Chronology

In 1966, Yamaha released its very first acoustic and electric guitars and amps. Today, sixty years on, we celebrate this milestone by looking back at our products and key innovations through this chronology.

Acoustic Guitar

FG180: Yamaha's first made-in-Japan folk guitar

Yamaha’s first folk guitar delivered to global markets. Rather than copying overseas models, the development team used a proprietary design based on human engineering.

FG180: Yamaha's first made-in-Japan folk guitar

FG1500/2000/2500 Folk Guitars

A finely crafted guitar manufactured in Japan and leveraging the best materials, components, and craftsmanship that Yamaha had, sparing no effort in development.

FG1500/2000/2500 Folk Guitars

FG350E: Yamaha's first folk guitar with pickups

Yamaha’s very first folk guitar with pickups. It had a distinctive look owing to its impressively designed pickguard.

FG350E: Yamaha's first folk guitar with pickups

L Series High-end Acoustic Guitars

The early models in the L Series (the L stands for “luxury”) came to represent the best of Yamaha's acoustic guitar craftsmanship with their well-balanced highs and lows, and superb sustain with clear high registers.

L Series High-end Acoustic Guitars

L-51/L-52/L-53/L-54 Ultra High-end Custom Acoustic Guitars

L-51: Top-of-its-class custom guitar featuring Yamaha’s revered craftsmanship with an asymmetrical body and a design concept that emphasized sound quality.

L-52: Top-of-its-class custom guitar leveraging Yamaha’s famed craftsmanship with a jumbo body and a design that emphasized excellent chord balance.

L-53: Top-of-its-class custom guitar featuring a gorgeous design and clear, penetrating sound, evidence of Yamaha’s renowned craftsmanship.

L-54: Top-of-its-class custom guitar made by Yamaha’s dedicated craftsmen, featuring a distinctive design and a sound with a strong country feel. ultra high-end custom acoustic guitars.

L-51/L-52/L-53/L-54 Ultra High-end Custom Acoustic Guitars

Launch of the Special Order System

Based on the L-51, L-52, L-53, and L-54, the 23 spec options in this system let musicians build a guitar which would fulfill their demanding requirements.

Launch of the Special Order System

CJ Series Acoustic Guitars

A “country jumbo” series distinguished by its large, resonant body delivering great volume with a relatively firm sound quality.

CJ Series Acoustic Guitars

CWE Series Acoustic Electric Guitars

Yamaha’s first ever acoustic-electric with a cutaway body. The specialized design was predicated on the use of our independently developed pickups, while the guitars featured 22 frets and a thin body with an emphasis on ease of performance.

CWE Series Acoustic Electric Guitars

APX Series Acoustic Electric Guitars

Our unique acoustic-electric guitar marrying Yamaha’s acoustic guitar know-how and electrical technology experience resulting in a high-quality stage performance tool.

APX Series Acoustic Electric Guitars

LL100D: Yamaha's 100th anniversary acoustic guitar

Yamaha's 100th anniversary edition was a supreme combination of Yamaha’s accrued acoustic guitar artistry. Limited to 20 pcs.

LL100D: Yamaha's 100th anniversary acoustic guitar

APXT1 Compact Guitar

A concentration of the design ethic of the APX Series into a travel-size package, realizing superb portability and a comfortable, compact form.

APXT1 Compact Guitar

GL1 Guitalele Compact Guitar

With a smaller body reminiscent of a ukulele, yet performing almost like a six-string guitar, this new mini model offered players the enjoyable sound and performance of nylon strings.

GL1 Guitalele Compact Guitar

JR1 Compact Guitar

A mini acoustic guitar following the design motif of the FG180.

JR1 Compact Guitar

CPX Series Acoustic Electric Guitars

A Series developed around the concept of an acoustic-electric guitar, delivering pure, natural acoustic sound and inspired by the design aesthetic of a mariner’s compass.

CPX Series Acoustic Electric Guitars

SILENT Guitar™ SLG100N

An all-new series of innovative guitars retaining true, authentic acoustic guitar playability while offering ultra-quiet performance and headphone capability.

SILENT Guitar™ SLG100N

ART pickups: Authentically replicating acoustic resonance

A contact pickup system developed with the goal of producing “real acoustic sound” that is a faithful reproduction of an acoustic guitar’s body resonance.

ART pickups: Authentically replicating acoustic resonance

Yamaha Original Wood Reforming Technology A.R.E.

Yamaha’s independently researched and developed technology for enhancing wood’s inherent qualities to deliver the rich resonance similar to that of an instrument that has been played for many years.

Yamaha Original Wood Reforming Technology A.R.E.

SRT SYSTEM: Replicating the feel of real air space

Yamaha’s most up-to-date pickup system developed to produce studio-quality acoustic sound akin to capturing the nuances of recording in a room with a top of the line microphone.

SRT SYSTEM: Replicating the feel of real air space

A Series Acoustic Electric Guitars

An acoustic-electric Series with a simple, powerful design and a smooth neck feel, as well as SRT pickups and other features to please purists who desire a real performance guitar.

A Series Acoustic Electric Guitars

L Series (2014)

The new Yamaha L-Series combines the very best of traditional and modern: a warm, rich tone thanks to A.R.E. technology, timeless looks, outstanding playability, and performance-ready electronics.

L Series (2014)

SILENT Guitar™ SLG200

SILENT Guitar™ is ultra-quiet in the room, but provides a natural-sounding acoustic tone when plugged in. It features a warm and woody, yet futuristic, design.

SILENT Guitar™ SLG200

FG/FS800 Series

The FG/FS800 Series features a state-of-the-art soundboard bracing design developed to produce a new level of richness from mid to lower registers and add a boost in volume.

FG/FS800 Series

TransAcoustic™ Guitar LL-TA

The first generation of TransAcoustic™ Guitar allows players to apply reverb and chorus effects to the natural sound without the need for external amplification, offering a new dimension to acoustic performance.

TransAcoustic™ Guitar LL-TA

A Series Model Change

An electric-acoustic guitar equipped with the new SRT2 pickup system, offering high playability and a distinctive design that easily delivers natural sound on stage or in recordings.

A Series Model Change

Acoustic Guitar CSF1M/CSF3M

An acoustic guitar that offers the rich, resonant sound of a full-sized instrument, while featuring a compact body that's comfortable to hold.

Acoustic Guitar CSF1M/CSF3M

Atmosfeel™

The Atmosfeel™ 3-way pickup & preamp system uses a piezo sensor in the bridge to capture low frequencies, a microphone for low- and mid-range, and our proprietary newly developed thin synthetic sheet soundboard transducer for high frequencies. The result is a full, natural sound with simple controls that make it easy to get great plugged-in tone.

Atmosfeel™

Acoustic Guitar FG/FS RED LABEL

This series inherits the design philosophy of the FG Red Label model, the origin of Yamaha guitars, while integrating contemporary elements to meet the needs of modern guitar players.

Acoustic Guitar FG/FS RED LABEL

Acoustic Guitar STORIA

Crafted with accessibility in mind, this acoustic guitar emphasizes ease of play and features a design that seamlessly fits into individual lifestyles.

Acoustic Guitar STORIA

Acoustic Guitar FG9

Yamaha's flagship acoustic guitar model that combines powerful sound and clarity, offering ideal expressiveness for flatpickers and singer-songwriters.

Acoustic Guitar FG9

TransAcoustic™ Guitar TAG3 C

The second-generation TransAcoustic™ guitar, equipped with effects, a looper, and Bluetooth functionality, enabling the entire creative process with just one guitar.

TransAcoustic™ Guitar TAG3 C

Classical Guitar

GC3/5/7/10: Yamaha's first classical guitar series

Crafted by luthiers with direct training in traditional techniques from famed Spanish master Eduardo Ferrer, these guitars exude the original and authentic Spanish style of guitar craftsmanship.

GC3/5/7/10: Yamaha's first classical guitar series

GC5F/7F/10F: Yamaha's first flamenco guitar series

Yamaha’s first flamenco guitars derived from the GC-5, 7, and 10 and crafted by luthiers learned in traditional flamenco techniques by the famous E. Ferrer.

GC5F/7F/10F: Yamaha's first flamenco guitar series

GC30A/B/C Custom Classical Guitars

Yamaha’s strongest achievement in custom classical guitar models born from the mastery of traditional techniques and the design philosophy of Spanish master Manuel Hernandez.

GC30A/B/C Custom Classical Guitars

GC70/70C/71 Custom Classical Guitars

A tour de force, this series grew out of close collaboration with top performers the world over and incorporates Yamaha’s compendium of expertise in traditional techniques and accrued know-how.

GC70/70C/71 Custom Classical Guitars

NX Series Nylon String Electric Guitars

An electric nylon guitar with a modern design that produces the characteristic warm sound of nylon strings.

NX Series Nylon String Electric Guitars

CG Series

An affordable nylon model that delivers rich resonance, excellent playability, and a bright appearance.

CG Series

GC82S/C Flagship Classical Guitars

The flagship model of Yamaha's classical guitars, with carefully selected wood and meticulous craftsmanship that embodies the specialized techniques of both traditional Spanish guitar design and Yamaha’s team of professionals.

GC82S/C Flagship Classical Guitars

CG-TA

Designed to provide a seamless transition for classical guitarists, this non-cutaway TransAcoustic™ guitar maintains traditional feel and playability while incorporating modern effects for enhanced performance.

CG-TA

NX Series (2020)

The second generation of NX Series nylon-string acoustic-electric guitars were designed to appeal to both nylon-string players in search of superior amplified sound and electric and steel-string players seeking to explore nylon-string tones and textures. The NX3 and NX5 models incorporate the Atmosfeel™ pickup system, which provides consistently superb sound regardless of volume level.

NX Series (2020)

Electric Guitar

  • 1966

    SG-2/3: Yamaha's first electric guitars

    SG-2/3: Yamaha's first electric guitars
  • 1966

    SG-7: Yamaha's symbolic electric guitar of the '60s

    SG-7: Yamaha's symbolic electric guitar of the '60s
  • 1968

    SA-50,SA-15(D): Yamaha's first hollow body electric guitars

    SA-50,SA-15(D): Yamaha's first hollow body electric guitars
  • 1969

    SG-3C Electric Guitar

    SG-3C Electric Guitar
  • 1974

    SG-175: Origin of the SG Series still sold today

    SG-175: Origin of the SG Series still sold today
  • 1976

    SG-2000/1000: The crowning models of the SG Series

    SG-2000/1000: The crowning models of the SG Series
  • 1977

    SF-700 Electric Guitar

    SF-700 Electric Guitar
  • 1977

    SC-1200 Electric Guitar

    SC-1200 Electric Guitar
  • 1977

    SA-2000 Semi-hollow Electric Guitar

    SA-2000 Semi-hollow Electric Guitar
  • 1978

    SJ-800 Electric Guitar

    SJ-800 Electric Guitar
  • 1978

    AE-2000: The crowning model for hollow body electric guitars

    AE-2000: The crowning model for hollow body electric guitars
  • 1980

    SF-7000 Electric Guitar

    SF-7000 Electric Guitar
  • 1982

    SG-3000: The crowning model in the SG Series

    SG-3000: The crowning model in the SG Series
  • 1985

    SESSON512 Bolt-on Electric Guitar

    SESSON512 Bolt-on Electric Guitar
  • 1986

    SFX-I Electric Guitar

    SFX-I Electric Guitar
  • 1986

    RGX-1212 Electric Guitar

    RGX-1212 Electric Guitar
  • 1987

    YEG-100A: Yamaha's 100th anniversary electric guitar

    YEG-100A: Yamaha's 100th anniversary electric guitar
  • 1989

    Image Deluxe Electric Guitar

    Image Deluxe Electric Guitar
  • 1990

    Weddington Custom Electric Guitar

    Weddington Custom Electric Guitar
  • 1990

    Pacifica912: Yamaha's standard bolt-on guitar still popular today

    Pacifica912: Yamaha's standard bolt-on guitar still popular today
  • 1991

    AES-1500 Electric Guitar

    AES-1500 Electric Guitar
  • 1993

    Pacifica Semi Order System for Closely Matching Player Preferences

    Pacifica Semi Order System for Closely Matching Player Preferences
  • 1994

    AEX-1500: Fusing acoustic and electric sounds

    AEX-1500: Fusing acoustic and electric sounds
  • 1997

    Pacifica1511MS: Mike Stern signature model

    Pacifica1511MS: Mike Stern signature model
  • 1997

    AEX-500 Electric Guitar

    AEX-500 Electric Guitar
  • 2000

    SGV800 Electric Guitar

    SGV800 Electric Guitar
  • 2003

    AES620 Electric Guitar

    AES620 Electric Guitar
  • 2005

    RGXA2: Amazing light weight in a unique design

    RGXA2: Amazing light weight in a unique design
  • 2010

    SG1820: Modern incarnation of the SG Series

    SG1820: Modern incarnation of the SG Series
  • 2015

    REVSTAR Series electric guitars: Crafted through new design techniques

    REVSTAR Series electric guitars: Crafted through new design techniques
  • 2016

    PAC612VIIFM

    PAC612VIIFM
  • 2022

    REVSTAR Full Model Change

    REVSTAR Full Model Change
  • 2024

    PACP12/PACS+12

    PACP12/PACS+12

SG-2/3: Yamaha's first electric guitars

Yamaha’s first electric guitars officially launched in April 1966 under the names S302 and S201, which were changed one month later to SG-3 and SG-2. They featured original designs for the tremolo unit, neck joint system, and pickups, demonstrating Yamaha's penchant for individuality and innovation from our very first models.

SG-2/3: Yamaha's first electric guitars

SG-7: Yamaha's symbolic electric guitar of the '60s

Our flagship model with a distinctive body that came on the market as electric guitars started to boom in popularity.

SG-7: Yamaha's symbolic electric guitar of the '60s

SA-50,SA-15(D): Yamaha's first hollow body electric guitars

SA50: A hollow body model with left-right symmetry. The appearance is that of a semi-solid body, but the unique structure uses no center block.

SA15: A hollow body model sharing the same feature of the SG7’s long horn next to the first string and equipped with two single-coil pickups.

SA-50,SA-15(D): Yamaha's first hollow body electric guitars

SG-3C Electric Guitar

A completely left-right asymmetrical body with no waist and an extended cutaway by the bass side only. The SG-3C featured simpler controls than the SG-5A and 2A, with the addition of a tremolo unit, in a model sold at a lower price point.

SG-3C Electric Guitar

SG-175: Origin of the SG Series still sold today

The forerunner to the current SG Series, the SG-175 featured a left-right symmetrical body and arrow position markers. A custom-spec model was later produced upon request from Carlos Santana.

SG-175: Origin of the SG Series still sold today

SG-2000/1000: The crowning models of the SG Series

SG2000: This top-of-line model in the SG Series was developed by pursuing the characteristic tone of the SG175 and applying the innovative techniques and technology evolving throughout the SG Series. It featured a unique neck-through structure, a sustain plate, and a semi-open humbucker.

SG1000: This guitar served as the longest reigning standard SG model, evolved from the set-in neck and humbucker concepts established in the SG175.

SG-2000/1000: The crowning models of the SG Series

SF-700 Electric Guitar

A model with the characteristic bright tone of the SF Series, plus 24 frets, a smooth top cut that forms to the player’s body, and a back cut for a left-right asymmetrical design.

SF-700 Electric Guitar

SC-1200 Electric Guitar

With the SC in its name standing for “Super Combinator,” the SC-1200 was the pinnacle of the SC Series with its unique neck-through structure. Features included distinctive bar magnets for the pickups plus the ability to create 13 sound variations with three connected mini toggle switches for the three pickups.

SC-1200 Electric Guitar

SA-2000 Semi-hollow Electric Guitar

The left-right asymmetrical semi-hollow body had a center block in this top-of-the-line model emphasizing tone and performance features, such as a three-point adjustable covered humbucker and over-binding frets for ease of play on every inch of the fingerboard.

SA-2000 Semi-hollow Electric Guitar

SJ-800 Electric Guitar

A single cutaway model with a humbucker in the neck position and a single coil bridge pickup to utilize either tone and change between the two with one push of the Bi-Sound Switch. This wide combination of sounds came in a body with a maple top and an alder back.

SJ-800 Electric Guitar

AE-2000: The crowning model for hollow body electric guitars

This high-end archtop guitar featured a carved top cut from solid spruce together with the bracing, block inlays on an ebony fretboard, gold parts for the hardware, and tone knobs suitable for coil tapping. The AE-2000 found use in many genres of music.

AE-2000: The crowning model for hollow body electric guitars

SF-7000 Electric Guitar

An evolution of the SF Series’ set-in neck structure and the original through-neck structure of the SG Series, the SF-7000 used an open humbucker and different bridges for each model. It shows Yamaha’s continued development to meet the needs of players and changing trends.

SF-7000 Electric Guitar

SG-3000: The crowning model in the SG Series

The flagship model of the SG Series bearing the “custom” guitar title. Newly developed pickups and a narrow bridge for lighter weight were utilized in this instrument, which was developed to meet the demands of players influenced by the heavy metal music emerging in the early ‘80s.

SG-3000: The crowning model in the SG Series

SESSON512 Bolt-on Electric Guitar

Featuring the "Rockin' Magic II" tremolo unit with its exclusive locking system and newly developed pickups utilizing different magnets for different tones, this model reflected the evolving performance requirements of the continually evolving rock music scene.

SESSON512 Bolt-on Electric Guitar

SFX-I Electric Guitar

An orthodox set-in neck guitar with a carved maple top and mahogany back, and built with newly developed bar-type pickups and a booster switch, the SFX-I satisfied more technical players thanks to its tremolo unit and heel-less, smooth neck joint.

SFX-I Electric Guitar

RGX-1212 Electric Guitar

The RGX Series, with its 3D headstock design, debuted in 1986. The 1212 was a top-of-the-line model with advanced features including a five-piece maple and mahogany through-neck, an ebony fingerboard with binding, a state-of-the-art tremolo, plus pickups with Spinex magnets on a 628-mm scale length guitar.

RGX-1212 Electric Guitar

YEG-100A: Yamaha's 100th anniversary electric guitar

A limited model sold for Yamaha’s 100th anniversary. Phoenix inlay work accented the beautifully grained top-quality wood and 24-karat plated hardware for an elegant appearance. This combined with the excellent performance qualities, the hybrid pickup system switchable between passive and active, and advanced specs such as built-in LEDs for side position markers.

YEG-100A: Yamaha's 100th anniversary electric guitar

Image Deluxe Electric Guitar

These models used a solid structure with a semi-acoustic body shape popular at the time. The design was developed in England rather than in Japan, and the lineup featured three models: Custom, Deluxe, and Standard. Shown here is the Deluxe model.

Image Deluxe Electric Guitar

Weddington Custom Electric Guitar

With myriad sound variations thanks to a five-position lever switch and USA-made pickups, this guitar used a new style of set-in neck joint allowing smooth performance even in the upper frets. The model lineup included the Custom, Classic, and Special.

Weddington Custom Electric Guitar

Pacifica912: Yamaha's standard bolt-on guitar still popular today

The first guitar in the Pacifica Series designed by Yamaha Guitar Development at our North Hollywood R&D center, which opened in 1989. This model was stacked with Yamaha originality in a traditional design.

Pacifica912: Yamaha's standard bolt-on guitar still popular today

AES-1500 Electric Guitar

This hollow body guitar had an inner block under the bridge only and really sang even at high volumes. It suited various musical genres thanks to the P-90-sized humbucker and Bi-Sound Switch. There was also a model equipped with the Bigsby tremolo.

AES-1500 Electric Guitar

Pacifica Semi Order System for Closely Matching Player Preferences

Working from the top model in the Pacifica Series (Yamaha’s standard bolt-on guitars), this flexible semi-order system allowed players to specify detailed specs in terms of body material, fingerboard material, inlays, neck shape, frets, and color.

Pacifica Semi Order System for Closely Matching Player Preferences

AEX-1500: Fusing acoustic and electric sounds

This hollow body model offered the dual benefits of fat sound and acoustic resonance thanks to a preamp system that allowed free blending and equalizing, in addition to a neck humbucker and piezo-electric pickup.

AEX-1500: Fusing acoustic and electric sounds

Pacifica1511MS: Mike Stern signature model

This Mike Stern model featured an ash body and one-piece maple neck plus a neck humbucker combined with Hot Rail pickups for gorgeous expressivity in a wide range of styles, from clean tones to blues, rock, and heavy distortion.

Pacifica1511MS: Mike Stern signature model

AEX-500 Electric Guitar

A new style semi-hollow model with a compact body featuring a front humbucker inherited from the AEX1500 combined with a bridge piezo-electric pickup.

AEX-500 Electric Guitar

SGV800 Electric Guitar

A unique model that combines vintage feel with a modern sensibility, making it a true original from the body shape to the bridge, pickups, and controls.

SGV800 Electric Guitar

AES620 Electric Guitar

This model featured bold body contours with a fine cutaway. The similarly distinctive bridge demonstrates Yamaha’s consistent pursuit of innovation.

AES620 Electric Guitar

RGXA2: Amazing light weight in a unique design

This model achieves both significantly lighter weight and a rich body resonance from the new design, and also features LEDs to show which pickup is selected. The white color tone expresses the reduced weight through a unique appearance that gives the feel of an innovative, advanced guitar.

RGXA2: Amazing light weight in a unique design

SG1820: Modern incarnation of the SG Series

The newest incarnation of the SG Series arranged for a contemporary audience and available in three pickup configurations—humbucker, P-90, or active pickups—to accommodate every genre from classic rock to heavy metal. Other features include body finishes and fingerboard inlays suited to each style.

SG1820: Modern incarnation of the SG Series

REVSTAR Series electric guitars: Crafted through new design techniques

Yamaha's newest series featuring unique tailpieces and pickup covers, a copper pickguard, and a variety of steel wool finishes, ultimately fusing the design philosophy of custom motorbikes with Japanese technological expertise and Yamaha’s renowned craftsmanship.

REVSTAR Series electric guitars: Crafted through new design techniques

PAC612VIIFM

A modern reinterpretation of the Pacifica concept, originally developed for session guitarists in the USA. This model features an HSS pickup configuration offering versatile and user-friendly tones, precise intonation, and stable tuning even during aggressive tremolo use, making it suitable for various musical genres. It has earned high praise among professional musicians.

PAC612VIIFM

REVSTAR Full Model Change

The second generation of the REVSTAR Series, inspired by café racers.

While retaining its original design concept, this model achieves rich tones, enhanced resonance, and weight reduction through Yamaha's proprietary "Acoustic Design" process. It is equipped with unique features such as a 5-way position selector and a focus switch, enabling a wide range of sound shaping options.

REVSTAR Full Model Change

PACP12/PACS+12

An evolved Pacifica Series, highly regarded by many guitarists, designed to meet the diverse needs of modern music scenes.

This higher-grade model combines Yamaha's proprietary "Acoustic Design" process, which enhances the guitar's resonance, with the newly developed "Reflectone" pickups co-created with Rupert Neve Designs. These pickups deliver a balanced sound with powerful lows and sparkling highs, providing immersive expressiveness and playability.

PACP12/PACS+12

Electric Bass

SB-2: Yamaha's first electric bass

Yamaha’s first electric bass launched in April 1966. It started out as the B201 and changed its name one month later to SB-2, a name shared with our first electric guitar. Its scale length was 850 mm (33-1/2").

SB-2: Yamaha's first electric bass

SB-7A Electric Bass

Our top-of-the-line bass guitar sharing a body shape similar to the SG-7. Its scale length of 800 mm (31-1/2") was shorter than the SB-2.

SB-7A Electric Bass

BB-1200 Electric Bass

Our BB Series, which many artists played and which is still popular today, debuted in 1977. It was stacked with many original features such as a unique split pickup—for the D and G string the pickup is close to the neck and for the E and A string the pickup is close to the bridge—and machine heads capable of highly precise torque adjustments. The BB-1200, with its through neck design, was our top-of-the-line model.

BB-1200 Electric Bass

BB-2000: A neck-through bass loved by scores of players

In 1978, the addition of the BB-2000 raised the bar for bass guitars even higher, featuring a neck through design like the BB-1200, plus equipped a bar magnet type pickup in the bridge position. This model was popular with many players, from jazz fusion to rock and pop artists.

BB-2000: A neck-through bass loved by scores of players

BB-3000 Electric Bass

This best-in-class model pushed the evolution of the BB-2000 further, featuring a narrow neck and a deep cutaway body shape offering easy access to the higher frets. The newly designed split pickup was configured in a reversed layout from other BB Series, with the position of the E and A string pickup shifted closer to the neck.

BB-3000 Electric Bass

BB-5000: Yamaha's first 5-string bass

Yamaha’s first 5-string bass. The price topped that of the BB-3000, but since there were few high-quality mass produced 5-string basses at the time, this model was adopted by many players.

BB-5000: Yamaha's first 5-string bass

MB-I Electric Bass

In 1985, the MB Series, a medium scale (820 mm) bass, came on the market. The MB-I model showcased plenty of originality in its headstock design, pickups, and bridge.

MB-I Electric Bass

RBX-800 Electric Bass

The RBX Series, with its 3D headstock design, debuted in 1986 along with the new RGX Series electric guitar. Its modern design included a deeply scooped out cutaway body, a neck joint conducive to great playability, and a bridge featuring fine tuners.

RBX-800 Electric Bass

Attitude Limited Billy Sheehan Signature Model

The Attitude Limited is a signature model that emerged from Yamaha’s relation with Billy Sheehan, following the same specs as Billy's custom-made bass. From the first model on, we never deviated from these specs, which included a “woofer” pickup near the neck, stereo output jacks, different fret wires depending on their position, and a wide scalloped fingerboard.

Attitude Limited Billy Sheehan Signature Model

TRB Custom: Yamaha's first 6-string bass

A six-string bass with a multi-layer neck through construction and an ebonol resin fingerboard. This top-of-the-line model, with a built-in piezo pickup in the bridge, allowed the artist to create a diverse range of sounds.

TRB Custom: Yamaha's first 6-string bass

TRB-6P Electric Bass

The TRB-6P featured a five-piece maple and mahogany neck through construction similar to the TRB Custom, plus an ebony fingerboard, while the body attached to the neck from the sides.

TRB-6P Electric Bass

BB-NE Nathan East Signature Model

This signature model created from Yamaha’s relationship with Nathan East featured a beautiful maple body top with a bolt-on maple neck. The deep, nuanced sound was created by original pickups with hum-canceling coils and a three-band EQ. Also available was the BB-NE SELECTED model, designed using rare figured maple for the body top.

BB-NE Nathan East Signature Model

TRB-JP John Patitucci Signature Model

Collaboration with John Patitucci led to this signature model that offered tight response thanks to a four-layer body of maple, ash, alder, and maple, plus a maple bolt-on neck construction and low noise double coil pickups. It offers pro-level specs for great performance in tough environments.

TRB-JP John Patitucci Signature Model

BB Semi Order System: Addressing players' exacting preferences

This flexible semi-order system allowed players to specify their exact preferences for body material, fingerboard material, frets, colors, and more.

BB Semi Order System: Addressing players' exacting preferences

SBV500 Electric Bass

The SBV Series was a broad overhaul that took the SB-7A from the 1960s and repackaged it in a modern version with various different models, such as the SBV500, 800MF, J1, and J2, which were popular with many Japanese bassists.

SBV500 Electric Bass

BB2024X Electric Bass

Specially designed for rock music, the BB2024X features a spline joint construction combining with A.R.E. technology, to draw out the inherent qualities of the wood from which the instrument is made, with a body resonance like that of a vintage bass broken in over many years of use. As the apex of the BB Series, it relentlessly pursues bolt-on, passive sound, reconciling the string-through design with a bridge that angles the strings at 45º so that they vibrate the entire body.

BB2024X Electric Bass

TRBX Series Next-generation Active Bass in a Compact Body

An active bass with a compact and lightweight body for easy handling, powerful pickups and a preamp for diverse sound shaping that make it compatible with performance styles of a wide range of musical genres. The 305/304 feature a performance EQ for instantly selecting the parameters best suited to your performance, while the 505/504 feature a three-band EQ for switching between an active circuit for nuanced tone adjustments, or a passive circuit for a more organic tone. A battery life indicator is also built in, making it easy to know when replacement is necessary.

TRBX Series Next-generation Active Bass in a Compact Body

BB Series Model Change

The iconic BB Series, loved by many bassists, has been fully redesigned for the first time in 7 years. In response to artists’ suggestions, Yamaha reexamined the body shape, structure, and hardware. New ideas like the 3-ply body, miter bolting neck joint, and convertible bridge, along with new pickups, deliver a clear, powerful sound on stage and in the studio.

BB Series Model Change

TRBX604FM/605FM

A variation of the active TRBX Series, capable of versatile tone shaping. The laminated flame maple/alder body with 3D contouring delivers powerful tone and a striking appearance.

TRBX604FM/605FM

BBPH Peter Hook Signature

Peter Hook’s signature model, based on his current BB734A, blends modern features with the spirit of his longtime favorite, the BB1200. A limited edition reflecting his unique style and sound.

BBPH Peter Hook Signature

ATTLTD 30TH

Attitude 30th – Billy Sheehan Signature Anniversary Model is a 30th anniversary model of Billy Sheehan’s Attitude series, inspired by his custom bass “The Wife.” This model features exclusive design details and limited edition signature specifications.

ATTLTD 30TH

Amps & Accessories

No. 250/500: Yamaha's first guitar amps

Yamaha’s first guitar amps launched in 1966. Two combo amp models at 25 W and 50 W. Model numbers were later changed from No. 250 to TA25 and No. 500 to TA50.

No. 250/500: Yamaha's first guitar amps

TA Series Guitar Amps

New models of Yamaha’s first guitar amps, No. 250 (TA25) and No. 500 (TA50). These combo amps were distinguishable by their speaker enclosures.

TA Series Guitar Amps

YTA Series: Yamaha's first separate configurated amps

Yamaha’s first guitar amps that included a power amplifier built into the amp head. Other amp heads of the day were preamplifiers only, with the power amplifier built into the speaker cabinet.

YTA Series: Yamaha's first separate configurated amps

J Series Guitar Amps

The J Series were customized for the Japan market with features considered revolutionary at the time, including a model with a headphone jack, and a bass guitar amp model. This series grew to include more than 20 models.

J Series Guitar Amps

F Series Guitar Amps

Solid state amps were considered to be Yamaha’s tour de force. Models included a myriad of variations, including a 2-channel configuration, a model with a parametric equalizer, and amp head models.

F Series Guitar Amps

JX Series Guitar Amps

Models in the JX Series met user needs at the time with flexible controls such as a master volume knob and distortion controls.

JX Series Guitar Amps

PSE Series: Yamaha’s first effects pedals

Yamaha’s first series of effects pedals launched with the addition of the SB200 system board for combining 12 types of pedals.

PSE Series: Yamaha’s first effects pedals

VX Series Guitar Amps

The VX Series featured a broad lineup of combo amps with power output from 15 to 65 W, as well as a bass guitar model.

VX Series Guitar Amps

PSE-40A System Board

10 cartridge-type effects pedals and a dedicated system board for connecting and controlling them. Included stereo connectivity.

PSE-40A System Board

SDS Series Effects Pedals

The launch of the SDS Series was an update and expansion of the PSE Series, adding the SDS Professional Series and New SDS Series. The final lineup included 27 models.

SDS Series Effects Pedals

HR Series Guitar Amps

The compact HR Series managed to offer a low price point and amps suited to the music scene’s interest in heavier sounds at the time.

HR Series Guitar Amps

VR Series Guitar Amps

The VR Series took the concept of the F Series and expanded it to make 2-channels standard and to offer advanced designs, including a model with stereo connectivity.

VR Series Guitar Amps

AR Series Guitar Amps

The AR Series boosted connectability with peripherals thanks to RecOut, FX Loop, and Aux jacks. The slanted front of the speaker enclosure was an expression of the distinctive design elements of these amps.

AR Series Guitar Amps

SR Series Guitar Amps

Responding to trends in guitar equipment in 1991, Yamaha launched a rack-mounted amp head. The 300 W amp head had a relatively high output for the time. We also simultaneously launched a dedicated speaker cabinet.

SR Series Guitar Amps

T Series Guitar Amps

These full tube amps were a collaborative project with Michael J. Soldano. They were packed with original features such as seven 12AX7A tubes in the preamp.

T Series Guitar Amps

DG Series: Yamaha’s first digital modeling amps

Yamaha’s first digital modeling amp. Chips replaced the unique operations of tubes to reproduce an array of sounds. Specs included digital technology such as preset configurations, user memory, and MIDI connectivity, while a motorized knob is used for the controls. Interest in this series remains high still today.

DG Series: Yamaha’s first digital modeling amps

DG-STOMP

DG Stomp was an innovative digital guitar pre-amplifier that put the power and performance of the DG Series amplifiers into a rugged stomp box design. They could be used as modeling preamps or multi-effects pedals.

DG-STOMP

AG-STOMP

A preamp pedal for acoustic guitars. Featured mic simulation and auto feedback reduction for more natural sound from acoustic-electric guitars. Interest in this discontinued series remains high today.

AG-STOMP

UD-STOMP

An 8-band modulation delay machine supervised by Allan Holdsworth. Its greatest feature is the eight built-in delays, with independent controls for each.

UD-STOMP

BBT Series Bass Amps

Yamaha’s first fully digital bass guitar amp. It offered a compact size and 500 W output with a Class-D amp.

BBT Series Bass Amps

MAGIC-STOMP

A pedal that reproduces the effects from the other STOMP Series and the SPX Series, bundled in one unit. It won high praise for its modulation and delay effects.

MAGIC-STOMP

THR Series Desktop Amps

Desktop guitar amps developed along the concept of a “third amp.” Digital components offered dynamics and response similar to those from tubes, even at low volume. THR Series amps have become extremely popular due to their retro look and feel, and exceptional sound quality.

THR Series Desktop Amps

THR Head Series Guitar Amp Heads

The THR Head Series brought the THR concept to amp heads. The digital amps kept their simple controls and offered a design for intuitive soundscaping by guitarists. The new technology of the ultra-dynamic power amp delivered wide ranging dynamics and acoustic pressure much like that obtained from tubes, bringing out great responsiveness and sound variations from picking style, from the guitar body, and from the pickups.

THR Head Series Guitar Amp Heads

Session Cake

A new-concept headphone amplifier for instruments, featuring a simple and compact design suitable for personal use, and capable of functioning as a session mixer when multiple units are connected.

Session Cake

THR-II

The THR Series, launched in 2011 as the world's first "desktop amp," receives its first model update in eight years.

The revamped THR-II Series offers enhanced sound quality, a broader range of variations, convenient Bluetooth connectivity, integration with a dedicated app, intuitive and sophisticated design, and full wireless functionality. These features have made it a favorite among top professionals and numerous guitarists worldwide.

THR-II

THR30IIA Wireless

The THR30II Wireless, retaining its unique wireless capabilities and appearance, has been updated to deliver optimal sound for acoustic guitars.

This model introduces new features tailored to singer-songwriters, including a microphone input jack, making it ideal for acoustic performances.

THR30IIA Wireless

YH-WL500

Wireless stereo headphones specifically designed for musicians, offering an ultra-low latency of less than 0.004 seconds. Utilizing proprietary technology, these headphones provide high-speed stereo communication, ensuring a seamless and responsive playing experience without the constraints of cables.

YH-WL500

THR30II Wireless TAK MATSUMOTO

The THR30II Wireless TAK MATSUMOTO model, based on the THR30II Wireless, features sounds curated by guitarist Takahiro Matsumoto.

This model includes five presets created by Takahiro Matsumoto, over 30 additional presets replicating his distinctive guitar tones known as "TAK TONE," and a refined design featuring the "House Of Strings" logo and the emblem "玲" (Rei).

THR30II Wireless TAK MATSUMOTO

YW10T

The YW10T is a wireless transmitter that enables a seamless wireless experience when paired with THR-II Wireless models and compatible Line 6 products.

YW10T

Other Guitar Products

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