Brass Bulletin 39, III / 1982 page 4–5 · 1 min. read

Editorial

A musician's instrument is a precious object. The quality of its manufacture depends on a combination of elements often strangely and randomly linked.

A man, a team, sensitivity, good materials, intelligence, astuteness, intimate knowledge of the subject, inventiveness, sustained willpower, commercial success, keeping in touch with the rumours of the brass world — all this, in the right amounts, is necessary if good instruments are going to be made.

On a recent visit to Yamaha, the giant Japanese instrument makers, I realised that the war between American, European and Japanese firms is merciless and that in it each side uses different, not to say ill-matched weapons. The overall aim of this war, let us not forget, is to make us play such and such an instrument, of such and such a make, because it is better, because it is in keeping with current tastes, because it meets our artistic demands. An instrument without obvious qualities will not find success among musicians, even if the publicity is perfect.

Since then Brass Bulletin has wanted to offer its readers a series of articles, in the form of reports, which will present these people who work for us, manufacturers or craftsmen, large or small, each in turn.

The first in this series will appear in our next issue (no. 40, November 1982) with a presentation and description of Yamaha. This choice has also been made at random. In no. 41 (February 1983) we will invite you to meet another manufacturer.

Yamaha has ambitious aims and sees to it that it has the means of attaining them. You will learn about the incredible structure of this firm and about the will and determination of those who run it. Make no mistake, Yamaha is setting out to conquer the world of wind players.

Yamaha Musical Instruments was founded only seventeen years ago! You will meet the amazing individual who reigns over the wind instrument department, Yoshihiro Kaji, as well as some of his fellow-workers who have managed to develop subtle contacts with the best of our own colleagues.

Yoshihiro Kaji is an impressive figure, a versatile engineer, musician, conductor (he conducts the Hamamatsu symphony orchestra), confident of success but modest and respectful. All his competitors should watch him...

These reports will provide information not only for musicians but also for instrument dealers and other manufacturers.

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Editorial

Yamaha, an ambitious giant

The double-slide trombone

The history of the big York-Hirsbrunner Tuba

Instrument Making and the Ear

On the sensitivity of brass instruments

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