Harmony Central®: Yamaha Introduces New Entry-Level Acoustics]]> <![CDATA[Yamaha Introduces New Entry-Level Acoustics]]>
FS-340
]]> Yamaha has always recognized the need for high quality-yet affordable-entry-level acoustic guitars for students, beginners, and hobbyists. In 1999, Yamaha Corporation of America furthers that tradition by introducing five new models, the F-310 TBS, FX-310, F-340, FS-340 Steel Strings, and the CS-40 Classical, at Winter NAMM. These guitars offer a variety of colors, body shapes, and sizes-all at a price that's sure to strike a chord with budget-minded, developing guitarists.

Students and teachers alike choose Yamaha because, unlike most "student" models, even the most affordable Yamaha guitars are easily playable, great-sounding guitars. Yamaha's commitment to providing high performance to the cost-conscious is illustrated by the full range of options offered in this new series.

"Beginners and hobbyists alike will appreciate these new acoustic and classical guitars," notes David Bergstrom, director of marketing, Combo Group. "At remarkably affordable prices, these new instruments now give players more options when seeking that first guitar."

Each of the new guitars offers excellent construction and good quality materials, including a real Spruce top, Meranti back and sides, Nato neck with Rosewood fingerboard, and a Rosewood Bridge.

Three of the new models are based upon Yamaha's popular FG shape: The FX-310, F-340 and F-310 TBS. Performing guitarists will want to check out the electric/acoustic FX-310, which provides the sonic power of a passive under-saddle piezo pickup system, mated to an onboard preamp with 2-band EQ. Elegantly styled with a Natural Gloss finish, the slick playing FX-310 makes hitting the high note easy, thanks to its sleek cutaway, which eases access to the upper frets. This is clearly one of the top electric/acoustic values in the marketplace.

The F-340 offers full-bodied, pure acoustic tone in a traditional non-cutaway body shape. Boasting enhanced materials and appointments, the F-340 (Natural Gloss finish) and the F-340BL (Black finish) provide the high-class looks and sound of instruments costing far more than their remarkably low suggested retail price.

Being on a budget doesn't mean you can't make a statement in style: The full-bodied F-310 TBS offers a rich Tobacco Brown Sunburst finish that's sure to set you apart from the pack, while maintaining the sound, playablility-and wallet friendliness-of the rest of the series.

For those who find the FG shape too bulky, the FS-340 offers the outstanding looks and tone of the FS-340 in a smaller-bodied, 7/8-scale instrument. The FS-340 is an especially good choice for the younger player-the enhanced comfort of the body size, coming without sacrificing sound or playablility, is sure to encourage practice and enhance the growing musical experience. As Gary Cook, product manager for Yamaha Guitars notes, "Our F Series acoustic guitars produce a warm and vibrant tone that is perfect for the budget-minded guitarist."

Another small-bodied instrument, the CS-40, is an ideal entry into the world of nylon-string guitars. Like the F-series instruments, this 7/8-version of Yamaha's extremely popular C-40 offers a real Spruce top, Nato neck, a durable Rosewood fingerboard and Meranti back and sides.

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