ANAHEIM, Calif. — Focusing on the needs of today's piano customer, Yamaha Keyboard Division will display several additions to its exquisite line of acoustic pianos at Winter NAMM 2009, including the new GC2, and updated GB1K and GC1 grands.

Yamaha GC2 Acoustic Piano

"Despite being the market leader, Yamaha continually assesses market trends and makes innovative changes to its product line to meet the needs of today's piano buyers," states Mark Anderson, Director of Marketing/Acoustic Piano marketing manager, Yamaha Keyboard Division. "This results in an outstanding, ever-evolving product line that creates unmatched value for our dealers and customers."

The stunning new 5'8" GC2 grand piano is currently shipping, and receives its first dealer showing at Winter NAMM 2009. The instrument is targeted to customers that seek the size, tone and touch of the C2 but may opt to buy a less expensive brand due to budget restrictions. Ideal for homes, houses of worship, schools and a range of hospitality settings, the new GC2 embodies Yamaha quality in design, materials and construction, offering substantial performance at a reasonable price.

In addition to superior tone, touch and performance, the GC2 offers durability and product longevity. Available in polished Ebony, the GC2 features a simpler-style cabinet with straight leg design and traditional synthetic key tops. "The GC2 offers budget-minded consumers the power and performance of a Yamaha 5'8" grand," states Anderson.

Winter NAMM 2009 also marks the launch of the GB1K 4'11" grand piano. Replacing the GB1, the GB1K provides an ideal choice for smaller homes or hospitality venues with limited space. Despite the smaller profile, the GB1K shares the top-quality Yamaha design, materials and construction shared by larger sized grands. The GB1K features a soft-close fallboard, and like the GC2, offers superior tone, touch, performance and product longevity at an attractive price. The GB1K will be available in January 2009.

Yamaha also brings an update to the GC1 model 5'3" grand piano. The GC1 offers great quality and performance in a simpler-style cabinet, as well as a new sostenuto pedal and soft-close fallboard previously seen only in more expensive Conservatory grand models. The GC1 is currently available.

"Like the new GC2, the updated GC1 is suited to customers seeking the tone and touch of a conservatory collection grand piano, but prefer a lower price point," notes Anderson. "Now they don't have to compromise on Yamaha quality."

For more information on Yamaha's acoustic piano offerings, visit Yamaha Corporation of America at Winter NAMM 2009 in the Marquis Ballroom at the Anaheim Marriott Hotel; write Yamaha Corporation of America, Keyboard Division, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com; or visit www.yamaha.com.