 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: KSCop
Date: 2016-10-28 19:13
I am still a beginner and quite happy with my Evette, but I have an opportunity to pick up a YCL-34 for $300.
I'm told it has been serviced, is in playable condition, and overall very good condition with no cracks or previously repaired cracks.
Assuming what I'm being told is true; is that a good price?
Is is a decent instrument and would it be any better than my Evette? I suppose I'm wondering if spending the money for a YCL-34 now would take me farther down the line than my Evette, or should I consider a good E11 at some point.
Understand I am 55 with no dreams of playing other than casually. I do appreciate good tone and played trumpet for 20 years as well as guitar. I also play alto and tenor sax.
I eventually planned to find a nice wooden clarinet, this YCL-34 came along a little earlier than I planned and the price seems to be right.
Post Edited (2016-11-03 03:57)
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Author: Ed
Date: 2016-10-28 20:01
The 34 was basically the same design as the YCL 20, but in wood. They play very well with good response and intonation.
It is hard to say whether you would get any farther with it. You should see if you can try it and see how it feels to you and if you detect any difference.
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Author: KSCop
Date: 2016-10-28 21:04
Lets throw this one out there also - for just a little more, what about a YCL-52?
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Author: fskelley
Date: 2016-10-28 23:58
I was looking at these also recently, though I've backed off from the Yamaha models and plan to eventually get another Arioso or an equivalent 576BC.
But I found in the same range of price (as YCL-34 and YCL-52) YCL-450 and YCL-AD400. At one point I thought I saw these 2 were equivalent to the older YCL-52, but I'm not sure. Given a choice of all of these at comparable prices, which would you choose and why? And who has the good honest info- not just hype from Yamaha but testing of intonation, personal comparisons, etc?
I do figure they are all very good clarinets. Perhaps with better intonation than the Leblanc VSP I ended up with which I must resell because my Arioso tunes so well it has spoilt me.
Also- if indeed the YCL-34 is the same horn (acoustically) as the YCL-20, does it really play the same? Is the YCL-20 scorned needlessly as a student clarinet, or the 34 lauded too highly? Or does the grenadilla really help the 34 vs the 20? The 20 is plastic/composite, right? If it were hard rubber- that would be another story altogether- I'd bet it would be very nice indeed. Interesting questions.
Stan in Orlando
EWI 4000S with modifications
Post Edited (2016-10-29 00:30)
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Author: Ed
Date: 2016-10-29 01:00
I have used a YCL 20 in some professional situations when the temperature was a bit cold and I did not want to risk cracking my clarinet. It played beautifully. Nobody that I was playing with had any indication that it was a plastic student clarinet. I have tried some high end instruments that don't play anywhere near as well.
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Author: KSCop
Date: 2016-10-29 02:30
Well call me impulsive but I decided on the YCL-52. It was the same price as the YCL-34, and was recently serviced. At that price, even if it needs a few pads I'm still good. Wood good, no cracks or previous repairs. Cork looks good as well.
I have to admit; I'm a little excited.
I think I'll finally have to sell the 1975 Bundy..
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Author: KSCop
Date: 2016-11-02 02:52
The YCL-52 arrived today. It is a beautiful instrument.
Only got to play it for about 15 minutes before work but I like it. Nice warm tone and seems 'smooth' to play,
I think I did good...
I'll add pics as soon as I can.
Post Edited (2016-11-02 02:52)
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Author: kmocek1
Date: 2017-04-30 21:50
KSCop I"m hoping you receive notice of a response after your post. I am considering buying the YCL 52 as an upgrade for my grandson who is in high school and would very much like your opinion of the horn since you have had it several months.
Thanks,
Kathy
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