 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: hupsop
Date: 2015-09-05 15:33
Hello,
I found a yamaha custom CS for sale in the local auctions. I has what seems to be very good starting price (500$), so I'm definately interested in checking it out. Before that, I was wondering if some kind soul can give me more information about this model, as my initial googling wasn't so succesful.
What I would like more information on is that as there are several different custom cs models (for example CS-V, CSG, CS-VA), what are their specific differences? Are there some that are particularly superior to the other models or some that are not so good? As these auctions usually don't have very specific information about the producst on sale (hence the low price here), is there a way to identify the exact model of the instrument?
Any help is greatly appreciated
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: modernicus
Date: 2015-09-05 21:30
FWIW, I am just an amateur player, but I have a Yamaha CS I got new in the early '90s. This was a top instrument its day, and I believe comparable to something like a CS-V now. Superb build quality and intonation. Everything else, a matter of opinion or preference...
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: MartyMagnini
Date: 2015-09-05 22:53
Hello,
I have a Yamaha CS Custom - it's a terrific instrument. I get to trade shows, festivals, etc., and have played all the newest Yamahas - CSG, CSV, etc., as well as the newest Buffets, Selmers, and the like. I like them very much, but not any better than my CS. Paired with a Backun bell and barrel, it plays like a dream. Of course, with any instrument, you can get a gem or a dog. I'm lucky I got a gem.
The only instruments that I would consider an "upgrade " to my CS are the Backun MOBA and the Ridenour Libertas (which I now own as well). Anything else would be a lateral move at best (at least for me, YMMV).
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2015-09-06 15:42
Hi,
My primary clarinet is a CS-V Custom that I purchased last year. It is a tremendous instrument. My backup is an older CS Custom. Both are beautiful instruments with excellent intonation. But then, I have a Yamaha YTS-147 tenor as my backup to a Mark VI and the Yamaha gives up nothing to the Selmer.
BTW, I have three different Yamaha stereo and surround receivers as well as a great sub-sat main surround system. Outstanding products and great values.
My only regret is that Yamaha does not make laptop computers.
HRL
PS If you get the Yamaha CS on auction for anything less than $1000 you got a bargain.
Post Edited (2015-09-06 22:22)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: modernicus
Date: 2015-09-06 22:47
I believe the plain"CS" was a precursor to all the later CS + "etc...." models. I got mine 24-25 years ago. I think it was about $2000 USD then, so probably equivalent something like $2500-3000 now. The Custom CS was a bit later, but pretty equivalent I think. I agree if you could get any of the variants in decent shape under $1000 it would be a great deal.
Post Edited (2015-09-06 22:50)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: hupsop
Date: 2015-09-08 18:22
Thanks for the replies and comments everyone! It seems like this could be a pretty sweet deal indeed.
I tried the instrument out and it seemed like to be in quite good condition. It played out quite nice and evenly, maybe with a little less oomph (I'm more of a jazz guy) than my current R13. One thing which seemed different from other pictures of custom CS I've seen is that the keys were gold coloured instead of silver. Does it make a difference?
I also got a picture. If someone who knows these instruments could confirm that it looks as it should, I'd be really grateful: https://www.dropbox.com/s/x35chpizx7r4kit/customcs.JPG?dl=0
J
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2015-09-08 20:51
That looks like one of the special models with "Hamilton plating". It is a very nice instrument and you should be very proud to own it.
-Jdwoodwinds
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
