12/3/2008 [Musical Instruments]
A.R.E. (Acoustic Resonance Enhancement) is an original wood reforming technology developed by Yamaha. Instruments made with woods processed with this technology produce a tonal richness that is like an old instrument that has been played for years. This technology is currently applied to the tops on L Series 6 model acoustic guitars and LX Series 6 model acoustic-electric guitars.
A.R.E technology uses precision controlled humidity and temperature to manipulate the molecular properties of the wood into a more acoustically ideal condition (similar to the molecular characteristics of woods in instruments that have been played for years). The process is chemical free making it an environmentally friendly process as well.
The following alterations lead to their corresponding acoustically ideal conditions.
- Enhanced low range sustain produces rich sound and thick tone.
- Increased high range response and decay produces a sharper tone and simultaneously controls dissonance.
• Patents already registered:
Japan Patent # 3562517
United States # US6667429 B2
and other countries
• Patents Pending:
Europe (20 countries)
The graphs shown below are from actual acoustic spectral measurements taken under controlled conditions with a current L series guitar and a new L series guitar with A.R.E. Notice the enhanced low range sustain and improved high range attack on the A.R.E. guitar. It is also clear that high range dissonance has a shorter delay after the attack. This is hard proof that A.R.E. is effective at producing the desired changes in the wood’s acoustic characteristics. These instruments have received high marks from a great number of musicians. Most of their evaluations are identical to evaluations for guitars that have been played for years. Comments such as “excellent resonance”, “warm”, “mature”, “well settled”, and “clear” were common terms used in the evaluations.
