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As Yamaha celebrates 60 years in the U.S. guitar market, the milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on a journey that began in the late 1950s, when the company first entered the guitar business in Japan with a lineup of classical nylon- string instruments. Those early models established the craftsmanship that laid the groundwork for decades of growth across acoustic, electric and bass guitar categories. “Classical guitars are our heritage of where we started,” said Andy Winston, Yamaha’s product training specialist for guitars. “What we’re celebrating this year is the 60th anni- versary of Yamaha guitars in America. The year 1966 was the first year that Yamaha imported guitars into America, including two acoustic guitars, a dreadnought and a small body, six-string electric and a four-string bass. And that’s what started Yamaha’s pas- sion with what was going on in America.” PUSHING THE ENVELOPE While the company honors its heritage, it has consistently introduced technologies and concepts that challenge traditional ex- pectations of what a guitar can be. Among the most notable innovations of the past two decades are the groundbreaking Silent Guitar series and Yamaha’s TransAcoustic technology, both of which reimagined the player experience. One of the company’s strengths is its ability to tap into its broader portfolio, using insights from divisions such as pianos and B&O to inspire new developments within its guitar lineup. “We make acoustic guitars that have effects built into them, which is actually something that came from our piano divi- sion,” Winston said. “Our piano division is helping to inform other things that we do as a guitar organization. Now, we can give that player the experience of having an acoustic guitar that has reverb, chorus, delay, looper, Bluetooth, and all those chords, so that in- novation of how to make the experiential
For Yamaha Guitars, its 60-year milestone is less about celebrating the past and more about shaping the future. Through streamlined product offerings, strong retailer partnerships and a commitment to innova- tion, the company continues to evolve while keeping musicians at the center of every decision. — By Kimberly Kapela YAMAHA GUITARS TURNS 60 Yamaha Guitars’ Andy Winston.
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amaha Guitars has never been a com- pany content to rest on its laurels. While its rich history serves as a founda-
tion, the brand has consistently focused on innovation and meeting the needs of modern musicians.
14 I MUSIC INC. I JULY 2026
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