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Yamaha alto clarinet

Author: clarnibass
Date: 2008-07-30 12:47

Hi

I'm wondering if anyone has tried the Yamaha alto clarinet. I'm mostly interested in its intonation, consistency of sound (for example between throat A# and long B), response in all registers (especially legato jumps between low and clarion registers), etc.

I'm familiar a little bit with the new Selmer which I tried recently so comparisons with that could help. I'm not so familiar with the new Buffet and Leblanc models but comparisons with those might help too (I played very old Leblanc and Buffet altos a long time ago).

I'm not so interested in general opinions of the sound like "bright", "dark", etc. but if you thought the sound wasn't good I'd like to know why.

Thanks!

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Re: Yamaha alto clarinet

Author: Chris P
Date: 2008-07-30 13:51

Although I haven't actually seen or tried a Yamaha alto in person (but only in catalogues), typically they look very well designed and built.

Currently in the UK, the Buffet alto is the less expensive alto compared to the Yamaha (going by Howarth's pricing) and the Buffet has the LH Ab/Eb lever and floor spike as standard - the Yamaha lacks the LH Ab/Eb and floor spike and will thus need a sling as means of support.

Buffet http://howarth.uk.com/pic.aspx?pic=./wo/92.%20buffet%20crampon.jpg&pid=35031

Yamaha http://howarth.uk.com/pic.aspx?pic=./wo/cltYamaha631AltoCl.jpg&pid=35079

Selmer http://howarth.uk.com/pic.aspx?pic=./wo/cltSelmerAlto.jpg&pid=35056

Amati have in the last few years copied the Buffet/Yamaha design, though they still have the older Selmer-style ring key (and only to low E) model listed:

Ring key http://www.amati.cz/english/production/instruments/Files/acl/acl_681g.htm

Covered action http://www.amati.cz/english/production/instruments/Files/acl/ACL_682g.htm

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.

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Re: Yamaha alto clarinet

Author: Don Berger
Date: 2008-07-30 14:30

Very interesting, C B and C P, having sold my fine Selmer B series to my Comm Band replacement ! [still have playing privliges], I'm always interested in "what's new" in a favorite cl . I presume we are speaking of Y's 631 II, price above $5000, looking for the best pic, in partic. of their register/Bb mechanism. Haven't as yet found it among the seller's ads. There is a mention [WWBW I think] of a "Register/Eb-E mech" ???, no detail/pic however. The Y does have a small bore [good] and prob.?? a similar [Selmer?] exchange mech. for the reg./Bb. Does anyone know of this, important to me !, detail and/or tryout of this fine appearing A C ?? I note with pleasure the Buffet's addition of an alternate LH Ab/Eb key, could have used it often !! Comments ?, Don

Thanx, Mark, Don

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Re: Yamaha alto clarinet

Author: Chris P
Date: 2008-07-30 14:35

From what I remember from the catalogues, the Yamaha has the automatic speaker/throat Bb mechanism actuated by the A key with the fixed rocker mechanism as seen on Selmer altos (and widespread on saxes).

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.

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