 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Ben Shaffer
Date: 2016-10-06 18:45
I'll be playing Outdoor Events this Winter in a Church Band, so I'm looking towards getting a good Plastic Horn
I've actually owned a YCL 200 and thought it was OK.
What is the difference between these 2 models?
Would the YCL250 be a step up/ and if so how?
Larger sound?
Easier playing keys?
lighter in weight?
Thanks for any Insights
Ben Shaffer
GSO,NC
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Author: TomS
Date: 2016-10-07 07:13
Is this the YCL-200AD, which is the rental version of the YCL-250? If so, they are identical ... just different cases and model numbers. The Yamaha YCL- 400AD is the same as the YCL-450.
The YCL-255 replaced the YCL-250 ... don't know if the tuning is better.
IMHO, the plastic Yamahas are way too sharp to play in tune in an ensemble, unless you really are a total beginner and have no embouchure or air support or outside in the cold.
I'd find a good used YCL-450, a MUCH better clarinet. If you can afford a new 450 in silver plating, might as well get the model 650, which is Yamaha's low-end professional. I have one and it is excellent and a half!
For the price of a new Yamaha 250, you can get a Ridenour RCP-576BC, which is a million times better than the 250 ... it plays in tune and has a warm sound and response like a nimble sports car. Under a grand.
For a wooden clarinet, get the Yamaha ... for trouble free, no muss, no fuss hard-rubber, the Ridenour clarinets rule.
Tom
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2016-10-07 19:29
The Backun Alpha is another solid choice in a non-wooden instrument.
Tuning accuracy doesn't quite match the Ridenour 576BC--nothing does--but it's not as resistant and more robustly built. I own both and if I had to choose only one...it would be a tough call.
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Author: TomS
Date: 2016-10-09 19:59
Alpha plays pretty well ... Ridenour Lyrique RCP-576 has improved fit and finish on his clarinets in recent years ... it might be a draw between the two on quality.
The Alpha is lighter in weight, lighter in it's sound (not as warm and robust), less blowing resistance and has fairly good tuning. The Alpha feels different under the fingers ... it vibrates (like you would expect of plastic). Ridenour Lyrique RCP-576 and Alpha are very different.
With the Ridenour, you will be playing an instrument that many advanced players and professional use. And, it is designed by one of the best designers on the planet, who also designed the professional clarinets produced by Leblanc back in the 1990s. The Leblanc Opus and Concerto was gaining market share over Buffet at the time ...
Hey, save your pennies and get one of each! It's all fun!
Tom
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2016-10-09 23:33
Tom's comments are spot-on. I would add that the Alpha excels in situations where projection is a primary consideration--especially outdoors--and I appreciate the flexibility and edgy spin I can impart to the timbre when playing jazz and big band material. But for delicately nuanced legit playing in more intimate settings, there isn't a finer instrument than the Ridenour. Neither instrument is a complete substitute for the other--get one of each if you can, and you'll be ready for practically anything.
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Author: jthole
Date: 2016-10-13 00:20
IMHO the Yamaha is not bad for playing in a cold church, especially in an ensemble with string players. But otherwise it's very sharp indeed, even with a longer barrel.
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Author: TomS
Date: 2016-10-19 05:34
Yeah, David is correct ... they normally tune student clarinets a bit different to compensate. The 250 is in tune with itself OK ... just 20-25 cents sharp with everything pushed in in a 72 degree room ... I think the Alpha is better, but not sure if it's really a "beginner" instrument ...
So, out in the cold, the Yamaha 200/250 might be OK ... if you are, at least, at at intermediate level.
Anyway, there is no difference (according to Yamaha) between the YCL-200 and YCL-250.
Just don't use a wooden clarinet outdoors in the winter, of course.
Tom
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2016-10-19 12:39
If you're all wind players and are doing outdoor concerts with no tuned percussion or keyboards, then tune down to around 438-435Hz to make it easy on everyone.
You can't tune to 440Hz all the time (only at room temperature of 19°C to 21°C), so tune according to the temperature and not trying to aim for the impossible when the situations demand you can't.
Likewise in summer, tune sharp to 442-443Hz if you're not having to bow to the demands of fixed pitch instruments.
440Hz isn't the be all and end all.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Barbara Dee
Date: 2022-07-15 19:53
HELLO THERE. I'M A GRANDPARENT OF AN 11-YEAR-OLD GIRL. SHE WILL BE STARTING SIXTH GRADE THIS YEAR. SHE IS ALSO SIGNING UP FOR BAND. I AM CONSIDERING EITHER THE YCL 250 OR THE YCL 200 AD. HER FINGERS ARE KIND OF CHUBBY TOO. WHICH INSTRUMENT WOULD BE BETTER FOR A BEGINNER STUDENT?
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Author: donald
Date: 2022-07-17 12:24
I think they will both serve her well (the differences between the two models are very small details she wouldn't notice).
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