Japan · Est. 1887
Yamaha
The world's most comprehensive musical instrument manufacturer, Yamaha produces guitars across every style and price point with consistent, reliable quality.
About the brand
Yamaha Corporation was founded in 1887 by Torakusu Yamaha in Hamamatsu, Japan, initially as a piano and reed organ manufacturer. The company expanded into electric guitars in the 1966 and has since developed one of the broadest and most respected guitar ranges in the industry, covering acoustic, classical, electric, and bass guitars from student to professional level.
The Yamaha SG-2000 — played by Carlos Santana in the 1970s — established the brand's credentials at the professional level. The Pacifica series has become one of the most recommended beginner-to-intermediate electric guitars in the world, known for its consistent build quality and versatile pickup configuration. The L series acoustics are considered genuine professional instruments by working musicians.
Yamaha's scale as a company — motorcycles, marine engines, semiconductors — means the guitar division benefits from engineering resources and manufacturing technology unavailable to pure instrument brands. The result is a level of consistency and quality control across the range that is difficult to match. Yamaha also owns Line 6, adding digital modelling expertise to its already comprehensive portfolio.
Key facts
- Founded in 1887 in Hamamatsu, Japan — over 130 years of instrument manufacturing
- Pacifica series is one of the world's most recommended beginner-to-intermediate electric guitars
- SG-2000 played by Carlos Santana established Yamaha's professional credentials
- Parent company of Line 6 — combining acoustic and digital guitar expertise
Iconic models
Yamaha SG2000
Yamaha's most prestigious electric guitar, used by Carlos Santana for years and renowned for its extraordinary sustain and impeccable Japanese craftsmanship.
Yamaha Pacifica 112V
The most consistently recommended mid-range guitar on the market for decades, with its humbucker/single-coil mix and Japanese build quality.
Yamaha FG800
Yamaha's best-selling dreadnought acoustic guitar, with a solid spruce top and a resonance and projection that far exceed its price.
Yamaha Revstar
Yamaha's most successful original electric guitar line in decades, with a visual and sonic character that blends classic rock with contemporary urban aesthetics.
Yamaha LL16
A jumbo guitar from Yamaha's L series, with solid spruce top and ebony back and sides and a finish quality that rivals American brands at far higher prices.