ANAHEIM, Calif. — Yamaha Corporation of America, Band & Orchestral Division, will display enhancements to its highly popular 8200 Series Field-Corps Marching Toms at Winter NAMM 2009.

MQT-680234 "SUMO" Toms

The upgraded Field-Corps Multi-Toms are currently available in multiple configurations including small and large trios, quads, quints, and standard sextets as well as the Yamaha "SUMO" toms. "SUMO" configurations feature a flat-cut 8-inch tom that can be used to replace the 6-inch drum in both quints (MQT-80234) and sextets (MQT-680234.)

New features include the Contour Hinge Biposto Tenor Marching Carrier, incorporating J-rod free technology, tubular embodiment, Six-Point Comfort System, inverting abdomen plate and an inflatable back bar. Additional features include reduction in dynamic movement of the drums, drop and lock, and advanced variable distance positioning.

"In our research, we discovered that high school and college groups have been asking for new configurations," said Troy Wollwage, marketing manager, Yamaha Percussion. "Schools want to be different to set themselves apart, and today's percussion repertoire is so complex that arrangers want to have access to multiple sounds. This new system allows that to happen. Instructors and arrangers can now 'go large' with their multi-tom configurations."

All Yamaha marching multi-toms are made using the patented Air-Seal System which ensures that the shells continually stay round. Round shells tune clearer and provide a pure fundamental tone. The toms also feature the 45 degree bearing edge that allows each drum to create precise articulation, and the Enhanced Maximum Tonal Projection (MTP) cut, which offers an articulate sound and a focused fundamental—ideal for precise projection of tone in competitive marching situations.

The 8200 Series Field-Corps Multi-Toms were first introduced by Yamaha in 2003, and quickly became highly popular with high school and college bands throughout the U.S. Currently, the toms are used by more than 50 percent of the Division I and II collegiate marching bands. Yamaha Percussion prides itself on its continual research efforts in updating its instruments, and has more than 40 years of making some of the finest percussion products in the industry.

The upgraded Multi-Toms are available in five standard colors, including Blue Forest, Black Forest, Red Forest, White and Silky Silver wraps. For an additional cost, 23 additional custom colors are also available.

The 8200 Series Field Corps Marching Multi-Toms are currently shipping.

For more information, 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.