ANAHEIM, Calif. — Yamaha Band & Orchestral Division announces the Winter NAMM 2009 debut of the YM-6100 Series Artist Model Rosewood Marimba, designed in conjunction with world-renowned marimba legend Keiko Abe. Constructed from hand-selected Rosewood, the height-adjustable YM-6100 Series contains a full, five-octave scale for a complete range of sound. The bars are carefully tuned with the unique Yamaha tuning method for highly accurate intonation. A culmination of more than 40 decades of instrument development with Keiko Abe, the new instrument is the industry-leading flagship for all Yamaha marimbas.

YM-6100 Artist Model Rosewood Marimba

The relationship between Yamaha and Abe began in the late 1960s, and her valued commitment to quality instrument development has helped Yamaha produce some of its most popular marimbas—the 5100, 6000 and the 6000A Series. Abe's first US tour in 1977 featured Yamaha marimbas, which she personally helped to develop.

"Yamaha and Keiko Abe have an extensive history of collaboration, and we continually strive to make improvements in all our instruments," said Troy Wollwage, marketing manager, Yamaha Percussion. "The 6100 Series represents the next evolution of five-octave marimbas. New production methods combined with innovative ways of thinking about sound enabled our design team to create this top-of-the-line marimba with her input."

The culmination of more than 40 decades of instrument development with Keiko Abe, the new instrument is the industry-leading flagship for all Yamaha marimbas.

Ideal for solo and ensemble performances, the YM-6100 Series also features a new bar suspension cord that is 13 times stronger than the current marimba cord. It also has easily accessible resonator caps, which allow for precise fine tuning. The marimba's beautifully redesigned frame features pneumatic height adjustment.

Currently available, YM-6100 Series Artist Model Rosewood Marimba includes a drop cover. Keiko Abe Artist Mallets are also available for purchase separately.

For more information on the YM-6100 Series, visit Yamaha Corporation of America at Winter NAMM 2009 at the Marquis Ballroom in the Anaheim Marriott Hotel; write Yamaha Corporation of America, Band & Orchestral Division, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com; or visit www.yamaha.com/band.