisdom and expertise. All Signature Series Mouthpieces are made of silver-plated brass, produced on precision computer-controlled lathes in order to guarantee that each mouthpiece plays exactly the same as the one used by its namesake. The 24K gold plating makes the rims extremely comfortable to play.

Yamaha's Band & Orchestral Division also recently introduced three new brass mouthpieces to its Signature Series, specially created for the trumpet. All three were designed and are used by top Yamaha trumpet artists Rod Franks, John Wallace, and Mike Vax. They bear the name of each respective player: YAC FRANKS, YAC WALLACE, and YAC VAX. All three models are currently available.

"The ability to capture an artist's desired feel in a mouthpiece is a substantial feat," said Kurt Witt, wind instrument product manager. "We've managed to fit mouthpieces to the specifications of three of the world's leading trumpet players, bringing that design straight from the pros to our customers."

YSL-697 TROMBONE
Yamaha brass instruments have long been the choice of discerning professionals. Precision-crafted Yamaha trombones leave nothing to chance, ensuring reliable tone production, pitch center, and accuracy in a wide variety of musical settings.

The versatility of Yamaha's new small-bore YSL-697 trombone features the best of both worlds: a focused, brilliant tone soloists have grown to love, combined with the edge and flexibility that section players need. A 71/2-inch yellow brass bell provides quick response, while the 0.483-inch to 0.490-inch dual bore slide provides the power needed in big band settings. A small form fitted case completes the package, making this versatile instrument a must for the working musician.

EV (ELECTRIC VIOLIN) SERIES
A new approach to the design of electric violins has resulted in a revolutionary pickup system. Yamaha's original design sandwiches a maple bridge within a composite shell. Sensors resonate 3-dimensionally beneath each string, giving the tone an incredible depth and dynamic range with an electric edge.

Electric guitar technology has been used to ground the instrument, eliminating on-stage interference from lighting or other electrical instruments. The new electric violin is available in a four-string model and a five-string model. Both models feature gear-style tuning heads for accurate and long-lasting pitch control. Each model is available in three colors: pearl red, amber gold, and cosmic blue.