NAMM 2010 Yamaha Guitar News
By MNJ
| Posted in Music Technology
Yamaha is launching two new ‘Made in Japan’ models at NAMM 2010, as well as some exciting new additions to its acoustic range, designated FSX, plus a redesigned nylon strung, the CG.
The classic Yamaha SG model gets a makeover with three models designated the SG1800 series. These set neck SGs all feature an African Mahogany neck and body, a smaller headstock, rosewood fingerboard and new, smaller inlays. The body features a deeper carve and there are improvements too to the nut, now made of Tusq, and the electrics, with CTS pots in attendance. Added to this are locking Grover machine heads, a Switchcraft toggle switch and Tonepros bridge.
The SG1820SG Classic version has nickel hardware, ‘classic’ SG inlays, Seymour Duncan ’59 pickups and comes in Black (BL), Vintage White (VW), and Brown Sunburst (BS). The SG1820A-SG Modern features black hardware, ‘modern SG’ inlays, EMG 60/85 pickups and is available in Black or Silverburst. The last model is the SG1802-SG Vintage which has nickel hardware, ‘dot’ inlays, Seymour Duncan SP-90 pickups and comes in Black or Goldtop finishes. An SKB hardcase is included as standard.
Also coming from Japan is the Super BB bass, available with either four or five strings and a choice of Classic BB or ‘X’ scratchplates. The BB is a pro-spec bass with an ARE/IRA three-piece spline-jointed Alder body and a five-ply maple Mahogany bolt-on neck. The custom pickups are an alnico neck and ceramic bridge, giving a good balance between warm and cutting sounds. Bridge is a Vintage Plus with 45 degree through body mitre-stringing. The two models are designated BB2024 and BB2025, both of which have the BB scratchplate and are finished in either Black, Natural or Vintage Sunburst, or the BB2024X and BB2025x with the X scratchplate and available in Black, Vintage Sunburst or Vintage White. An SKB hardshell case is included.
There are also three new acoustics, starting with the FSX720S, which features a solid Sitka spruce top, Nato back and sides and ‘three-T’ construction – that’s thinner back and sides, a thinner finish and a thinner neck. It has a piezo pickup with a Yamaha System 55T preamp and onboard tuner. Available in Natural, Black or Brown Sunburst, this cutaway electro continues the tradition of value for money Yamahas.
The second model is the FSX730S, again with a solid Sitka Spruce top but with Rosewood back and sides. This model also sports the three-T construction and has a one-way ART pickup with a Yamaha System 56 preamp and onboard tuner. The third model is the FG740VCS, also with solid Sitka Spruce top but flamed Maple back and sides. Like the other models, it features the three-T construction and is available in Vintage Cherry Sunburst.
Last up is the new CG, a total redesign of the well loved Yamaha classical guitar. Improvements include a matt finish bridge, a smaller bridgeplate and a better saddle fit. Yamaha claim improved playability with a three-piece matt finish neck and a 02.mm lower action. Cosmetic details include a smaller headstock with the Yamaha logo and a smaller rosette on the soundhole. There are five CG models – the CG192 has a Spruce /Cedar top, Rosewood back and sides and the Mahogany neck, the CG182 has a Spruce/Cedar top, Rosewood back and sides and a Nato neck, the CG162 has a Spruce/Cedar top, Ovankol back and sides and a Rosewood neck, and both the CG142 and CG122 have Spruce/Cedar tops, Nato back and sides and Rosewood necks.
The Yamaha SG has always been an underrated classic, and with this new improved Japanese version it should start to claw its way into the all-time great guitar list where it belongs.
Tags: yamaha, yamaha bass, yamaha cg, yamaha fg/fsx, yamaha guitars, yamaha sg1800, yamaha super bb