Yamaha Rolls Out New DTX400 Series Electronic Drum Sets

—Great Sounding Kits Give Bang for the Buck—

BUENA PARK, Calif. — Combining Yamaha’s expertise in acoustic drums and digital technology, the award-winning DTXdrums electronic line up now includes two new drum sets, the DTX450K and DTX400K kits, which offer pro-level sounds and features at entry-level prices. DTXdrums are making noise in the electronic drum marketplace and the feature-packed DTX400 series sets provide a great introduction to the benefits of electronic drums.

         “The DTX400 series of electronic drums bring Yamaha quality and technology to a new level of affordability,” said Athan Billias, DTXdrums marketing manager. “Because they’re from Yamaha, drummers can count on their durability and dependability. No other company can match the value of these new drum kits.”

         Both drum sets come with the DTX400 module, which features 169 professional-level drum sounds, 128 instrument voices and 10 customizable kits. Newly designed 10” hi-hats, crash and ride cymbals offer realistic feel and the 7.5” drum pads have been redesigned for greater durability and playability. Both sets are upgradable with the XP80 DTX-PAD snare. The streamlined, easy-to-use module also offers 10 interactive training functions with Voice Guidance that turn practicing into game-like fun. Each drum kit fits into a compact box that is easy to ship and take home.

         The DTX450K drum kit features newly designed drum pads, including a 3-zone snare pad for head, rim-shot and side-stick sounds. The Yamaha belt-drive foot pedal offers true-kick feel and the realistic hi-hat controller allows for half-open, pedal and splash sounds. The steel rack provides a solid playing experience and the Floor Tom bar easily accommodates an extra cymbal (purchased separately). Cymbal attachments on the DTX450K feature chrome hardware.

         The DTX400 drum kit comes with a steel rack and the new beater-less KU100 kick unit for whisper-quiet bass drum operation. The DTX400 is upgradable with the TP70S 3-zone snare pad, the XP-80 DTX-PAD snare and the FP110 belt-drive foot pedal, included with the KP65 kick pad.

         Along with the release of the DTX400 series, Yamaha created two free apps to encourage more people to join the drum tribe. A free DTX Lessons iPhone and iPad app includes videos illustrating basic drumming concepts, including how to hold the sticks, how to play an eight-beat groove and how to develop techniques to play rock, jazz and other genres. Yamaha’s Song Beats app with Song Shop, available for iPod, iPhone and iPod Touch, comes with 10 demo songs. Over 3,000 songs, costing $2.99 each, are also available. The app's Pad Mute function drops any of the drums or cymbals from the playback to help drummers learn how to play step-by-step. The apps will be available in mid-September at the App Store.

         The DTX400K retails for $499.99; the DTX450K retails for $699.99.

         For more information, write Yamaha Corporation of America, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com; or visit http://4wrd.it/usayamaha.