Yamaha Unveils a Multi-Million Dollar Investment in High-End Drum Manufacture

The first wave of high-end acoustic drum production at Yamaha’s new multi-million dollar, purpose-built facility in Hangzhou China, is now well under way and with even higher-spec ranges to come in the very near future.

Since its entry into the market over 45 years ago, Yamaha’s impact on drum manufacturing has been immense. With a philosophy of quality, consistency and reliability, the company’s innovative approach to materials and design has revolutionised traditional drum manufacturing. As a result, Yamaha is now regarded – by discerning drummers, sound engineers and record producers everywhere – as one of the most respected drum companies in the world.

During this difficult economic period, when many other drum companies are looking to cut costs, Yamaha – the world’s largest and most resourceful musical instrument manufacturer – has continued to invest and innovate. The company has spent decades developing state-of-the-art techniques such as Air Seal shell technology, staggered diagonal seam shell construction, UV drying, lacquer finishing techniques, and hybrid shell construction (PHX). In doing so, Yamaha’s dedicated designers and engineers have taken countless steps forward and have helped shape the modern drum kit as we know it today.

Originally established in 1997, this facility has been producing the full range of the company’s marching drums, brass and woodwind instruments for well over a decade. The impressive new Xiaoshan Yamaha is just 2 hours from Shanghai and represents the culmination of Yamaha’s experience and investment in high - end drum manufacture. The bright and spacious facility conforms to ISO9000 regulations and boasts one of the most advanced waste water recycling systems in the world – with a recycle rate of over 90%!

Yamaha has already increased the quality and consistency of shell making by improving its high pressure air bag for shell forming, taking Air Seal Technology and construction consistency to a new level. Additionally, the company has been able to introduce impressive laser measurement technology and a far more advanced procedure for UV drying, which will increase the longevity of colour finishes and improve durability.
 
Xiaoshan Yamaha’s first release is the highly acclaimed Live Custom, launched this year at the Winter NAMM show. Future products will see an even higher specification as the line-up expands.

Darren Power, Yamaha’s European Marketing Manager comments, “Make no mistake, Yamaha is set to raise the bar again when it comes to high-end acoustic drums. Our new facility will improve consistency of quality, flexibility and, importantly, allow us to invest with confidence. This really is a very exciting time for Yamaha Drums!”

Yamaha’s flagship Drum Lab workshop in Japan continues to make PHX and, along with its in-house Materials division, has been working closely with the staff at the new factory. Both facilities will be developed side-by-side, ensuring that Yamaha will continue to be a major force in the high-end drum business.