YAMAHA EXPANDS NEW VIRTUOSO PERCUSSION SERIES

—New Instruments Include a Tambourine, Grand Marimba, Gold Tour Vibes, and a Concert Bass Drum—

GRAND RAPIDS, MI (January 17, 2002)—Yamaha Corporation of America, Band & Orchestral Division, introduces a new generation of the popular Yamaha Virtuoso series geared toward universities, high-end users, professional percussionists and professional orchestras.

YV-4110M Virtuoso Gold Tour Vibe

The YT-300 10" Virtuoso Tambourine offers professional sound for even the most discriminating player. A 10-ply maple shell offers superior projection and response, while a comfort edge reduces player fatigue. Seventeen pairs of hammered phosphor bronze and nickel silver jingles provide faster response, as well as a full, rich sound. The YT-300 is currently available.

The Virtuoso Gold Tour vibe is identical to the existing Tour series instrument, except for their unique 4-octave range C28-C76. The YV-4110 projects a bright, clear sound with more overtones. The YV-4110M model uses a matte finish which results in warmer sounds, fewer overtones and better response for close miking. An optional drop cover and soft case will be available for each.

The YV-5104A Grand Marimba is designed in a 5-1/2 octave range with additional notes in the upper register to G83. It is designed especially for playing transcriptions of violin literature.

CB-840B Virtuoso Concert Bass Drum

Yamaha's CB-840BS Virtuoso concert bass drum features an all-birch shell, with tiltable rolling stand, T-handle tuning rods, heavy duty metal hoops, Remo® Renaissance® heads and a sleek chestnut wood stain finish.

Customized concert percussion instruments–including the vibes, marimba and concert bass drum–are available by special order with a 5-6 month lead time.

"Expanding the Virtuoso Series has been a dream of Yamaha's for years," states Steve Anzivino, Percussion product manager. "Offering these specialized percussion instruments will expand the sound palette of professional percussionists and composers, as well as serve the ever-growing need of educational institutions."

For more information, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Band & Orchestral Division, 3445 East Paris Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49518; call (616) 940-4900; send e-mail to infostation@yamaha.com; or visit www.yamaha.com/band.