Klarinet Archive - Posting 000187.txt from 1998/02

From: Matthew Hanson <mchanson@-----.com>
Subj: Re: Yamaha clarinets
Date: Wed, 4 Feb 1998 00:29:20 -0500

I have found that the model Yamaha 20's keywork is almost IDENTICAL to
Buffet Evette -right down to the bridge key which is the same now as the
modern R13s and Festivals, etc..
Scary.. for a plastic Yamaha at least. A whole lot of copying going on
out there. They don't really sound horrible, but do have a rather thin
sound. Perhaps its the plastic. Reliable, though.

Matt Hanson

> Of the beginner models do you prefer the YCL 20 or the YCL 24. I find the
> 20 has a darker tone but, perhaps, inferior key work. comments?
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Rich & Tani Miller <musicians@-----.net>
> To: klarinet@-----.us>
> Date: Monday, February 02, 1998 6:05 PM
> Subject: Yamaha clarinets
>
> >Yes! Finally someone who agrees with me about the feel of Yamaha
> >clarinets! I love the beginner level horns. My students who play them
> >
> >have absolutely no problems with them and they sound pretty good for a
> >plastic horn. They stay in adjustment very well-even under the duress
> >of beginner abuse. I have a high school student who has an intermediate
> >
> >model (sorry I don't know model numbers) wooden horn that is also very
> >nice. She produces a very delicate, warm sound on this horn (yes I
> >know that there is more to sound than the horn--please don't start a
> >debate on this). I like the way these horns sound but I really like the
> >way the
> >key mechanism works. It just . . . feels good, very fluid.
> >
> >No I would not trade my Buffet R13 for a Yamaha pro horn but I like the
> >Yamaha
> >intermediate and beginner horns MUCH better than Buffet's intermediate
> >and beginner horns. For students who can't afford an R13, these wooden
> >horns are a pretty good deal.
> >
> >A disadvantage to these horns is in getting repair parts which may be a
> >problem if you don't have a Yamaha dealer/repairperson in your area.
> >However, this dilemma is kind of similar to the dilemma of high cost
> >parts for my Volkswagon. If it doesn't break, you don't need parts!
> >
> >Tani Miller
> >
> >P.S. Incidently, I started on a Selmer Signet and still have a very
> >soft spot for that particular horn too!! I still own it and it still
> >plays rather nicely for a plastic horn!
> >
> >