yamaha’s revamped compact saxophone wins 2017 japan GOOD DESIGN grand award

yamaha, one of the largest producers of musical instruments in the world, has recently won japan’s 2017 GOOD DESIGN grand award with its latest innovative and casual wind instrument. although the saxophone has been around for centuries and is built of many complex parts, venova‘s branched pipe structure and meandering shape produces a similar tone from a compact portable form with few keys.

the instrument measures 460mm and weighs 180g
image © yamaha

yamaha‘s venova is made of light, tough, washable ABS resin and offers a feel and tone that satisfies even the most advanced musicians. the instrument is played like a recorder which makes learning it very simple for people of all ages. venova lets you blast powerful notes or produce beautiful soft melodies, offering a rich range of musical expression. as versatile as the performer, it’s great for any type of music.

whether out for the day or going on a trip, it’s easy to carry
image © yamaha

venova jam session
video © yamaha corporation

branched pipe structure and meandering shape produces a similar tone from a compact portable form with few keys
image © yamaha

manabu kawada (yamaha’s general manager of design laboratory) has introduced us the venova.
image © designboom

image © designboom

view into the exhitibion
image © designboom

fumie shibata(GOOD DESIGN award vice chairman), keizo tatsumi (yamaha), kazufumi nagai(GOOD DESIGN award chairman)
image © designboom

project info:

award-winning item: casual wind instrument [venova]
principal implementing business: yamaha corporation
company (nationality): yamaha corporation (japan)
producer: hiroshi nakajima, b&o planning group, b&o division, yamaha corporation
director: manabu kawada, yoshihiro katsumata, design laboratory, yamaha corporation
designer: keizo tatsumi, design laboratory, yamaha corporation
on the market: 2017/5

the GOOD DESIGN award was founded in 1957 by the japanese ministry of international trade and industry and is hosted by the japan institute for design promotion. the ‘g mark’ emblem reflects comprehensive design values and principles that aim to enrich lives, industries and society.