Yamaha Introduces CPX15W "Compass
West" Guitar
 January 28, 1999In a move to offer professional guitar players exciting new options in
a truly handcrafted acoustic guitar, Yamaha Corporation of America announces
the Winter NAMM debut of the "Compass West."
The model CPX15W is an acoustic electric cutaway that features a western
motif of interlocking longhorns realized in Paduk, Walnut and Rosewood,
circling the rosette. A "conch" belt motif in genuine pearl and turquoise
decorates the fingerboard. The solid Sitka spruce top and unique body
style, complemented by solid Walnut back and sides, produces a strikingly
clear and penetrating acoustic sound.
The acoustic electric pickup and preamp feature a newly designed hybrid
system which allows players to blend an in-bridge L.R. Baggz piezo pickup
with a strategically mounted condenser microphone. The result, when routed
through Yamaha' proprietary preamp, produces a stunningly realistic acoustic
sound which is a true reflection of the guitar's acoustic qualities.
As an additional benefit, Yamaha's uniquely designed bridge allows quick
and easy action adjustment. Each instrument is set up to exacting specifications
in Japan before shipment and once again in the USA, before being shipped
to dealers. Twenty-four karat gold machines, bound fingerboard and headstock,
and inlaid Compass logo of pearl, abalone and rosewood round out this
truly professional guitar.
Related David Bergstrom, director of marketing for Yamaha's Combo Division,
"Yamaha enjoys worldwide resources for sourcing of the finest materials
for building musical instruments. There is also a long and rich legacy
of world class luthery in the Custom Shop in Hamamatsu, Japan. With the
introduction of the Handcrafted Series, and the launch of the acoustic
electric Compass Series, Yamaha will set the stage for participation in
the highest level professional guitar market. The Compass Series actually
debuted at Winter NAMM 1998, and these new unique designs are destined
to turn heads. Customers can expect to see regular introduction of unique
designs with geographic motifs over the next three years. Just over the
horizon are the South and North realizations."
The Compass Series, CPX15 W includes a professional level hard-shell
case, model GA 38. Dealerships are limited and will be featured both on
the Yamahaguitars.com website and in future advertising. For more information, visit Yamaha's web site at www.yamaha.com. | 
