 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: YCL-450
Date: 2006-04-27 02:47
Just wanted to know how the YLC-450 compares to a professional model clarinet like a R13 Buffet or Lablanc. I know it isn't going to sound as good but is it close or way off?
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Author: Bnewbs
Date: 2006-04-27 02:51
Its a solid step down from an R-13 or Yamaha custom, Selmer ect. The sound quality shouldn't be too bad, tuning may be an issue. I have an old Buffet E12 (intermediate) that sounds pretty close to an R13, but it has some really bad 12ths. And intermidiate horns tend to have uneven resistance, wich can really get in the way.
Ben
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Author: martinbaxter
Date: 2006-04-27 09:27
It's worth considering Anthony Baines opinion in " Woodwind Instruments and their History" ( & if you don't know the book get hold of a copy - it's probably the best book on woodwind ever written). ( I paraphrase ,not having the book here) Problems with the instrument may not make life easier for the player but the extra concentration needed to overcome them ensure that their playing seldom becomes uninteresting.
I have known many players who play superbly on instruments that look as if they should be scrapped (and in other hands play like it).
In the UK, whilst Yamaha clarinets are admitted to be excellent very few people seem to play them. Buffet seem generally the most popular, but Leblanc, Selmer - Paris, Peter Eaton and recently Howarth are all names to the fore. I liked the YCL-450 better than the Custom. I found it harder to control, but I preferred the sound ,, and the price!
Martin
Phone 01229583504
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Author: YCL-450
Date: 2006-04-27 11:59
Thanks for your opinions. I have a YCL-450 that seems pretty decent but then i'm a beginner and have never played a pro clarinet. I sure would like to try a R13 or any other pro clarinet.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-04-27 13:25
I tried both the 450 and 650 and didn't notice a huge difference between them, and the tuning on both of them was much more stable than my Selmers (the 12ths were better in tune) - though they both make a good sound I felt they have a lot more resistance than my large bore Selmers which are very free-blowing.
Give it a while before you buy a pro clarinet (you have the choice of any make and model, not just an R13), get more experience with the one you've got (which is a good clarinet to begin and progress with) - you won't realise the benefits this early on if you get a pro clarinet, but that doesn't mean never try one at this stage. Master the basics before going on.
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2006-04-27 14:05
The YCL 450 is a good choice for a new player. It has a good tone and feels good in the hand due to the excellent key work on most Yamahas. The Buffet R-13 is something for you to look forward to moving up to later on if you continue to enjoy playing the clarinet.
I've bought several Yamaha intermediate instruments for students and returning adult players and they are perfect for them. But, when I've played them side by side with an R-13 I always prefer the R-13 over the intermediate instrument for my own personal use. My experience has been with the YCL 34 and the YCL 52. I understand the 450 and the 450N have replaced those two. I've used YCL 34s for a backup instrument in the past and had good results.
Enjoy playing the 450 and save your pennies for a couple of years or so and see what you want to do with your music. You have a good instrument.
Post Edited (2006-04-27 16:29)
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2006-04-27 14:59
The more that you can do with the YLC-450, the more differences you will notice when you pick up a "better" horn. You will be able to switch notes easier, the mechanism (may) will respond quicker, the intonation will be better, different notes won't be louder or softer (or harder to blow or stick out) as you play with steady support and embochure.
All of these things will be subtle, and depend on your mouthpiece, reed and habits. Also, these differences between your YLC-450 and "pro" horns will also exist between different R-13s, Omegas, ... In general, the trend is to improvements with higher line models, but there is no guarantee that a random selection of a different instrument (new or used) will result in a great horn.
The more experience you have and the more you know, the bigger the (expensive) difference you will notice.
Blow that Yami, and look forward to having the knowledge to pick out that great horn later.
Bob Phillips
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2006-04-27 16:32
Bob is right. Gain experience and wait a while to get a pro horn. You need to have a bit more knowledge of the instrument to pick correctly. And, even if a teacher selects one for you, you need to be able to know what you want it to feel and sound like--not just blindly accept what the teacher selects because it suits him/her. Take your time and work up. The 450 has a place in your life for now.
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