50th Anniversary of Yamaha Wind Instruments
History of Yamaha Wind Instruments
Yamaha's first wind instrument, the YTR-1 Trumpet was released in 1966. Since then, Yamaha has developed a wide range of brass and woodwind instruments utilising the latest technologies as well as skills honed over the years.
Working with everyone from professional musicians to those who are taking their first musical breath, Yamaha will continue on this journey to enrich people’s lives through music.
- 1975
1966
The first Yamaha branded wind instrument, the YTR-1 trumpet was launched.
1966
Renold Schilke joined forces with Yamaha as a brass instruments development consultant.
1967
The first Yamaha branded saxophones, YAS-1 and YTS-1 were launched.
1967
Yamaha wind instruments were exhibited at NAMM Show in Chicago, USA.
1967-69
New "Professional" series were launched to expand the line-up.
1970
Yamaha opened Toyooka factory as the headquarter of its wind instrument manufacturing.
1970
19 models of high-end "Custom" series trumpets were launched.
1972
Eugene Rousseau joined forces with Yamaha as a saxophone development consultant.
1970’s
An example of Yamaha's catalogue in the 1970's.
1970’s
Yamaha's manufacturing staff in factories in the 1970's.
1973
Yamaha started development in collaboration with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
1973
Yamaha established the Yamaha Technical Academy (formerly the Yamaha Wind Instrument Repair School).
1973
YFL-61 & 63 high-end handmade flutes were launched.
1974
The YCL-81 & 85 "Custom" series clarinets were launched.
1975
YFL-81 & 83 high-end handmade flutes were launched.
1976 - 1985
1976
Rotary tuba YBB-641 was launched.
1977
Atelier Tokyo was opened in Japan.
1977
6 models of "Custom" series trombones were launched.
1978
YAS-62/YSS-62 saxophones were launched after consultation with Eugene Rousseau, a milestone for Yamaha saxophones.
1979
12 Aida trumpets were produced following an order by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
1979
5 "Custom" series horns were released.
1979
Atelier Hamburg was opened in Germany.
1985 –
The partnership between Madison Scouts(USA) and Yamaha started since 1985.
1986 - 1995
1986
Atelier Vienna was opened in Austria.
1986
YOB-811 & 822 "Custom" oboes were launched.
1987
YFG-811 "Custom" bassoon was launched.
1988
Yamaha established a Research & Development section in New York, USA.
1988
YAS-855 and 875 "Custom" saxophones were launched.
1990
YTR-8335US "Xeno" trumpet was launched (Japan only).
1991
Bobby Shew model trumpet YTR-6310Z was released.
1991
A letter of appreciation by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra was delivered as a result of instrument development collaboration.
1995
The first SILENT Brass™ for trumpet SB7 was launched.
1995
The first "Hamamatsu International Wind Instrument Academy and Festival" was held.
1998
Yamaha started wind instrument production in Indonesia.
1996 - 2005
2000
Yamaha started wind instrument production in China.
2001
The YEP-842S "Custom" euphonium was launched.
2002
"Custom EX" and "Custom Z" saxophones were launched.
2004
Lead-free Solder was introduced reducing the impact on the evironment.
2005
Yamaha produced its 10 millionth wind instrument.
2005
YTR-9445CHS "Xeno Artist Model" trumpet was launched.
2006 - 2015
2008
Atelier Los Angeles was opened in the USA.
2009
"Duet+" technology was introduced to the oboe line-up, designed to make wooden wind instruments more stable.
2009
Yamaha Symphonic Band marked it 50th anniversary.
2013
The 2nd generation of SILENT Brass™ was launched winning design awards around the world.
2014
Full line-up of "Neo" series, instruments for british brass bands, was launched.
2014
YRS-401/402B plant-based plastic recorders were launched.
2014
The "Hamamatsu International Wind Instruments Academy and Festival" marked its 20th anniversary.
2015
The"Xeno" trumpet 25th anniversary limited edition was released.
2016 -
2016
The "Xeno" Trombone 20th anniversary limited edition was released.
2016
Yamaha Wind Instruments celebrates its 50th anniversary.
2017
The casual wind instrument “venova” YVS-100 was released.
2019
Yamaha Artist Servises Paris was opened in France.
2020
YBS-82 "Custom" baritone saxophone was released.
2020
The digital wind instrument YDS-150 was released.
2022
The synthetic reeds CLR Series, ASR Series and TSR Series were launched.
