Yamaha Canada Music

1887 - Torakusu Yamaha succeeds in building first reed organ

Yamaha founder, Torakusu Yamaha, began producing reed organs in1887. Since that time, Yamaha has developed and manufactured high quality musical instruments to high worldwide acclaim.

1897 - Yamaha Corporation established

Nippon Gakki Co., Ltd. ( currently Yamaha Corporation) was established in 1897. Yamaha has accumulated a wealth of expertise in the production of musical instruments for more than 100 years. It is with pleasure that we continue to fulfill our mission: contributing to a richer life for all, via innovative, quality products and technology which is a de facto standard.

1900 - Production of Piano Begins

Since 1900, when Yamaha first began to manufacture pianos, the company has created a full line of quality pianos that have won the trust and support of dealers and customers around the world. In 1991, Yamaha's piano production passed the five million mark.

In 1986 Yamaha developed the Disklavier piano, a combination of acoustic piano and electronic technology. In 1993, the epoch-making Silent Series Piano debuted, acoustic pianos capable of playing in complete silence. Yamaha is making efforts to create new demand in the piano market.

1954 - Production of motorcycles begins

Yamaha means more than just musical instruments. In 1954 production of motorcycles started. Yamaha Motor, established in 1955, is renowned today as a leading motorcycle manufacturer.

1954 - Yamaha Music School System inaugurated

In 1954, Yamaha Music School System was inaugurated. In 1966, the Yamaha Music Foundation was established, generating a wide range of global activities designed to disseminate music. Over 800,000 students are currently enrolled in Yamaha Music Schools in Japan and in over 40 countries worldwide; over four million have graduated.

Yamaha's Junior Original Concert (JOC) program sets the stage for those educated at Yamaha Music School to perform their original compositions.

1959 - Electronic organ "Electone" developed

Since the development of the electronic organ, Electone, Yamaha has produced products with its state-of-the art electronic technology, seeking tonal color and musical expression that appeal to the human mind. The myriad advances in this technology are reflected in electronic piano, portable keyboards, synthesizers, computer music equipment and professional audio (PA) equipment.

1965 - Production of Wind Instruments begins

Yamaha Wind Instruments have been created in partnership with some of the world's greatest artists, and can be found in almost every major symphony orchestra. In addition, a large number of top jazz and studio musicians have chosen Yamaha instruments. Besides woodwinds and brass, Yamaha's percussion -- including keyboard percussion, timpani and a full range of drums -- and guitars, have had a major impact on raising the standards of such instruments, and thus have earned an enviable reputation among leading professional musicians.

1968 - Production of Stereo begins

Yamaha's long-standing commitment to superior instrument sound quality is evident in its audio products. Successful advances in LSIs, acoustics and materials continue to win critical acclaim for Yamaha Audio components.

Yamaha's Digital Sound Field Processor (DSP) is just one example, hailed by audio and business magazines as product of the year. DSP sound fields are used in Audio Visual applications to create Cinema DSP, the core of Yamaha's Home Cinema System. Another Yamaha first is our proprietary Active Servo Technology. Popular applications of this technology are seen in Yamaha's subwoofers, PC Speakers and compact systems.

1969 - Yamaha Canada Music Ltd. set up

Yamaha Canada Music Ltd. was set up in Winnipeg in 1969. The Yamaha Music Education program in Canada took roots in Winnipeg. In 1976 the head office was moved to current location in Scarborough (Toronto), Ontario.

1971 - IC plant commences production

Yamaha has long produced captive LSIs successfully for its own products. A case in point is digitization of sound sources, which converts the actual sound of piano and wind instruments into digital signals for faithful reproduction, as featured in the expressive Electone. External sales of LSIs started in 1983.

Yamaha is one of the top supplier of thin film magnetic heads for the Hard Disk-Drive-memory. The MR (Magneto-Resistive) head and the next generation head, GMR (Giant MR), is making Yamaha the world leader in a new era of multimedia industries in the 21 century.

Yamaha supplies CD Recorder (CDR) and CD Rewritable (CDRW ), created using Yamaha design and LSI technology.

1981 - Portable Keyboard "Portatone" launched

Portable keyboards "Portatone" was launched in 1981.Yamaha's Protatone can be played and enjoyed by anyone. This is the instrument that brings music to all.

1983 - Electronic Piano "Clavinova" launched

Clavinova was launched in 1983. Current Clavinova models, CLP series digital piano is another popular Yamaha innovation that offers effortless playing with the timbre and touch of a full-scale piano, The upgraded CVP series provides a variety of additional features and is enhanced by an array of musical instrument sounds so the player can experience the sensation of performing with an orchestra or band.

1993 - Silent instrument series marketed

In 1993, Silent Series Piano was launched. With Yamaha's Silent Series Pianos, the pianist can "turn off the sound" while listening to himself/herself play through stereo headphones to real time digital reproduction. The Silent Series is designed not only to overcome the limitations of living in confined urban environments, but to maintain the player's privacy within his/her family.

In 1995, Silent Brass system was marketed. Silent Brass system allows players to enjoy a rich, full sound via headphone, while muting the instrument's external sound.

In 1996,DTX silent session drum was marketed.

In 1997, Silent Violin was marketed

Canadian Head Office:

Yamaha Canada Music Ltd.
135 Milner Ave.,
Toronto ON M1S 3R1

tel.: (416) 298-1311
fax: (416) 292-0732