Tosin Abasi, a name synonymous with innovative guitar playing, has seen his career propelled by his brilliant use of the 8-string guitar. One brand that has supported his journey is Yamaha, a name revered in the musical instrument industry. Let's delve into Tosin Abasi and his Yamaha guitars, exploring their collaboration and the impact they've had on the musical world.
Tosin Abasi's unique playing style, often referred to as 'tapping' or 'two-hand guitar tapping', requires an instrument capable of keeping up with his innovative techniques. Here, Yamaha guitars have been instrumental, quite literally.
Yamaha Guitars and Tosin Abasi
Yamaha's association with Tosin Abasi began when he chose the Yamaha Revstar RSP20CR to record his solo album, "Flux." This guitar, with its resonant mahogany body andwicked-sounding humbuckers, provided the perfect platform for Tosin's experimental style.
The collaboration didn't stop there. Yamaha further supported Tosin by creating signature models, like the TRBX174L, designed specifically to cater to his unique playing style and techniques.
Yamaha Revstar RSP20CR
One of the first Yamaha guitars Tosin Abasi used was the Revstar RSP20CR. This guitar, with its bold, edgy design and powerful tone, stood as a testament to Yamaha's commitment to supporting innovative guitarists. Tosin's signature "tapping" technique required a guitar that could handle complex chords and articulate note patterns, and the Revstar delivered.
Signature features include the Alnico V humbuckers, which provide a versatile range of tones, from the crunchy rock sounds to the smooth, clean jazz tones. The three-piece mahogany neck, paired with a bound, laurel fretboard, ensures optimal playability, making it an excellent choice for Tosin's demanding style.
Yamaha TRBX174L
Yamaha's TRBX174L was created in collaboration with Tosin Abasi. This guitar's unique design was tailored to Tosin's two-hand tapping technique, featuring a ABF (Amplification Bass Fret) system that extended the range of usable notes and enhanced playability.
The TRBX174L incorporates Yamaha's original designed pickups, providing a wide dynamic range and excellent clarity. The five-piece maple and mahogany neck, paired with a 24-fret, extra-long 34-inch scale, ensures comfort and playability for even the most complex compositions.
The Impact of Tosin Abasi and Yamaha on the Music Industry
Tosin Abasi and Yamaha's collaboration has undeniably influenced the music industry. Tosin's innovative playing style has expanded the boundaries of what's possible on the guitar, while Yamaha has showcased its commitment to supporting artists pushing the envelope.
Yamaha's continued support of experimental artists like Tosin Abasi has not only advanced guitar technology but also fostered a culture of creativity and innovation in the music world.
Innovations in Guitar Design
Through their collaboration, Yamaha and Tosin Abasi have provoked advancements in guitar design. The ABF (Amplification Bass Fret) system introduced on the TRBX174L is a testament to this, enabling extended playability for two-hand tapping techniques.
Moreover, Yamaha's use of exotic woods, unique body shapes, and distinctive finishes have pushed guitar aesthetics into uncharted territories, providing artists with visually striking tools to express their musical vision.
Expanding the Musical Horizon
Tosin Abasi's unique approach to guitar playing has expanded the musical horizon, inspiring a new generation of instrumentalists. His YouTube tutorials and clinic performances showcase his playing style and insightful approach to music.
By partnering with Yamaha, Tosin Abasi has not only honed his own craft but also given other artists access to instruments that can keep up with their experimental tendencies. Yamaha's commitment to supporting Tosin has shown the music industry that innovation is key to moving forward.
The symbiotic relationship between Tosin Abasi and Yamaha stands as a shining example of how artists and instrument manufacturers can collaborate to propel the music industry into new and exciting territories. As Tosin continues to push musical boundaries, so too will Yamaha, continuously evolving to support the daring and innovative.