—Premium Performance Analog Mixing Consoles Offer Class-Leading Sound Quality and Exclusive Features—

BUENA PARK, Calif.—Yamaha’s MG Mixer line is known for durability, reliability and value. Now, live performance venues like clubs, schools, theaters and churches have a new choice, the premium MGP16X and MGP12X mixers, which will be introduced at Winter NAMM 2012.

High-end features include D-PRE discrete Class A microphone preamps for superior phase response and Xpressive EQ using Yamaha’s famous VCM (Virtual Circuit Modeling) for a more musical sound. Dual Digital Effects, a multi-effect akin to those found on the popular MG series mixers, including an SPX block with reverb, delay and modulation effects and a dedicated REV-X high-density reverb engine, offer unparalleled flexibility to build complex effects and enhance the sound quality.

The mixers also include a Ducker function, which automatically lowers the level of back- ground music to accommodate the voice of an announcer coming in on another channel. Another function, the Leveler, eliminates a common problem by automatically maintaining a consistent sound volume when playing music from an iPod/iPhone or other audio players, even when the sound output level differs from song to song. The included USB port, which allows a direct digital connection to an iPod, iTouch or iPhone, also charges these units.

The useful Stereo Image function narrows the pan balance of the stereo sound source, a feature useful in restaurants and other spaces where the left and right speakers are positioned at long distances apart, or when accompaniment sound is sent to the left channel and the vocal sound is channeled to the right and a more natural stereo image is desired. Mono is also available if required.

“The new MGP series offers a level of audio quality and flexibility unseen in the medium-format mixer marketplace,” said Wayne Hrabak, Marketing Manager, Live Sound, Yamaha Pro Audio & Combo Division. “Direct digital iPod and iPhone integration greatly improves fidelity in playback and allows for the charging and control of various parameters inside the mixers.”

The new premium MGP mixers, constructed of rugged metal chassis, are rack-mountable and include single-knob compression, internal universal power supply and +48Volt phantom power for condenser microphones.

For more information, visit Yamaha at Winter NAMM 2012; write Yamaha Corporation of America, Pro Audio & Combo Division, Live Sound, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com<mailto:infostation@yamaha.com>; visit http://4wrd.it/livesound.

—Interchangeable and Fully Adjustable Drum Rack System Gets an Overhaul—

ANAHEIM, Calif.—Yamaha Drums introduces the versatile Hex Rack II drum set mounting system at Winter NAMM 2012. Fully compatible with components from the previous model, the Hex Rack II features grooves cut into the pipes, which make the rack even more durable than its predecessor. Innovations include lightweight aluminum pipes (the lightest on the market) and sleek, remodeled clamps. Once drummers get used to the settings, the HexRack II is the fastest rack to set up.

            Fully customizable vertically and horizontally, the HexRack II is ideal for creating basic set-ups along with elaborate, customized configurations to hold cymbals, acoustic drums, electric drums, cymbals and accessories, including percussion instruments and multi-pads.

            “The HexRack II is an amazing piece of engineering,” said David Jewell, marketing manager, Yamaha Drums, Pro Audio & Combo Division. “The newly re-designed HexRack II pipes are twice as durable as the previous model and it’s the lightest rack system on the market, making it even more user friendly for gigging musicians.”

For more information, visit Yamaha at Winter NAMM 2012, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Pro Audio & Combo Division, Drum Products, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park,  CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com

or visit http://4wrd.it/yamahadrums.

—Top-Selling Acoustic Guitar Now Outfitted With Preamp—

ANAHEIM, Calif.—Yamaha’s famed FG line of folk guitars has long represented incredible value and playability, a tradition furthered with the introduction of the FGX700SC.

            The new FGX700SC is based on the world’s most successful solid top acoustic guitar, the FG700S. The new FGX700SC features Yamaha’s impeccable build quality with an added cutaway and a one-way System 55T piezo/preamp system that includes a tuner, three-band EQ and an adjustable mid frequency slider. Like its non-electrified counterpart, the FGX700SC represents a phenomenal value.

“The FGX700SC acoustic guitar offers all the great features of the FG700S, with an added cutaway and preamp system,” says Dennis Webster, marketing manager, Yamaha Guitars. “Available in high-gloss natural finish, it sounds great unplugged and through an amp or PA system. Quality material, outstanding construction and tried-and-true value make it too good to miss.”

            The FGX700SC (MSRP: $483) is currently available.

For more information, visit Yamaha Corporation of America at NAMM 2012 in the Marriott Hotel Marquis Ballroom, Anaheim, Calif.; write Yamaha Corporation of America, Yamaha Guitars, P.O. Box 6600,  Buena Park, CA  90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com; visit http://www.yamahaguitars.com

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—Innovative Software Brings Intelligent Accompaniment, Advanced Editing and Groundbreaking Distance Learning Capabilities To The World’s Most Popular Reproducing Piano—

ANAHEIM,  Calif. —Showcasing the unlimited potential of the world’s most advanced  performance reproducing piano, Yamaha has bundled its Disklavier and Disklavier PRO models with Mac and Windows versions of groundbreaking Zenph software products, including:

·     Home Concert Xtreme™: an award-winning, interactive learning and performing environment that  provides intelligent accompaniment that actually follows the  soloist—slowing down, speeding up and getting softer and louder in a  musically-coordinated fashion.

·     RePerform: a piano-focused MIDI editor that works with files from all models of  Yamaha Disklavier and Disklavier PRO pianos. Unlike typical MIDI editing  software, RePerform enables high-resolution editing and is the first  commercial product that understands the musical  nuances of the highly complex and interwoven MIDI files produced by the  Disklavier PRO.

·     Internet MIDI™: a software program that connects two Disklaviers or other MIDI  instruments via the Internet for real-time teaching and performance.

The  Zenph software integrates seamlessly with the core Disklavier  technology, providing general consumers, as well as academic  institutions,  unprecedented interactive and distance-learning capabilities from the  piano. A Zenph representative will be in the Yamaha Keyboard Division# exhibit to demonstrate the software.

The  inclusion of this software cements a recent alliance by the two  companies, which look forward to strategic product development and  marketing  collaborations in the future.

“The  Disklavier has earned a solid reputation as both a fine instrument and  technological marvel over the years,” said Jim Levesque, Disklavier  Marketing Manager, Yamaha Corporation of America. “At the same time,  Zenph is unparalleled when it comes to developing software that  unleashes the power of our instrument’s interactive and  distance-learning capabilities.”

“Zenph  has been one of the most vocal industry advocates of the groundbreaking  Disklavier PRO and Disklavier lines,” added John Q. Walker, CEO  and Founder, Zenph Sound Innovations. “Our commitment to these  technologically-superior instruments is demonstrated by our use of them  to create award-winning re-performances. Our RePerform software, for  example, was developed to let users take advantage of  the Disklavier PRO’s nuanced capabilities as well as work with MIDI  files from any Disklavier.”

The  Disklavier is a modern day computerized “reproducing”  piano that was  first introduced in the United States in 1987. The instrument  incorporates  a system of solenoids (powerful magnets) and optical sensors connected  via LEDs that make the keys and pedals move up and down, recreating a  performance.

According  to Levesque, the Disklavier has come to represent the pinnacle of  reproducing piano technology, and, for the past consecutive 10 years,  has taken the top honor of “Product of the Year” in the Musical Merchandise  Review (MMR) Magazine Dealer's Choice Awards. It was bestowed with the  Frances Clark Keyboard Pedagogy Award in 2006, an award that was also  presented to Zenph’s Home Concert Xtreme software  in 2010.

John  Q. Walker and the Zenph team saw the potential of the instrument early  on. For the past 8 years, he and his entrepreneurial company have  pioneered a fundamentally new method of encoding music as performance  data rather than audio, which the Yamaha Disklavier PRO can play back  meticulously, enabling new “re-performances” of audio recordings.

Most  recently, the company has accelerated development of its interactive  and distance-learning software for consumers and institutions, made  possible in large part through the company’s acquisition of TimeWarp  Technologies and the addition of that company’s CEO, George Litterst to  the Zenph team as Chief Creative Officer and CTO.

The  Disklavier/Zenph bundle also includes three high-quality Zenph piano  concerto files. These files contain orchestral accompaniments designed  for Zenph’s award-winning score-following program. Pianists at all  levels of proficiency can ‘play along’ with Home Concert Xtreme as they  learn, practice or perform music. In addition, the Disklavier/Zenph  bundle includes 200 example MIDI files from Zenph’s  publishing partners, electronic user manuals, and support videos.

For  more information on The Disklavier and Zenph software, visit Yamaha  Corporation of America at Winter NAMM 2012, Marquis Ballroom at The  Anaheim  Marriott, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Keyboard Division, P.O.  Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; e-mail  infostation@yamaha.com; visit www.yamaha.com/keyboards.

—Bold Look for Limited Edition Releases—

ANAHEIM, CA. — Yamaha’s new handcrafted A-Series acoustic-electric guitars, which have received excellent reviews in the guitar press, will be issued with Bear Claw Spruce tops. The 50 A3RBC dreadnought and 50 AC3RBC concert shape models are expected to sell out quickly. Bear Claw Spruce generally features interesting-looking wood grain patterns as opposed to typical Sitka Spruce tops, where the grain usually runs straight.

            Featuring a new look, a new feel and a new sound for Yamaha guitars, the A-Series launches the company into a previously untapped market segment by providing a professional instrument designed to be the workhorse of any steel-string guitarist’s arsenal. From the new headstock design to the touch-of-class rosette and mahogany binding, Yamaha has focused on every detail to create the feel and playability sought by today’s acoustic-electric guitar player. Featuring a slim neck profile and a rounded fretboard edge, the A-Series delivers ease and comfort. Yamaha also increased its traditional string spacing and lowered the action to accommodate today’s players. In addition, the semi-open pore finish on the necks of the A-Series maintains the wood’s feel, yet also enhances playability.

Tone is always key to an acoustic electric guitar and Yamaha has overachieved with the A-Series. Dreadnought and concert shapes are offered in Mahogany back and sides and Rosewood back and sides. All models feature solid spruce tops and are outfitted with new S.R.T. (Studio Response Technology) electronics developed by Yamaha.

The new S.R.T. preamp, an exclusive Yamaha technology, incorporates a piezo pickup system with a built-in microphone modeling technique specific to each guitar model. The S.R.T. system lets players choose from three different mic settings that can be blended with the piezo pickup, delivering on the often-elusive dream of providing studio-quality sound while playing live on stage. In addition, the S.R.T. system’s feedback detector cancels feedback frequencies in live situations.

“We often hear stories from artists and customers that their first guitar was a Yamaha and now, with the new A-Series, their next guitar should also be a Yamaha,” said Dennis Webster, Marketing Manager, Yamaha Guitars. “The new handcrafted A-Series guitars exhibit many firsts for Yamaha acoustic-electric guitars while delivering an outstanding look, unbelievable tone, and a comfortable feel. With these incredible guitars, Yamaha will reach new players.”

Armando Vega, Product Manager, Yamaha Guitars, said “this guitar is definitely designed for frequent performers who require a reliable workhorse that looks great, feels great and sounds amazing in all applications. The A-Series provides the ultimate performance-level ‘bang-for-your-buck’ guitar by offering quality build and materials, leading edge electronics and a neck profile that is a thrill to play instead of a chore.”

For more information, visit Yamaha at Winter NAMM 2012 in the Marriott Marquis Ballroom; write Yamaha Corporation of America, Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; email infostation@yamaha.com; or visit www.yamaha.com/press.

—Offering Remarkable Sound, Broad Dynamic Range and Fine Expressive Control, the C3XA and the C6XA Models  Take Music Making to New Levels—

ANAHEIM,  Calif.— Yamaha Keyboard Division will display two exquisite additions  to its popular line of Conservatory Grand Pianos at Winter NAMM  2012: the new 6’1” C3XA and the 7’ C6XA grand pianos.

The  Yamaha Conservatory Collection has long been the heart of the Yamaha  grand piano line, offering advanced sound, an extensive  dynamic range and fine expressive control. Striking the perfect balance  of tone and clarity, the C3XA and the C6XA represent the next  generation of conservatory grands. Both models offer beautiful warmth  across all areas of the keyboard and a round, full depth  of tone in the bass.

“Fine  acoustic pianos require a broad range of tonal richness, and the new XA  Series delivers that ideal balance of tone, clarity  and warmth, making these pianos an absolute joy to experience,” said Ed  Bezursik, Yamaha Acoustic Piano Marketing Manager, Yamaha Keyboard  Division. “Yamaha continually strives for the finest sound and touch and  the two new XA models represent the latest refinement  of this craftsmanship.”

The new C3XA and C6XA are currently shipping.

For  more information on Yamaha’s acoustic piano offerings, visit Yamaha  Corporation of America at Winter NAMM 2012 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.

—Yamaha’s New Apps for Keyboards Make Playing Easier—

ANAHEIM, Calif.—Yamaha debuts new apps for iPad and iPhone that help keyboard players get the most out of their instruments: NoteStar, a digital sheet music application for iPad; Song Chords, an application for iPhone that provides interactive songs with built-in  chord charts, Page Turner, an application for iPad with wireless page-turning ability for the Yamaha  EZ-220 keyboard and Scale Tuner, an application for iPad and iPhone that allows users to change the tuning of a compatible Yamaha keyboard.

Experience these new Yamaha Apps in action at the 2012 NAMM Show, January 19-22, 2012, on the Yamaha  Keyboard App Stage in the Anaheim Marriott Marquis Ballroom.

“Yamaha is committed to enhancing our users’ experience through   a variety of means,” says Dane Madsen, Yamaha Digital Piano Marketing  Manager. “This range of new apps will help to make practice and  performance easier, inspiring players to take their game to the next  level.

NoteStar  is Yamaha’s app for iPad designed to provide keyboard players with the  experience of playing with their favorite songs  with a real band.  The app provides smooth flowing, easy-to-read sheet  music accompanied by real backing bands and vocals.  NoteStar is a free  download from the App Store and each song sells for $3.99 USD. It is  available immediately in 28 countries including  the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Yamaha's Song Chords for iPhone provides interactive songs with built-in  chord charts, a chord leadsheet/dictionary and a music store. Use the  songs to practice by yourself, fill in for a missing band member at a  rehearsal or augment a live performance. If you're  not sure how to play a certain chord, use the built-in chord dictionary  for guitar and keyboards. Song Chords will be available in February 2012.

Page Turner is a digital  sheet music application for iPad with wireless page turning capability  for the Yamaha EZ-220 keyboard. When coupled with the EZ-220’s Guide  feature, you can practice at your own pace and the pages will always  turn at the right time. The wireless capability  requires no extra setup and no special accessories. Just download the Page Turner app, launch it and it works! Page Turner for EZ-220 also features an audio recorder so you can record your playing and singing. Page Turner for EZ-220 is free from the App Store, and will be available in May 2012.

Scale  Tuner allows you to change the tuning of a compatible Yamaha keyboard or  digital piano to a variety of preset scales like Arabic or pure  temperament, on your iPhone  or iPad. You can also create and store your own scales. The internal  piano Voice lets you confirm the scale settings without a connected MIDI  keyboard. Scale Tuner is compatible with: CVP-501/503/505/509, CGP-1000,  PSR-S650/S710/S910  and Tyros4. Scale Tuner is available now for free in the App Store.

To learn more about the new Yamaha Apps, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Keyboard Division, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park,  CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com; visit www.yamaha.com/keyboards.

iPhone and iPad are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.

- Acoustic Conditioning Panels Offer Simple Set Up and Ear Pleasing Sound at an Attractive Price –

ANAHEIM, Calif. – With the introduction of the ACP Acoustic Conditioning Panels at Winter NAMM 2012, Yamaha offers a thin, low-cost, easy-to-set-up solution that can transform even a small space into a dedicated music room with high-quality, ear-pleasing sound.

Measuring only three centimeters deep, the ACP Acoustic Conditioning Panels provide an optimal balance of acoustic absorption and acoustic scattering, resulting in a sound that resonates clearly and pleasantly. The panels are ideally suited for schools and houses of worship that suffer from poor sound quality due to impaired acoustics in a small or unusually configured room, such as music practice rooms, home studios and consumer's audio rooms.

“The Acoustic Conditioning Panels offer an elegant, inexpensive and convenient way to dramatically improve the sound quality of institutional or home music practice spaces,” says Roger Eaton, Director of Marketing, Yamaha Band & Orchestral Division. “We envision this versatile product enjoying great popularity with a range of schools and houses of worship, as well as professional and amateur musicians and audiophiles.”

Easy to install in small spaces, professional knowledge or expertise with room acoustics is not required for set up. Maintaining sound brightness, the Acoustic Conditioning Panels enhance sound clearness and balance from low to high frequencies, 80-4KHz. This process is enabled by the panel’s unique acoustic absorption and acoustic scattering properties.

Attendees at Winter NAMM 2012 are invited to experience demonstrations at the Yamaha Band & Orchestral Division exhibit to most fully appreciate how these panels can enhance sound quality. Visit the booth for details.

Yamaha’s Acoustic Conditioning Panels are slated for shipping in May 2012.

For more information about the Yamaha ACP Acoustic Conditioning Panels, visit Yamaha Corporation of America, Band & Orchestral Division at Winter NAMM 2012, at The Anaheim Marriott Marquis Ballroom; write Yamaha Corporation of America, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com, or visit www.yamaha.com/press.