Torakusu Yamaha created his first version of the reed organ in 1887 which marked the humble beginning of what was to become Yamaha Corporation, one of the most recognized name in piano industry.
Yamaha Corporation was originally named Nippon Gakki, which means Japan Musical Instruments. In 1987, the name was changed to Yamaha Corporation.
Throughout its history, Yamaha pianos have been manufactured in 6 locations:
- Hamamatsu, Japan
- Thomaston, Georgia
- South Haven, Michigan
- Jakarta, Indonesia
- Hangzhou, China
- Taoyuan, Taiwan
Due to the different locations where Yamaha pianos have been manufactured, they come with 6 different serial number ranges.
If the serial number begins with an “H”, the piano was manufactured in Hangzhou, China.
If the serial number begins with “J”, the piano was manufactured in Jakarta, Indonesia.
If the serial number begins with a “T”, the piano was manufactured in Thomaston, Georgia.
If the serial number begins with a “U”, the piano was manufactured in South Haven, Michigan.
If the serial number begins with “YT”, the piano was manufactured in Taoyuan, Taiwan.
If a grand piano’s model is GH1G, GH1FP, GC1G, or GC1FP, the piano was manufactured in Thomaston, Georgia.
If a grand piano’s model is GA1E, DGA1E, GB1, DGB1, GB1K, or DGB1K, the piano was manufactured in Jakarta, Indonesia.
All other Yamaha grand piano models were manufactured in Hamamatsu, Japan.