Yamaha bashing is a very popular sport among the non-cognoscenti because most people associate Yamaha with motorbikes and electronic keyboards. Fact is, they have been fundamental in instrument making since 1875, when they made their first instrument, a reed organ. They have made pianos since 1901 (I have one, made in 1995 - it is wonderful, and no, it doesn't have anything electronic in it) and have made most of the orchestral instruments throughout the years. They came to guitar making much later, in 1961. Some of their classical instruments are hugely expensive, hand made in Japan. Their popular ranges are generally made in Taiwan but I think the L series are Japanese. To me, they are a bit like Sony are in their marketplace, ubiquitous yet synonymous with good quality.