Yamaha S series
Originally introduced in 1980, the iconic Yamaha S series grand pianos quickly became the instruments of choice for discerning pianists, venues and leading conservatoires around the world. Equally at home with classical or jazz music at the highest level, in studios, institutions or on stage the S series is now being superseded with the introduction of the all-new SX range.
The new range features a dramatic technological innovation that the firm says “significantly enhances” both sound and performance. Yamaha invests over £160 million in research and development annually and the new SX pianos are hand-built in Yamaha’s concert grand piano workshop in Hamamatsu, Japan.
They have been in development for over 5 years and follow extensive ongoing consultations with leading artists, professors, technicians and craftsmen all of whom were actively involved in evaluations throughout the entire process. They are the first pianos to feature Yamaha’s proprietary Acoustic Resonance Enhancement (A.R.E) treatment. “A.R.E is a revolutionary process that accelerates the aging of wood. Traditionally wood has to age for many years prior to production in order to ensure optimum sound and tone,” explained the firm.
“Now, thanks to Yamaha’s A.R.E treatment, this process can be accelerated by using ground-breaking technology to precisely control temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure with extraordinary accuracy. No chemicals are used at any stage of the process, ensuring that the low environmental impact demanded by Yamaha is maintained. The overall process results in much improved tonal capability and the enhanced ‘warmth’ for which the S series has become so well known.”
SX pianos also boast a redesigned cabinet featuring a unique ‘S’ curving on the side arms whilst other aspects of this distinctive new appearance pay homage to the elegance and expressiveness which will come to be characteristic of the ‘SX’ sound. The SX range, which comprises the S3X, S5X, S6X and S7X, also features a newly designed hammer structure and a soundboard scale identical to the acclaimed flagship CFX concert grand piano.
Yamaha’s Leanne Barrell commented: “The new SX series builds on the great success of our S series, which has enjoyed an excellent international reputation over the years. With these new models the S series heritage and performance takes a major step forward that will ensure SX pianos will match the critical requirements of all pianists and allow them a new level of artistic expression.”
The S3X, S5X & S7X will be available Summer 2017 and the S6X will be available Winter 2017.