YAMAHA Z SERIES ALTO AND TENOR SAXOPHONES
TAKE PLAYERS TO "NEW PLACES"

GRAND RAPIDS, MI (May 30, 2003)—Yamaha Corporation of America, Band & Orchestral Division, recently unveiled the much anticipated Z Series alto and tenor saxophones.

YTS-82Z tenor sax

The YAS-82Z alto sax and YTS-82Z tenor sax, collectively known as the Z Series, combine the main body design of the popular 62 Series models with the body material of the 875 custom model, a combination that gives the horns incredible response with a rich tone color and plenty of “pop” to the sound. They feature the open, free-blowing G1 neck and a new case design that is extremely lightweight, yet durable. The horns are also offered in an unlaquered finish, silver, or black.

The horns are completely new products for Yamaha – horns that players who may not have typically played Yamaha will love. As a result, top jazz players like Phil Woods, Jeff Coffin, and Bob Franceschini are now playing Yamaha because of the Z series horns.

“The Z saxophones are the result of effort that we've put into working with players, finding out what they like and dislike, and then striving to create an instrument based on those ideas,” says Kurt Witt, Wind Instrument product manager. “While nearly every new Yamaha instrument is created this way, the Z saxes are especially important, in that players who were afraid to use anything but their 'vintage' instruments can now have a modern horn with a vintage sound and feel.”

The YAS-875EX custom alto saxophone will also make its debut. The YAS-875EX features a new octave ball joint design that is easy to adjust and a two-point bell brace providing excellent response. The reinforcement plate on the bell bow has been removed for less resistance. The improvements to the former YAS-875 model are based on consultations with players around the world.

“Yamaha strives to improve on its products, and in the tradition of trying to make our products even better, the 875EX incorporates several new ideas into a proven design,” says Witt. “Whether playing classical or jazz, the 875EX custom sax will be a great choice for musical expression.”

The YAS-875EX is currently available.

Purchasers of either a YAS-82Z, YTS-82Z or YAS-875EX will find a special rebate coupon in the case for money back on the purchase of a gold plated G1 sax neck.

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.