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Yamaha Pianos

For Yamaha pianos that we have available for purchase, click here

 

1887: Birth of Nippon Gakki in Hamamatsu, Japan

Nippon Gakki (translates to Japanese Musical Instrument) was founded in 1887 by Torakusu Yamaha in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. The company began after Yamaha repaired a broken reed organ at a local school and built one of his own. This moment marked the start of Japan’s first musical instrument manufacturer—laying the foundation for what would become the world-famous Yamaha Corporation.

Torakusu Yamaha
Mr Torakusu Yamaha

   

1897: Official Establishment of Nippon Gakki Co., Ltd.

Nippon Gakki was officially incorporated in 1897. The company specialised in producing high-quality pianosorgans, and harmoniums, and quickly gained recognition for its craftsmanshipprecision engineering, and commitment to musical excellence.

The first 'Yamaha' factory, originally Nippon Gakki in 1897.

 

Early 1900s: Expansion into Music Education

As Japan modernised, Nippon Gakki played a key role in developing music education nationwide. Its instruments became widely used in Japanese schools, and the company began producing wind instruments and string instruments to meet growing demand. This period established Nippon Gakki as a leader in educational musical instruments.

 

1930s–1940s: Wartime Production and Adaptation

During World War II, Nippon Gakki temporarily shifted focus to wartime manufacturing, producing items such as airplane propellers and military equipment. Instrument production slowed, but the company’s engineering expertise continued to evolve during this time.

 

1950s–1970s: Global Expansion and Diversification

Post-war, Nippon Gakki returned to its roots, manufacturing pianosguitarspercussion instruments, and eventually audio equipment and home electronics. The company also launched motorcycles, leading to the creation of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. in 1955. By the 1970s, the Yamaha brand was recognised globally for high-quality musical instrumentsprofessional audio, and consumer electronics.

 

1960s–1970s: Rise of Yamaha Acoustic Guitars

This era saw the release of the iconic Yamaha FG series acoustic guitars, made by Nippon Gakki. Known for their durability, sound quality, and affordability, these guitars became extremely popular worldwide. Today, instruments labeled “Nippon Gakki” are considered vintage Yamaha guitars and are highly valued by collectors and musicians alike.

 

1987: From Nippon Gakki to Yamaha Corporation

In 1987, to mark its 100th anniversary, Nippon Gakki changed its name to Yamaha Corporation. This rebranding reflected the company’s growth into a diversified global brand spanning musical instrumentsaudio technologyelectronics, and motor products. The new name honored founder Torakusu Yamaha and unified the brand across all product lines.

 

Legacy of Nippon Gakki

Instruments bearing the "Nippon Gakki" label (pre-1987) are now seen as a mark of authentic Japanese craftsmanship and vintage quality. Whether it's a classic acoustic guitar, upright piano, or school organ, Nippon Gakki products are cherished for their build qualitysound, and historical value. Today, Yamaha Corporation continues this legacy as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of musical instrumentspro audio equipment, and sound innovation.

 

 

For more information about the different types of pianos, click the links below:

 

 Uprights 

Grands 




Serial Numbers

 1917 - 1700 1918 - 1800 1919 - 1900 1920 - 2100
1921 - 2650 1922 - 3150 1923 - 3650 1924 - 4250
1925 - 4905 1926 - 5700 1927 - 6500 1928 - 7750
1929 - 8928






1930 - 10163 1931 - 11719 1932 - 13368 1933 - 15182
1934 - 17939 1935 - 19895 1936 - 22397 1937 - 25158
1938 - 28000 1939 - 30000





1940 - 31900 1941 - 33800 1942 - 35600 1943 - 37000
1944 - 38000 1945 - 38550 1946 - 39250 1947 - 40001
1948 - 40075 1949 - 40675





1950 - 42073 1951 - 44262 1952 - 47675 1953 - 51266
1954 - 57057 1955 - 63400 1956 - 69300 1957 - 77000
1958 - 89000 1959 - 102000





1960 - 123500 1961 - 149000 1962 - 188000 1963 - 237000
1964 - 298000 1965 - 368000 1966 - 489000 1967 - 570000
1968 - 685000 1969 - 805000





1970 - 960000 1971 - 1130000 1972 - 1317000 1972 - 1358500
1973 - 1510500 1973 - 1538500 1974 - 1745000 1974 - 17535000
1975 - 1945000 1975 - 1935000 1976 - 2154000 1976 - 2153000
1977 - 2362000 1977 - 2384000 1978 - 2585000 1978 - 2580500
1979 - 2810500 1979 - 2848000





1980 - 3001300 1980 - 3040000 1981 - 3261000 1981 - 3270000
1982 - 3465000 1982 - 3490000 1983 - 3646200 1983 - 3710500
1984 - 3832200 1984 - 3891600 1985 - 3987600 1985 - 4040700
 1986 - 4156500 1986 - 4214600 1987 - 4334800 1987 - 4351100
1988 - 4491300 1988 - 4561000 1989 - 4672700 1989 - 4671400




1990 - 4837200 1990 - 4810900 1991 - 4967900 1991 - 4951200
1992 - 5086800 1992 - 5071800 1993 - 5204100 1993 - 5181400
1994 - 5296400 1994 - 5291500 1995 - 5375200 1995 - 5368000
1996 - 5446000 1996 - 5448000 1997 - 5530000 1997 - 5502000
1998 - 5579000 1998 - 5588000 1999 - 5792000 1999 - 5810000




2000 - 5860100 2001 - 5920000 2002 - 5970000 2003 - 6020000
2004 - 6060000 2006 - 6145000 2007 - 6191000 2008 - 6220000
2009 - 6250000 2010 - 6280000 2011 - 6310000 2012 - 6340000
2013 - 6360000 2014 - 6380000 2015 - 6400000 2016 - 6420000