 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: NZDee
Date: 2017-04-05 08:35
Hi,
I have an old (30yrs +) Buffet B12 that I have got back into playing recently. I'm interested in upgrading to more of an intermediate wooden clarinet and wondered what everyone things of the Yamaha YCL450 vs the Yamaha YCL650?
Can anyone give me their thoughts and ideas on this?
Thanks
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2017-04-05 16:11
They are both fine instruments. The 450 is marketed as a student-level instrument whereas the 650 is an intermediate to entry-level professional instrument. Personally I think the 450 is the great bargain in the Yamaha line-up. I don't find a great deal of difference between them. Certainly not enough to justify the higher price for the 650.
Tony F.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2017-04-05 17:25
As well as a new intermediate model, have you considered buying a used (and reconditioned) pro level clarinet?
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: RKing
Date: 2017-04-05 18:13
It might be a tough call for me. I picked up a nice used Yamaha 650 for less than the cost of a new 450 and I was very impressed with the quality and the sound.
It might come down to "whichever instrument you find first." I don't think you will be disappointed either way.
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Author: TomS
Date: 2017-04-05 20:37
A new Yamaha 450 in silver plate is not too far apart in price from a new 650 (silver plate is standard on these). I have played the 450 and I own a 650. They are different ... 450 seems to have a little more weight in the sound (more like a Buffet) and the 650 is free blowing with gobs of clarity. Great horn.
Don't forget to check out the Ridenour clarinets ... play wonderfully and a real bargain.
Tom
Post Edited (2017-04-05 20:39)
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Author: Richie
Date: 2017-04-05 22:00
I agree with Tom, if possible try the ridenour clarinets and see if they will work for you. That being said, I don't really think you could go wrong with Yamaha's intermediate line either.
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Author: Toolaholic
Date: 2017-04-11 00:40
I started on a 450 which my daughter uses now. I play on a 650 now. I agree with the other poster. Two different animals. The 650 doesn't boom on low F and E due to scallop cut into bell. Plus the 650 is not stained and is beautiful.
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Author: NZDee
Date: 2017-04-11 01:00
Thanks everyone. I have tried both briefly, but both had the 4C mouthpiece, not the hard rubber mouthpiece that usually comes with the 650. There is definitely a difference in tone.... I'm really not sure which is best!
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2017-04-11 03:25
I'm a Backun guy - my favorite brand, but the YCL450 is based on the Professional Clarinet that Nicolas Cox played in the 1990's in the Royal Liverpool Orchestra as Principal Clarinetist.'
Fact
I have him on Video talking to me about that as he told me at a Festival that we are Faculty of.
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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Author: RKing
Date: 2017-04-11 16:49
The Yamaha plastic 4C isn't bad, but it is not the same as the Yamaha 4CM Custom (ebonite) that comes with the 650. The facings are slightly different and I like the 4CM. I keep it in my bag as an emergency spare.
For someone on a budget and someone still searching for that first mouthpiece, I recommend the Fobes Debut. At less than $30 US, I think it's a bargain and I like it better than the plastic 4C or Vandoren B45.
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Author: TomS
Date: 2017-04-11 17:09
Not a fan of the obligatory MPs with the Yamahas ... kinda rough sounding to me.
The Fobes Debut, or a well finished Hite Premier are good ... the Hite being warmer and more open. The VD M13-lyre/88 is warm and focused ... #3 blue box or #3.5 V12 work well on the M13-lyre.
The new Backun Beta clarinet is worth a try. Haven't played one, but inspected one and it looks good ... fit and finish is very nice.
Too many good choices! We are lucky lads to have so much flexibility in our equipment.
Tom
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