GRAMMY-WINNING ARTIST VISITS YAMAHA FACTORY

—Roots' Drummer Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson Makes Snare Drum—

?uestlove Makes A Snare Drum At Yamaha Factory

BUENA PARK, CA (April 25, 2003)—Most recently seen on The GRAMMY® Awards performing with hip-hop powerhouse The Roots and Eminem on the hit "Lose Yourself," Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson recently toured the Yamaha factory in Osaka, Japan. Considered to be one of the most influential drummers today, the co-founder of the Philadelphia-based band visited Sakae Rhythm, the factory for Yamaha Drums, where a staff of only 60 create all the company's high-end drums. Thompson, who plays a Yamaha Maple Custom Absolute, received the full tour of the facility, and was then invited to make his own snare drum.

The Roots are currently on tour in support of their latest release, Phrenology.

For more information, 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 www.yamaha.com.