Yamaha Pianos
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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.
1897: Official Establishment of Nippon Gakki Co., Ltd.
Nippon Gakki was officially incorporated in 1897. The company specialised in producing high-quality pianos, organs, and harmoniums, and quickly gained recognition for its craftsmanship, precision 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 pianos, guitars, percussion 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 instruments, professional 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 instruments, audio technology, electronics, 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 quality, sound, and historical value. Today, Yamaha Corporation continues this legacy as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of musical instruments, pro audio equipment, and sound innovation.
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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 |