Yamaha turns instrument manufacturing wood scraps into upcycled electric guitars

all images courtesy of Yamaha Design Laboratory

Yamaha Corporation imagines guitars made of scrap materials

Yamaha Corporation unveils the concept project Upcycling Guitar, led by their design team, which seeks to create new instruments using defective and scrap wood from the company’s musical instrument manufacturing process. Yamaha, known for its extensive use of wood in crafting instruments, faces the challenge of managing large quantities of cut waste and unused materials. The relationship between a musical instrument and its material is fundamental, shaping its sound, appearance, and feel. Rare woods, often prized for specific instruments, are finite resources requiring years of growth. By repurposing these materials, the company explores innovative ways to design electric guitars that uphold the highest quality standards. The concept focuses on utilizing diverse types of wood, including those traditionally not used in guitar manufacturing, and reimagining their potential in crafting new instruments.

Upcycling guitar repurposes wood from pianos and marimbas

Yamaha Design Laboratory’s commitment to upcycling does not compromise its instruments’ sound quality or aesthetics. Instead, the project aims to maximize the unique qualities of each type of wood, enhancing its inherent characteristics. Yamaha’s scientific analysis of instrument performance allows for a deeper understanding of these materials, enabling the design of instruments that maintain high sound quality, regardless of the wood used. For example, the Marimba model guitar is crafted from rosewood previously used in marimba tone bars, while the Piano model incorporates spruce, beech, birch, and maple scrap wood originally intended for pianos. The Upcycling Guitar concept exemplifies the Japanese musical instrument manufacturer’s vision for the future of musical instruments.

This research contributes to the company’s broader goal of creating instruments that sound good from any material. As technological advancements expand the possibilities for sound production, Yamaha emphasizes collaboration with musicians to define new standards of quality. Trial performance days offer opportunities for feedback, underscoring the project’s dedication to innovation and sustainability in instrument design.

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