In the making of pianos the choice of materials is a much-considered subject. For Yamaha, the concept of perfection starts by setting the selection criteria on which all its materials are chosen. For Premium Pianos only the world’s finest materials are used. They are then crafted into each and every component – always with the consideration that it is the blend and harmony of each element that ensures the pedigree of the end result. Wood that has been specially selected based on the grain structure, strength and resonance is seasoned for long periods so that it is perfect to form the ribs, soundboard and bridges. High-grade felt for the hammers, the leather used in the mechanism of the action, which is itself engineered to the highest precision levels, or the cast-iron plate that is produced at Yamaha’s own foundry: it is the interaction and synergy among all these materials which turns an instrument into a Yamaha Premium Piano. This dedication is applied to every individual stage of production and the most rigid quality controls possible ensure that each instrument attains the desired quality level. It is the fusion of all the elements that is critical – every component, each material, the method of assembly and the quality checks that create the final product. Add to this the experience of the master builder, the demands of the artist and the technological expertise available from a long tradition of craftsmanship, and then it is clear to see how Yamaha succeeds in creating what pianists experience as the form of perfect harmony between performer and piano.

Yamaha grand pianos play an integral part in the growth and development of emerging artists. Prized not only for their tone and touch, but also for their consistency and durability, they are to be found wherever musicians are making their mark. Long a leading choice of the finest schools and conservatories, Yamaha grands are equally prominent on stage at international piano competitions and performing arts organizations around the world.

To earn acceptance by the world’s leading professionals, a piano must be far more than simply adequate. It must be truly a superlative instrument, to excel in every aspect. Of only a handful of instruments chosen for this honor, Yamaha grands are consistently played and praised by some of the greatest concert artists of our time, and recognized with distinction throughout the performing arts community.

The CFX is skillfully handcrafted in the Yamaha Concert Grand Factory. Bass strings and hammers are hand-made. Only the finest of materials are used in this piano. The high-level factory craftsmen perform every aspect of construction. The customer is assured of having the very highest quality of piano manufactured by Yamaha, the largest manufacturer of pianos in the world.

Yamaha specifically seasons this piano for the U.S. market. The tuning stability, finish and overall musical integrity are enhanced over the long life expected of a fine piano.

Yamaha utilizes a process that creates a permanent crown in the soundboard and at the same time minimizes soundboard cracking. The customer can feel confident that not only will the piano last for years, but the beautiful sound of a Yamaha piano will last a lifetime.

At the Yamaha lumber mill and wood processing facility, the finest spruce is quarter sawn; and less than 10% of the total is selected and reserved for Yamaha piano soundboards. Solid spruce, rather than laminated spruce or poplar, is the choice in all fine pianos for the best amplification of sound, best tone and sustain.

Yamaha reinforces the crown in its soundboards by using ribs that continue to the edge of the soundboard, and are glued into the notched liner (or inner rim on the grand piano). Reinforcing the crown ensures that the tone quality will remain for years and years and improves tuning stability.

Yamaha engineering developed a unique Extruded Aluminum Alloy Action Rail (bearing a Yamaha patent) that is one of the best innovations for improving a piano action in the last 100 years. The usual fluctuations in wood rails that effect touch, caused by periodic weather changes, are eliminated allowing stable, long-lasting action regulation.

Each key of a Yamaha piano is individually tested and measured for the corrections needed to obtain uniform “down weight” pressure. Yamaha actions play correctly and uniformly. This balancing helps ensure a lifetime of superior touch and control across the keyboard.

Yamaha uses spruce for the keys on all models of pianos. Spruce is very light and possesses a very high ratio of strength to weight. It’s ideal for key construction, even though its cost is greater than either sugar pine or bass wood. Yamaha keyboards respond quickly-providing fast repetition for the most intricate piece of music. Yamaha keyboards withstand heavy use over years of fortissimo passages.