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.