 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: buddhatb
Date: 2004-05-08 07:40
Hi, I recently found my old clarinet from '91-'93. The only markings I can see are the words Yamaha, Nippon Gakki, and Japan written in 3 lines. It came with a black case with a red velvet interior. I think its made of wood, but I'm not 100% sure. If anyone could tell how to look up the model number of my clarinet or a database I could search for some info, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank You for taking the time to read my post.
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Author: mw
Date: 2004-05-08 17:11
How do you know it's from 1991-1993 manufacture date? (not tongue in cheek, but I think a meaningful query).
1. Look on the Upper Joint above the serial number - certain models had the model # engraved there.
2. Measure the Upper Joint (top/bottom) Bore & have clarinet in front of you or make note of the Upper Joint's alternate Bb (BIS) key as the Yamaha pro models have a different key design as opposed to Intermediate (Model 32, 34 & 52). Call Yamaha in CA @ (714) 522-9011. Ask for Woodwind Support - they have 2 or 3 very knowledgable w/w techs.
Post Edited (2004-05-08 17:16)
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Author: davor
Date: 2004-05-09 18:11
Hi,
If your clarinet is plastic, and the case is a small oval black, then it is a 20 or 26 model. If it is wood then it is definetly a 34 model. The model no could be located at the reverse side of the upper joint,
beside c#/g# key.
There is no serial at yamaha s upper joint. So if there are numbers there it is definetly a model no.
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Author: mw
Date: 2004-05-09 22:44
Hmmm - only 1 serial number on all Yamaha Clarinets? NOT based upon my experience.
OK, I just pulled out Model(s) 72cs, 82 & 85 which have serial numbers on BOTH Upper & Lower Joint.
YES, Model(s) 34 & 52 (wooden intermediate clarinets) & plastic student instruments only have 1 serial number, most often at the top of the L/J .
Nippon Gakki is afixed to Clarinets that were/are made for the Japanese markets. "Yamaha Established in 1887" is the descriptive marking which is gold-foil-imprinted on all Yamaha Clarinets for the North American Market.
[ I wish that Yamaha Clarinets were engraved & thus could be properly gilded ! ]
Note: I'll assume that BUDDHATB is talking about a clarinet purchased in the U.S.; his email address reflects a U.S. based cable company - & I don't think he's a Spammer! 
I have previously discussed this with a Yamaha Band Instrument
representative & with a Yamaha (Clarinet) Artist. Those clarinets marked Nippon Gakki were not exported/imported to the U.S. They were brought in by other channels or means - musicians who went overseas, servicemen, etc.
My Model 82 & 85 both have the Model name above the U/J serial number which is found at the bopttom of the U/J.
Finally, the U.S. models (at least at times & perhaps always) had differing numbered counterparts in the "Nippon Gakki" models. ie Model 20, 24 & 26 & the (wooden) Model(s) 32 & 33 were definitely U.S. export models, but I don't remember their counterparts in Japan (again, Nippon Gakki).
Post Edited (2004-05-10 19:09)
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Author: davor
Date: 2004-05-11 22:59
I was just trying to help the guy. Somebody who can not tell whether the clarinet is plastic or wood definetly does not have a pro model. Model 32 was not in production in 90s afa I can tell. When I started teaching (1989) the model 24 was out of production aswell. It is possible that it was still in production in US, but his clarinet has engraved Nippon Gakki, so it is Japanese.
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Author: mw
Date: 2004-05-13 12:32
Davor said:
"Somebody who can not tell whether the clarinet is plastic or wood definetly does not have a pro model."
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I bought a Yamaha some time back that had no identification other than serial numbers - it was a Nippon Gakki. After visits to 2 local Yamaha dealers, countless measurements & phone calls to yamaha, a digital photo --- I received a call back from Yamaha w/w support in (then) Grand Rapids, MI. It turned out to be the Japanese version of the YCL-72 - a professional instrument. At eBay Auction I paid $125 & thought that I had purchased a YCL-32 or 34. I think there are people out there who believe they have pro models clarinets & actually have student models & vice-versa. I don't think they have the knowledge or relevant info to determine this on their own.
Davor, no offense was intended. In fact, your comments led to learning for me. Thanks.
Post Edited (2004-05-13 18:40)
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