Yamaha

Yamaha Corporation is a world-renowned Japanese conglomerate based in Hamamatsu. Founded in 1887, the company has developed from its beginnings in the manufacture of harmoniums into a diversified group that today offers a wide range of products and services:

Musical instruments: Yamaha is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of musical instruments and offers a wide range of pianos, guitars, wind instruments, drums, electronic instruments and much more.

Audio and video products: The company manufactures high-quality hi-fi components, home theater systems, professional audio devices and music software.

Other products: Yamaha is also active in the marine, automotive, metalworking and robotics sectors.

From harmonica to global corporation: the fascinating history of the Yamaha Corporation

Yamaha Corporation, known for musical instruments, motorcycles and much more, has a remarkable history characterized by innovation, passion and entrepreneurial spirit. Immerse yourself in the chronology of a company that has enriched the world with sound and technology.

1887: The birth of a musical legend

It all began in 1887 when Torakusu Yamaha, a master watchmaker with musical talent, built his first harmonium in Hamamatsu, Japan. His precision work and musical flair impressed so much that he received further orders for harmoniums and founded the Nippon Gakki Co, Ltd. in 1897.

Early success and expansion

In 1900, Yamaha achieved another milestone: the production of the first piano built in Japan. This success paved the way for the company’s expansion into new areas such as organs, wind instruments and percussion. Yamaha instruments were characterized by high quality and an unmistakable sound and quickly gained international recognition.

The age of motorization and diversification

After the Second World War, Yamaha broke new ground with the founding of Yamaha Motor Co, Ltd. in 1955. The passion for precision and performance led to the development of innovative and successful motorcycles that made Yamaha one of the world’s leading manufacturers.

In the following decades, Yamaha continuously expanded its portfolio and established itself in other industries such as electronics, metal processing and robotics. The acquisition of the renowned audio brand Steinberg in 2004 underlines Yamaha’s commitment to music production and playback.

A global company with social responsibility

Today, Yamaha Corporation is a global company with operations in more than 200 countries. With its diverse products and services, Yamaha enriches the lives of people all over the world. In doing so, the company always pursues the goal of combining the highest quality with social responsibility.

The Yamaha Corporation: A sound universe with many daughters

Musical heritage: Subsidiaries in the field of musical instruments

In the area of musical instruments, the acquisition of the Austrian piano manufacturer Bösendorfer in 2007 is particularly noteworthy. This acquisition underlines Yamaha’s commitment to high-quality pianos and adds instruments of the highest quality and richness of sound to the range.

The music family also includes Ampeg, an American manufacturer of legendary guitar amplifiers and cabinets that are appreciated by rock and bass players all over the world. Steinberg, a German developer of music software and equipment, is also part of the group and enriches the music world with innovative tools for production and composition.

Line 6, an American manufacturer of guitar effects and digital amplifiers, and Nexo, a British specialist for professional loudspeaker systems used in both live and fixed installations, round off the list of musical daughters.

Thinking outside the box: diversification into new sectors

In addition to its core business of musical instruments, the Yamaha Corporation has diversified into other sectors over the years. One subsidiary that deserves special mention in this context is Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd. The world-renowned manufacturer of motorcycles, boats, outboards and other motor vehicles has been inspiring people with its innovative technology and sporty design for decades.

Precision machines, robots, measuring instruments and metalworking tools are part of the portfolio of Yamaha Fine Technologies Co., Ltd. Another subsidiary, Yamaha Livingtec Corporation, offers products for interior fittings such as bathrooms and kitchens. The diversification is rounded off by Yamaha Metanix Corporation, which develops and produces metal alloys and electronic components.

Yamaha: A sound universe with diverse products

The Yamaha Corporation is a conglomerate with a broad product range that can be divided into different categories:

Musical instruments

Yamaha is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of musical instruments and offers a wide range of products:

• Pianos: From acoustic pianos for beginners to concert grand pianos for professionals, Yamaha covers all needs.
• Guitars: Yamaha’s guitar portfolio ranges from classical concert guitars to electric guitars for all musical styles and bass guitars.
• Wind instruments: Brass instruments such as trumpets, trombones and grand pianos as well as woodwind instruments such as clarinets, saxophones and flutes are part of the Yamaha range.
• Drums: Yamaha offers drum sets, percussion instruments and accessories for every drummer.
• Strings: Violins, violas, cellos and double basses in various price and quality classes are available from Yamaha.
• Concert percussion: Timpani, xylophones, vibraphones and marimbas are just a few examples of Yamaha’s concert percussion instruments.
• Electronic instruments: Synthesizers, keyboards, digital pianos, grooveboxes, drum machines, modular synthesizers and MIDI controllers expand Yamaha’s range in the field of electronic music.

Audio and video products

HiFi components: Amplifiers, CD players, loudspeakers, record players and network players for high-quality music enjoyment from Yamaha.

• Home theater systems: Yamaha produces soundbars, subwoofers and speaker systems for an impressive home theater experience.
• Professional audio equipment: mixing consoles, loudspeakers, microphones and headphones for musicians, sound engineers and DJs.
• Music software: Steinberg, a subsidiary of Yamaha, offers software for music production, editing and notation.

Other products

• Motorcycles: Yamaha is one of the world’s leading motorcycle manufacturers and offers a wide range of models for different needs and riding styles.
• Boats and outboard motors: Yamaha’s product range in the marine sector includes boats in various sizes, boat engines and accessories.
• Electronics: AV receivers, soundbars and headphones for home use as well as professional audio devices for live use.
• Industrial products: Robots, precision machines and metalworking tools for industry.
• Sporting goods: Golf clubs, fitness equipment and bicycles are also part of Yamaha’s product range.

What makes Yamaha musical instruments so special?

Yamaha musical instruments are known worldwide for their high quality, unmistakable sound and reliable workmanship:

High quality: Yamaha uses high-quality materials and state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques to produce instruments that meet the highest standards.

• Unmistakable sound: Yamaha instruments have a unique sound that is appreciated by musicians all over the world.
• Reliable workmanship: Yamaha instruments are robust and durable, so you can enjoy them for a long time.
• Yamaha continuously invests in research and development to bring new and innovative products to the market.
• Wide range: Yamaha offers a wide range of musical instruments for beginners and professionals.
• Customer service: Yamaha offers excellent customer service with competent staff to help you with any questions you may have about your Yamaha instruments.