I am sure we are all aware that Yamaha also makes hardware for music and musical instruments. Since the famous triple tuning forks marque started by making musical instruments like reed organs and pianos and has been doing so for over a century now, it would be nothing strange if it decided to show off some of its innovations from its music division at the JMS 2023.
Then again, these three products aren’t quite musical instruments per se. There is an AI companion robot, a wooden rocking horse that does not quite look like the traditional rocking horse, and a couple of storage solutions for the guitar that, wait for it, doubles as functional furniture.
Keep going for a brief rundown of each product.
Yamaha Solo/Classic
The Yamaha Solo/Classic Guitar Storage Solution/furniture by MEXARTS is by far the most intriguing and interesting product we have seen relating to musical instruments. The concept is simple: to bring out the fun of living with musical instruments.
In this case, Yamaha presents a Solo acoustic guitar stand which doubles as a high stool when playing guitar, and the Classic guitar frame that fits a guitar within but can double as a bench. In this way, your musical instrument, in this case an acoustic guitar, can be seamlessly integrated into your home.
The Yamaha Solo/Classic is produced by high-end furniture brand MEXARTS. It is not clear if Solo and Classic are available to buy. The Solo/Classic first debuted at the Milan Design Week 2023 in April, along with a slew of musical instrument storage/furniture solutions.
Yamaha “My First Yamaha”
“My First Yamaha” is a new spin on a wooden rocking horse almost every kid will ride as a child. It aims to become a child’s first rideable toy (“vehicle”) while doubling as a musical instrument, hence the moniker “My First Yamaha”.
I have no idea how it works, to be honest. I am going to assume the bells in the belly of the wooden beast will ring when the child rocks the ridable toy and depending on how he or she rocks it will result in some kind of melody.
It is an interesting take. However it is not clear if it is for sale and if so, when and for how much. “My First Yamaha” debuted at the Milan Design Week 2023 in April.
Yamaha Charlie AI Companion Robot
Charlie, a communication-focused robot developed by Yamaha Corporation, utilizes VOCALOID and automatic song-creation technologies. This interactive robot responds to verbal communication by incorporating melodies into its conversations.
Through its unique ability to respond in song, Charlie offers a soothing and heartwarming interaction, aiming to put users at ease. The showcased Charlie at the Yamaha booth for the Japan Mobility Show 2023 is a special edition, btw.
It features AI-based learning and tuning by Yamaha Motor to refine its character, while Yamaha Corporation’s song production AI contributes to creating its musical repertoire.
Images: Yamaha.
