YAMAHA DEBUTS KEIKO ABE SIGNATURE MARIMBA MALLETS
—Range of Hardnesses and Lengths Allows
Flexible Expression in Solo or Group Music—
ANAHEIM, CA—Yamaha Corporation of America, Band &
Orchestral Division, introduces new signature series mallets
used exclusively by Keiko Abe, the founding artist of Yamaha
Tuned Percussion, at Winter NAMM 2002. Abe gave a preview of
the new mallets at a performance during the Percussive Arts
Society International Convention (PASIC) in November.
The Keiko Abe Signature Series features nine different degrees
of soft to hard mallets (MKA–01 through MKA–09) that
make it easy for an artist to select a voiced set of four for
any musical situation. The hard mallets are heavy and create
a full sound from the upper range of the marimba, while the
bass mallets pull the fundamental resonance out of the instrument's
lower range. These mallets are ideal for solo work as well as
concertos, and boast Yamaha's unique thick rattan shafts in
a variety of lengths. Each mallet has a unique feature and texture
as well as color-coded tape for easy identification during play.
"Yamaha's first-ever signature series of keyboard
mallets condenses Abe's talent and expertise—and as
seen at recent performances—they are a perfect reflection
of her artistry," says Joel Tetzlaff, percussion accessory
product specialist, Band & Orchestral Division, Yamaha Corporation
of America.
Keiko Abe is linked to the marimba the way Isaac Stern is
linked to the violin, or Yo Yo Ma to the cello. She has given
master classes at leading music conservatories in North America,
Europe, and Asia.
In addition, she has recorded extensively on the Denon label,
and has received numerous awards, including being the first
woman inducted into the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame.
Abe is a Professor of Music at Toho Gauken School of Music in
Tokyo, maintains a full schedule of composing and touring, and
has released more than 20 recordings.
For more information, visit Yamaha at Winter NAMM 2002, in
the Marquis Ballroom at the Anaheim Marriott Hotel; or 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.
|
