factory recall of all S90es units...

extract from note to Yamaha dealers:

October 3, 2005

Re: Product Safety Alert - Yamaha Synthesizer, Model S90ES

Yamaha products have a long tradition of high quality and durability, and we have helped set the standard in the industry for quality control. Besides quality and technical innovation, one of Yamaha’s other corporate values is being a good corporate citizen, which means adhering to the highest standards in safety and environmental compliance.

Our records indicate that you have purchased the Yamaha Synthesizer, model S90 ES. Yamaha has learned that, on some units, the integrated circuit may not function properly under certain use conditions, which can result in possible damage to the user’s ear. Specifically, when the power is turned off and then quickly turned on in a high temperature environment, the synthesizer may emit a loud noise. This potential issue was identified during internal product testing, and we have had no complaints concerning this issue.

We have already temporarily stopped shipment of these synthesizers and you should immediately stop all sales to end users, and return all S90 ES in your inventory (including floor models), so that we may repair or replace these units. We are going to make this process for dealers as painless and smooth as we can. We will be providing you with a pre-approved RMA number, and you can use either Watkins or ABF to ship the units freight collect to our Buena Park warehouse. We plan to be able to replace your stock (again at no charge to you) by the end of October.

We anticipate that, in the near future, we will also recall these synthesizers from consumers. We therefore request that you determine the number of S90 ES that you have sold, and collect the names, addresses and phone numbers of all end user purchasers, so that we can communicate with them directly to arrange for the replacement or repair of their units as well. This end user information is critical, and we ask your cooperation in assembling data as soon as possible. We will be cooperating with the Consumer Product Safety Commission in structuring this recall, and no consumer recall has yet begun.

We ask for your help in resolving this important issue quickly and efficiently and apologize for the inconvenience and time this will take you. However, we feel that we must take these proactive steps to maintain the level of quality control that the market has come to expect from Yamaha.

Sincerely,

Tom Sumner
Vice President & General Manager
Pro Audio and Combo Division