Nashville, TN (July 11, 2017) -- At the 2017 Summer NAMM Show, Yamaha Corporation of America is reintroducing to the U.S. a limited run of its LJ6R and LJ16R jumbo acoustic guitars, and highlighting a special-edition custom guitar designed in collaboration with artist Billy Corgan.
Yamaha has worked together with Corgan, solo artist and lead singer and guitarist of the Smashing Pumpkins, to create the limited-edition LJ16BC Billy Corgan Signature Model Jumbo Acoustic Guitar, as one of the company’s new LJ acoustic guitars. Based on the standard-run LJ16R model, this custom guitar features Billy’s zero logo on the headstock, a TUSQ nut and saddle, Gotoh vintage-style tuners, brass bridge pins and no pickguard. The LJ16BC will bear a Vintage Natural finish, and Billy’s signature will appear on the label. This model will see a limited run of 400 guitars globally, half of which will ship to the United States. Of the 200 U.S. guitars, 50 will ship with an exclusive Brown Sunburst finish.
The redesigned LJ acoustic guitars are part of the company’s prestigious L Series, a revered line of handcrafted acoustic guitars known for its tonal quality, fine tone woods and impeccable workmanship. The newly-refined LJ6R and LJ16R models feature solid Engelmann spruce tops treated with A.R.E. (Acoustic Resonance Enhancement), an original wood reforming technology developed by Yamaha. Instruments made with this technology produce a tonal richness that can only be found in a vintage instrument that has been played for many years. The back and sides of these models are produced with rosewood, and feature solid wood for the LJ16R and laminate for the LJ6R.
Other highlights from the standard-run guitars include maple body binding, an ebony fretboard and bridge, a new tortoise-pattern pickguard, and a gig bag. Several improvements include a refined,thinner neck profile, lower string action and wider string spacing. A new five-ply neck design adds stability and additional tone enhancement.
To enhance playability, these models come with an under-saddle Studio Response Technology (S.R.T.) passive pickup for live applications. The pickup does not affect the unplugged sound, nor does it detract from the guitar’s gorgeous finish. Yamaha added this near-invisible and simple-to-use feature to expand each guitar’s capabilities.
“As Yamaha guitars continue to gain prestige in the U.S. market, more top musicians, such as Billy Corgan, are discovering what makes Yamaha guitars unique.” said Dennis Webster, product marketing manager, Yamaha Guitars. “Working with Billy on his signature model is a big step in our refocus on mid-and higher-end Yamaha acoustics. This collaboration has allowed us to coordinate the debut of his limited-edition signature model with the newly designed LJ guitars.
Pricing and Availability
The Yamaha LJ6R(MSRP: $995) andLJ16R (MSRP: $1,575) acoustic guitars will ship in July 2017. Pricing and availability for the limited-edition Yamaha LJ16BC are to be determined.
Throughout theirstoried 40-year history, Yamaha BB series basses have been the workhorse for great bass players like Nathan East, Abe Laboriel, Jack Gibson(Exodus, Testament), Robby Takac(GooGoo Dolls), Tony Kanal(No Doubt, Dreamcar) and David Beste(Rival Sons).
Nine new models will make their debut at Summer NAMM 2017. The new models continue to deliver the superb, legendary tone and build quality for which they are known, yet in a smaller body with even better playability.
Built for the working bassist, the new models feature an Alder/Maple/Alder construction, sandwiching maple into the center of the body for quicker sound transmission from the strings.
Afirmer 6-bolt miter neck joint that has won praise in the Billy Sheehan Signature/Attitude Limited III lineup not only improves stability, but also increases the efficiency of vibration transmission to the body for a more resonant, organic feel and tone.
Custom-wound pickups achieve higher output gain while retaining the classic BB voicing. The new models also feature standard sized pickups for the first time in a BB, for more convenient customization or replacement.
Being extremely careful not to mess with the success and proven design of the BB series, Yamaha has made practical and stylistic modifications, including subtle contour changes and body weight reduction, to increase playability and comfort, while still retaining the classic silhouette of the BB body/head design.
“For 40 years, Yamaha has collaborated with some of the most prolific bassists in the world, incorporating their real-world experience and sage adviceto craft the pure bass guitar—one that allows musicians to build their own, signature sound,” said Dennis Webster, product marketing manager, Yamaha guitars and basses. “These new models continue this tradition of reliable excellence in superbly crafted, durable bass guitars that working musicians can depend on, providing the penetrating sound they need, yet in a smaller build that’s even easier to play.”
Pricing and Availability
The new Yamaha BB series bass lineup includes nine models, and will ship in July
- BB234 $470
- BB235 $550
- BB434 $795
- BB434M $856
- BB435 $856
- BB734A $1175
- BB735A $1275
- BBP34 $2475
- BBP35 $2575
Yamaha today showcasedthe Pacifica 611VFMX, representing abold aesthetic reimagining of thehighly successful Pacifica line of electric guitarsfor 2017. Honoring our motto“Never Standing Still,” Pacifica guitars continue to evolve year after year.
In addition to itsgorgeous flamed maple top, the Pacifica 611VFMXsportsa choice of three silkymattebodyfinishes: Translucent Black, Root Beer and Translucent Blue. The guitar’s tinted yellow matte neck finish feels as nice as it looks, enhancingplayingease, while its headstock is finished in matte black and stamped with the Yamaha tuning fork badge. A black anodized aluminum pickguardand metal domed knobs roundout theguitar’s exciting new appearance.
Key to the Pacifica 611VFMX’s remarkable versatility is its unconventional pairing of Seymour Duncan pickups. The black-covered SP90-2N neck pickup (which updates the SP90-1N) combines extra coil winding with two small ceramic bar magnets forincreased output and sustain, making it an ideal matchwith the hotter output and evenly balanced response of the Custom 5 humbucking bridge pickup. Together, they offer a broadrange of superb tones.
In addition to its world class Seymour Duncan pickups, the Pacifica 611VFMX boasts a Wilkinson V550 tremolo bridge, locking Grover tuning machines, a Graphtech nut and a Graphtech string retainer, making the typical upgrades to guitars in its price range entirely unnecessary.
“The Pacifica series was launched in 1990 and driven by the demand of California session players of the day,” said Dennis Webster, guitar product marketing manager, Yamaha Corporation of America. “They needed a versatile instrument that consistently performed night after night, session after session, and offered the flexibility tocapture their own identity. That's the essence of Yamaha Pacifica guitars.”
Pricing and Availability
The Yamaha PAC 611VFMX (MSRP: $1,050) is currently shipping.
For more information, visit the Yamaha booth (643) in the Nashville Music City Center at the 2017 Summer NAMM Show July 13-15
For more information:
Yamaha
