 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: EmilyB
Date: 2017-02-09 19:34
Hi all - I'm new to this board and to clarinet, but have played alto sax and flute in the past. I recently found a used YCL 52 in very good condition, selling for around the same price that used 450s seem to go for. My research (including on this board) suggests that the 52 is a reasonable-quality intermediate clarinet.
My questions aren't so much about the relative merits of this model, but rather what it is that makes a clarinet "intermediate." Where does it fall short in comparison to a professional model? At what point would it be limiting to a player, and to what extent could its limitations be mitigated by a replacement barrel, etc.?
Thanks!
Post Edited (2017-02-09 20:28)
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2017-02-09 22:20
Apart from a few "boutique" makers all clarinets are essentially mass produced.
However with the professional level instruments great care is taken in selecting the best looking and hopefully acoustically matched pieces of wood to construct them.
The acoustic design is optimised for the benefit of experienced players.
The manufacture of the body and keywork is closely monitored and controlled by the best craftsmen in the organisation.
The final assembly, padding and tuning etc etc are all done by these craftsmen.
All the above costs a lot of money so clearly is not applicable to the lower grade clarinets.
The acoustic design is also modified a little to make them easier to handle by less skilled players.
And of course the fine hand tuning cannot be done at those lower prices.
There are still many fine intermediatre instruments around, but remember, you get what you pay for.
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2017-02-10 08:14
I would posit that the line of demarcation between a professional and an intermediate level clarinet is not all that well defined.
Despite the carefully-selected woods and the careful hand-finishing accurately described by Caroline above, ti's still possible for a pro-level clarinet to have flaws in its tuning, response, and timbre--some so serious, in fact, as to be uncorrectable. The Buffet R13 is well known for the many "dogs" that have made their way into circulation.
Conversely, it's entirely possible for an intermediate-grade instrument, built by less-senior craftsman on a different line, to be a superb clarinet.
A fine technician can attend to assembly, tuning, response, and timbre issues that were overlooked or, for whatever reason, not addressed by the instrument manufacturer.
What it all boils down to is this: Select your clarinet carefully, whether it's an intermediate or pro model; used or new--take your time and find one that really moves you. Then, have your technician make the very best of it.
And barrels? I have invested in some aftermarket barrels--in my experience, they can improve a good instrument, but won't work miracles with a mediocre one. Buy a clarinet that plays great with its original equipment barrel(s), and this won't be an issue.
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Author: EmilyB
Date: 2017-02-10 20:01
Thanks for the advice. I'm convinced now that, given my inexperience with the clarinet, I should have a technician look at the YCL-52 before I decide whether or not to keep it.
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