ANAHEIM, Calif. — Excellent craftsmanship, handsome appointments, sonic quality and easy action are the hallmarks of the new Yamaha APX500FM and CPX500FM acoustic-electric guitars. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Yamaha Guitars being sold in the United States.

APX500FM Acoustic-Electric Guitar

The new models feature standout sound quality and craftsmanship that is virtually unbeatable at these price points, mainly since they are manufactured in Yamaha-owned and -operated facilities. Many of the standards and practices implemented at Yamaha Music Craft in Hamamatsu, Japan, the company's high-end handcrafted factory, are also implemented on production models like the critically acclaimed CPX500 and APX500.

"These rich-sounding guitars suit a variety of players in almost every musical style," says Dennis Webster, marketing manager, Yamaha Guitars. "This is evident by the APX500 becoming the number one selling acoustic-electric guitar in the United States."

The APX500FM, a thin-line, narrow-bodied acoustic-electric, includes a Flamed Maple top, Nato (Eastern Mahogany) back and sides, die-cast tuners, and the proprietary System55T preamp, a 1-way piezo pickup with three-band EQ, adjustable midrange control and an onboard tuner.

"We've had a lot of success with the APX500, due to its quality craftsmanship, great sound and comfortable neck profile," says Armando Vega, product manager, Yamaha Guitars. "Now, the APX500FM offers an eye-popping look at a jaw-dropping price."

The CPX500FM is a Yamaha Compass medium jumbo-sized model with a Flamed Maple top, Eastern Mahogany back and sides, die-cast tuners and System55T preamp, the full-bodied "big brother" to the APX500 model.

Celebrating its 40th year of selling top-quality acoustic, electric and bass guitars in the United States in 2009, Yamaha was one of the first companies to bring quality Asian construction to the worldwide market. The venerable FG acoustic, introduced in the 1960s with the famous Red Label, is the world's top-selling guitar model of all time. In 2008, Yamaha became the top-selling acoustic and acoustic-electric guitar brand in the United States, determined by sales volume and number of units sold, with the APX500 rising to the top slot in acoustic-electric models.

The CPX500FM and APX500FM performance acoustic-electric guitars are expected to ship in January 2009.

For more information, visit Yamaha Corporation of America at Winter NAMM 2009 in Booth #4578, Hall C in the Anaheim Convention Center; write Yamaha Corporation of America, Pro Audio & Combo Division, Guitar Products, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; email infostation@yamaha.com; or visit www.yamaha.com.