YAMAHA SILENT COMPACT CELLO BROADENS ARTISTS’ OPTIONS

SVC-50SK Silent Compact Cello

BUENA PARK, CA (March 12, 2004)—The innovative SVC-50SK Silent Compact Cello from Yamaha Corporation of America, Band & Orchestral Division, was designed to provide a strategic, lower price-point option for new electric cellists and students. Made of Alder wood, which is also used in electric guitars, this cello will appeal to players of alternative styles of string music with its look, sound and feel.

Ideal as a first electric instrument purchase or for players looking to practice silently or travel conveniently, the Silent Compact Cello will also appeal to schools looking to form a more cost-effective electric string quartet. The unique Silent Practice feature will enhance sound, allow amplification, or input of accompaniment. The Silent Compact Cello follows the extreme success of the original, selected from more than a thousand industrial design entries to receive a Bronze Industrial Design Excellence Award (IDEA).

This instrument is perfect for first time buyers, especially high school or college students. With a clear sound, a contemporary design, new strings and body material, and a similar piezo pick up system to that of the popular SVC-100 Silent Electric Cello and SVC-200 Silent Compact Cello, the SVC-50SK is currently available. Equipped with a detachable knee support, the cello is extremely portable, while the chest support and soft case make it convenient and easy to handle.

The SVC-50SK Silent Compact Cello can be used in conjunction with Yamaha's AS60 powered speaker and the ST5 Digital Effects System.

"The SVC-50SK continues Yamaha's tradition of crafting quality silent instruments and perfectly complements the Silent Series line," says Michael Schaner, Assistant Manager, Strings, Yamaha Band & Orchestral Division.

For more information, 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.