TORCH

Look a century ahead as you play.

For Yamaha, wood is much more than just material for the instruments we craft.
How we coexist with it, and how we preserve it for future generations. Guided by these questions, we continue our practices for sustainability. One such answer is "TORCH", an instrument born from our vision for the future. Exploring new possibilities of wood, TORCH carries the flame of musical culture forward, a beacon for generations yet to come. This is our calling and our promise as stewards of the art of instrument-making.

[Image] Seedlings sprouting from a stump

Our Meaning Behind "TORCH"

"TORCH"—a name signifying a "flame to be passed on".
Born from Yamaha’s sustainable efforts, including the "Otonomori" forest initiative, this instrument carries forward our commitment to the future.
We designed it with the desire to be a guiding light for instruments and musical culture, illuminating the path ahead.
We hope "TORCH" becomes a part of your life, bringing warmth to your everyday moments and enriching your journey.

[Image] A black keyboard made from unutilized African Blackwood

An Unprecedented Digital Piano with Black Keys

"TORCH" is crafted using the valuable "African Blackwood"––known for its beauty and resonance, it is a material sought after to craft clarinets and oboes. However, nearly 90% of the material ends up as mere fuel, without finding its way into instruments.

The groundbreaking "T01" digital piano features black keys made from these unutilized materials.
We invite you to feel the gentle warmth of the wood and its rich texture––it's an instrument that fosters a deeper emotional connection with each touch, becoming something you cherish over time.

#The Beginning of "TORCH" Uniting Expertise and Passion for an Unprecedented Challenge

[Image] Photograph of developers in an interview

"TORCH" was born from the convergence of diverse technologies and ideas, which is an unprecedented challenge within Yamaha’s history.
For over 130 years, Yamaha has crafted instruments using natural materials like wood. This legacy sparked a question:
"What more can we do for the future of instruments and music?"
This question ignited a project to maximize the use of wood and embrace sustainable manufacturing.
As the Electronic Musical Instruments Division pursued eco-friendly innovation, their path crossed with the Wood Technology Division, dedicated to forest conservation, use of unutilized material, and sustainable development. Their combined expertise and shared vision sparked the rapid movement toward bringing this product to life.
We invite you to experience this one-of-a-kind instrument that embodies our vision for the future of music culture and reflects our heartfelt commitment to its players. Discover its charm firsthand.

Yuji Takahashi and Yoshiyuki Hirai, Mechanical Design Group, Digital Musical Instruments Development Department, Digital Musical Instruments Division

#The Story Behind the Keys How the Black Keys Came Into Being

Through the effective use of unutilized African Blackwood and a relentless pursuit of perfection in key manufacturing, unique black keys has been created.
Since 2015, Yamaha has championed forest conservation through the "Otonomori" initiative.
A key challenge was concerning unutilized African Blackwood, otherwise used in instruments such as clarinets. To address this issue, we embarked on a journey to create black keys from this rare material.

Achieving our desired quality with this unfamiliar wood required extensive trial and error. We searched meticulously for the best contrast bewteen the so-called white and black keys so as to find an intuitive piano. Furthermore, we achieved a 70% wood composition, with minimum plastic content, ensuring a natural feel that lets players truly experience the warmth and character of the wood. Every step was taken with the player's comfort and needs at the heart of the design.
I believe this instrument is a true reflection of our unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability.

Ichiro Osuga and Kazuki Soga, Wood Engineering Group, Wood Engineering Department, Production Engineering Division
Shin Yamamoto, Keyboard Development Group, Digital Musical Instruments Development Department, Digital Musical Instruments Division

Learn more about Otonomori

#Our Design Philosophy Every Detail Reflects the Warmth of Wood

The "T01" digital piano is designed to radiate the warmth of wood.
Take for instance its side panels. While most digital pianos use synthetic sheets, the "T01" embraces the natural wood grain by leaving the wood board exposed, featuring laser-engraved bark patterns of the African Blackwood. Our insistence in using natural and organic material resulted in a rich finish, utilizing natural wax and linseed oil.
Moreover, the volume knob is crafted from solid African Blackwood, allowing you to feel the wood’s essence. With each piano being hand-finished by Japanese artisans, we ensure every detail resonates with authenticity.

As time passes, the piano’s texture deepens, making it more and more unique.
We hope this instrument brings light and warmth to your life while we continue to envision a harmonious future for music, forests, and society.

Yoshihiro Katsumata and Kazuki Kashiwase, Design Laboratory
Kenta Onishi and Masumi Ando, Digital Musical Instruments Strategy Planning Group, Digital Musical Instruments Division

[Image] A TORCH T01 digital piano placed in a sunlit room

T01 Product website

Stores with "TORCH" in Display

Visit one of these stores to feel "TORCH" firsthand.
For details on display locations, please check the respective store websites:

*This product is available only in Japan.

Yamaha Ginza Shop
Display period: February 19, 2025 – March 30, 2025 (closed on Tuesdays)
Yamaha Sound Crossing Shibuya
Display period: February 19, 2025 – March 30, 2025 (closed on Tuesdays)
Yamaha Music Yokohama Minato Mirai
Display period: February 19, 2025 – March 30, 2025 (closed on Tuesdays)
Yamaha Music Nagoya Shop
Display period: February 19, 2025 – March 30, 2025 (closed on Tuesdays)
Yamaha Music Osaka Namba Shop
Display period: February 19, 2025 – March 30, 2025 (closed on Tuesdays)
Daikanyama T-Site
Display period: March 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025

TORCH

Look a century ahead as you play.

Our Meaning Behind "TORCH"

An Unprecedented Digital Piano with Black Keys

Stores with "TORCH" in Display

Related Information

Otonomori

“Musical Instrument Wood” exhibition

Yamaha Design “Synapses”