Klarinet Archive - Posting 000195.txt from 1994/12

From: "David B. Niethamer" <NIETHAMER@-----.BITNET>
Subj: Re: Considering buying a yamaha clarinet... advice? Experience?
Date: Sun, 11 Dec 1994 17:24:08 -0500

Just back from a trip to Poland, with 191 messages from the last week!
More on Poland when I get to the end of the line, but need to reply to
the Yamaha request. I have played Yamaha YCL 72cs Bb and 72cx A since
1985 as Principal Clarinetist of the Richmond Symphony. I find the scale
to be much more even than any Buffet I've ever owned, and the keywork
much more sturdy (stable - what word am I looking for here?). In my job,
and out-of-whack set of keys is death, and a lot of extra stress to play
at the expected level. My A is 9 years old and plays as well as the day I
got it (from the local Yamaha rep), maybe better, with regular minor
adjustments from a repairman. I'm on my 3rd Bb, with my 2nd as my backup.
The sound compared to Buffet in side-by-side tests here is maybe not as
interesting. But in the orchestra, listening to broadcasts and tapes of
all kinds, I defy anyone to say what brand of instrument I play from the
way it sounds from the outside. In short, I consider the Yamaha 72s to be
fine instruments, suitable for any professional use.

But trying instruments is the best way to find what is comfortable for
*you*. Any of the major manufacturers could provide a good quality
instrument that would do as well for you, and you should try as many as
you can.

Just an interesting aside - I've had several students play on Yamaha
52's, one in a local service band, and one as a music major at a local
university. I'm always surprised at how well they play, although the
keywork isn't as solid as the "professional" 72s.

Hope this helps.

David Niethamer