 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: shahn
Date: 2013-03-08 22:25
Does anyone know US yamaha corporate addresses/ phone numbers/ websites to discuss their clarinet models? . I have been looking for a new Yamaha high-end clarinet from dealers but there are few to choose from on the market online.
Sam
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Author: Joe Bloke
Date: 2013-03-08 22:59
Try Yamaha Artist Services in New York. Here's the link:
http://www.yamaha.com/yasi/bandorchestra/contact.html?cat_id=5202023&tab=contact
I'm wondering if Yamaha is getting ready to rollout a new CSG model? What made me wonder is, the big online dealer here in the US (WWBW), doesn't have any new CSG models available (only SEV and CSV).
If you find anything out, please let us know.
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Author: JamesOrlandoGarcia
Date: 2013-03-08 23:36
Yamaha Artists Services in NYC can answer your questions for you. Their main woodwind designer and technician, Tomoji Hirakata is one of the most gifted techs in the world. You can find more information here:
http://www.yamaha.com/yasi/about.html?CTID=5041326
The CSGII (CSGIII in Europe) were rolled out I think nearly two years ago. I've been playing on a set of CSGII clarinets for a year now and absolutely love them.
What I did was worked directly with Yamaha and then just chose a dealer to purchase the instruments through. Don't expect most shops to answer your questions on high end on Yamahas (or most other makes for that matter).
I am convinced that Yamaha is producing out the finest clarinets of any of the big four. Their consistency and quality right out of the case is amazing.
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2013-03-09 00:12
Tomoji was at clarinetfest this year. Gotta say, EVERY Yamaha on display there played amazingly well and in tune. He sure can setup a clarinet well!
Also, I haven't played as many yamahas as buffets, but I've yet to play a BAD Yamaha. I've played a few Yamaha 650s and play tested a few others, and they all played very well.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Clarineteer
Date: 2013-03-09 10:01
Yamaha is a superb clarinet if you are playing in an orchestra but as far as a solo instrument they do not have the color as some other brands do.
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2013-03-09 12:15
Seems a bit illogical that Shahn is going to contact Tomoji in New York when he's living in Korea -- but maybe the quickest route is to do so to find a source closer to home? Of course -- they did ask for US info.
Clarineteer -- are you making that assertion from personal experience playing the instrument or from listening to soloists who play CSG's?
James
Gnothi Seauton
Post Edited (2013-03-09 12:23)
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Author: cigleris
Date: 2013-03-09 12:58
Clarineteer,
You should get Michael Collins' new release of the Weber concertos and then I think you'll have a different opinion. He sounds awesome on his Yamaha's
Peter Cigleris
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Author: Clarineteer
Date: 2013-03-09 16:07
From playing the instruments. Perhaps I have not played enough examples of Yamaha clarinets to be qualified. What do you find Tobin?
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Author: JamesOrlandoGarcia
Date: 2013-03-09 16:32
This idea of colors drives me somewhat insane.
Yamaha clarinets don't lack color whatsoever. Also it doesn't matter a lick what the color of the sound is the instruments are not tuned and voiced correctly.
I've never been to a concert where there were major issues where someone said, "But palette of colors were delightful!"
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2013-03-09 16:54
Hi Clarineteer,
I haven't tried the new CSG II's. I have tried some of the CSG's -- I can't say that I've played a representative sample, but what I have played impressed me.
Lack of color/overtones is generally not an issue for me, and I believe that the majority of those qualities are determined by the performer -- not the instrument. That's not an absolute, but a generality.
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: Clarineteer
Date: 2013-03-10 00:34
I have played some brand of instruments that were very easy to bend notes and other brands that the notes would not bend at all.
Post Edited (2013-03-10 00:34)
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2013-03-10 02:56
Are we talkin bend as in "schmear" (Rhapsody in Blue) or bend as in alter/adjust pitch?
And for you, where is color coming into it? Or is bending a color for you?
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2013-03-10 04:04
>> This idea of colors drives me somewhat insane. <<
Lucky for us colourblinds
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2013-03-10 14:08
Well, if we're talking about bending for jazz we're not talking about "color" as others would discuss it. That's neither here nor there, but it's worth pointing out.
Clarineteer: do you bend by adjusting your embouchure or changing your oral cavity? When I switched from a Buffet R13 to a Rossi Bb clarinet the Rhapsody in Blue bend/schmear changed significantly because of the different bore dimensions of the instrument.
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2013-03-10 15:00
Cool -- I'm guessing that, in the long run, you'd be able to bend on any clarinet that you play as easily as your current horn. Just my two cents.
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2013-03-10 15:15
I felt the same way about the color of the clarinet. I know these discussions come up often, and color is such a subjective term there's no great way to describe it. The best I can think of is to say that when I played the Yamaha 650, I couldn't help but think the sound was great for classical and solo work, but lacked the ability to change into something more contemporary or with more brilliance in the sound. Much how I feel like when I'm playing a rosewood clarinet. Beautiful sound, but seems best tailored towards specific types of music rather than being able to go between different styles of music.
Player wise, I'd think the Yamaha would get me an Andrew Marriner/David Shifrin sound (I consider them to have great tones, but from the little I've heard they have one beautiful sound each).
I know it's all opinion, and I'm sure it has a lot to do with my setup and how my setup reacts/compliments the instruments, but I felt I'd have to work harder to get an edgier sound on those 650s than if I was on other clarinets.
Also, no matter what brand, model, etc, you'll find people who can make a certain sound so you know it's possible. I remember at clarinet fest Allan Vache talking about being a Yamaha sponsored artist an he certainly had an edgier sound than I ever got on a Yamaha.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: ayrib
Date: 2013-03-11 00:35
I just purchased a Yamaha CSG 111 H with the Hamilton plated keys and it sounds superb.
If you don't believe me check out Michael Collins rendition of "The Lyrical Clarinet" as he uses the Yamaha CSG 111
Here is a link.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6M8XIOPrXkc
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Author: ruben
Date: 2013-03-11 16:12
I agree completely with your statement. I feel that Yamaha is like eating at a Hilton's: always pretty good but never outstanding.
rubengreenbergparisfrance@gmail.com
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Author: Joe Bloke
Date: 2013-03-11 16:55
The Dawkes Music website, in the UK, has this to say about the CSGIII (which is the II in the US):
"Lets be clear, the Pro market is dominated by Buffet, with the R13 outselling others by far. We genuinely believe this is the first clarinet at a similar price that could seriously beat an R13 on tone and projection, it goes without saying that the Yamaha build quality is also second to none."
When you get to the high-end horns of Buffet, Yamaha, Selmer or Leblanc, you've most probably eliminated equipment problems and it's down to preference. Then, it's not the paint brush it's the artist.
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2013-03-11 18:56
Quote:
I love how some take an "attack" on their chosen make of clarinet as an attack on their worth or ability as a musician.
That may have occurred many many times on the BB, but I didn't see it once rereading this thread. Am I wrong? Some substantive support of the CSG II/III, some dissent -- but no one's pulling out the knives yet.
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: shahn
Date: 2013-03-14 09:53
Tobin said,
"Seems a bit illogical that Shahn is going to contact Tomoji in New York when he's living in Korea..."
But I live in Indiana, USA and stayed in Korea for several months. . Now visiting LA but will be in Indiana in a few days. . No one to talk to about Yamaha in Indiana :-(
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2013-03-14 11:23
Sorry Shahn -- I looked at your ISP and made some assumptions.
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2013-03-14 14:57
Isn't woodwind and brasswinds building ad warehouse located in Indiana? Or was it Illinois? If that's close enough, that's your best bet to see a bunch of Yamaha up close and personal. As far as talking about them, I would making a few phone calls to Yamaha and showing you are genuinely interested might get you someone on the phone willin to at least answer questions you might have.
US Army Japan Band
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