EAST MEETS WEST AS YAMAHA "BUZZ" WINNERS EXPERIENCE JAPAN

—Top Drum Salespersons Visit Facilities, Create Personal Drum Kits—

BUENA PARK, CA (November 7, 2003)—A lucky group of front line dealers got a first-hand look at Yamaha drum manufacturing and the culture of Japan October 13-19 as winners of "The Buzz" sales contest.

East Meets West: Buzz Winners In Japan

The contest was open to authorized Yamaha Drum dealers throughout the U.S., and was based on the sales of drum products from January 1 through July 31, 2003. Nine first-prize winners were selected for the trip, which included an opportunity to build their own custom drum kits. Second- and third-place winners received prizes ranging from Yamaha electronic drums to foot pedals.

The top winners were Ezra Kelly of Music Loft; Jeff Chynoweth of Grandma's Music; Bill Frazier of Memphis Drum Shop; Chad Salvaggio of Dale's Drum Shop; Ben Jacoby and Coleman O'Donoghue of Washington Music; Eric Bigler of Peeler Drum Center; and Max Maxwell of Mom's Music.

"This trip was the experience of a lifetime for these guys," said Dave Jewell, marketing manager, Yamaha Drums. "It was motivational in that the knowledge and experience the dealers gained really got them fired up about our products. It was also educational, as it gave them some 'non-tourist' insight into Japanese life."

Upon arrival in Japan, the guests visited several Tokyo-area drum dealers. On the second full day, their destination was Yamaha's headquarters in Hamamatsu for an orientation, a tour of the Yamaha piano factory and a welcome dinner hosted by the Yamaha Corporation of Japan staff and Mr. Masahiko Maruhashi, general manager, Strings, Guitars and Percussion.

Mid-week, the group arrived at Sakae Rhythm, the Yamaha drum manufacturing facility in Osaka, where they met with Mr. Takashi "Hagi" Hagiwara, toured the timpani factory and began what was to be the highlight of the trip for the next two days—making their drum kits.

"On this trip, I learned that Yamaha drums are truly 'hand made,'" said Washington Music's Jacoby. "The people at Sakae Rhythm are amazing. They're experts in their field, and are the type of people that I would imagine building my dream drums."

A full day of sightseeing in the historic city of Kyoto took place later in the week, with points of interest that included the Kiyomizu Temple and the Kinkaku-Ji "Golden" Temple. Before heading back to the U.S., the group returned to Osaka and the Sakae facility to see their finished kits.

Music Loft's Kelly said, "This has been the trip of a lifetime for me. Not only have I been able to experience the wonders and fascinating culture of Japan, but also the amazing craftsmanship that Yamaha puts into their drums. Unbelievable."

"This was an incredible experience," noted Memphis Drum Shop's Frazier, "revealing Yamaha's unique concept of making drums with pride, heart and soul."

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.