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| Yamaha began working intensively on the development
of wind instruments in 1963, utilizing all aspects of traditional
technology to create the world's top class of wind instruments.
Today Yamaha is widely recognized as the top brand in wind
instruments. In 1967 Yamaha started indepth acoustical research.
The findings from this research were quickly applied to processes
such as determining ideal body tapers. Precision design using
computer simulations has provided us with new methods for
improving the intonation of wind instruments. |
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A combination of craftsmanship and new technologies has
enabled Yamaha to produce high-quality musical instruments
with great consistency.
A combination of craftsmanship and new technologies has enabled
Yamaha to produce high-quality musical instruments with great
consistency. In addition to the basic design, factors such
as product materials and working techniques are also taken
into account to ensure even pitch and beautiful sound. |
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1. Tube drawing
After the metal used to form the tube is sanded and buffed,
it is drawn to form a pipe with micron-level precision. This
step is very important in determining the sound and pitch
of the flute. |
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2. Blow-hole brazing
In this step, the lip plate and lip plate rib are attached
by brazing to the headjoint. |
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3. Undercutting
In this step, an undercut is formed on the embouchure hole
to increase the amount of volume and give the sound a resonance
that carries. Undercutting is done manually in high-end handmade
models. |
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4. Plating
In this step, the unit is submerged in a plating solution
and electroplated with silver. |
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1. Tonehole raising
In this step, a total of sixteen tone holes of four different
types (large and small) are raised from the body. Their rims
are then curled to form toneholes with micron-level precision. |
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| Cross section of completed tonehole |
2. Key posts
In this step, key posts are made and brazed together
with post ribs, then soldered to the body. |
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3. Key post flattening
Holes through which the rod passes are formed in the key posts.
The ends of the key posts are flattened in this step so that
the key mechanisms can be fitted in. |
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4. Plating
As in the headjoint process, the unit is submerged in a plating
solution and electroplated with silver. |
What is the rod?
The rod passes through the mechanism components of woodwind
instruments, and is supported at either end by key posts.
It serves as the core connecting the finger buttons to the
keys. |
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1. Pressing and forging
The material used to form the keys is pressed using tremendous
force to shape it while increasing its strength. |
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2. Hole formation
Holes are formed to insert the key pipes in the key components
(e.g., keys and pad cup arms). |
3. Swaged cutting
The exterior of the component is cut and formed while using
a guide that has the same shape as the component. High-end
handmade models are cut by hand. |
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4. Brazing individual parts
In this step, the key posts are brazed together with key parts
such as the post ribs. |
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5. Plating
As in the headjoint process and body process, the components
are submerged in a plating solution and electroplated with
silver. |
6. Pad insertion
In this step, the individual pads are inserted in a time-consuming
process by skilled craftsmen with many years of expertise
and know-how. |
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