 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Bill
Date: 2020-02-02 02:03
I'm familiar with French clarinet models, but I know nothing about the top-line models of Yamaha clarinets as they have appeared in the last decades (I don't even know how long Yamaha has been making professional clarinets).
Can anyone give a simple timeline of Yamaha top-quality models? Thinking I might like to get an older Yamaha. Yes, I did search archives. Thanks!
Bill Fogle
Ellsworth, Maine
(formerly Washington, DC)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2020-02-02 08:53
Any older Yamaha clarinet with the model number in the 60s, 70s or 80s are their pro level instruments.
The 70 series were finished in the US for the US market and were most likely the same as the 60 series sold elsewhere.
I'm pretty sure the first pro level Yamaha clarinet was the YCL-61 (Bb - I'm not sure if they made an A clarinet version back then or what number it carried), replaced by the YCL-62 (Bb) and 65 (A), then the YCL-62II(Bb)/65II(A) which became the YCL-62IICX(Bb)/65IICX(A) and then the YCL-CX (Bb)/CX-A (A) which gained the Custom logo. They all have inset wooden tonehole chimneys.
Slight side note - the YCL-64 introduced in the '90s was a new model introduced to fill a gap in their lineup which sat in between the 34II and CX models and was in the same price range as the Buffet E13, Leblanc Esprit and Selmer Prologue. It became the YCL-650 (Bb) and for a short while, the YCL-650-A A clarinet which has been discontinued.
Above that and into the Custom range there's the YCL-82(Bb)/85(A), YCL-82II/85II, YCL-82IICS/85IICS and YCL-CS/CS-A. Added to that were the AE and SE models, then the CSV, SEV, CSG, AEV, and many others I've either forgotten about or haven't heard of. All these models have integral wooden tonehole chimneys.
This site would've been far more comprehensive and listed all the models Yamaha made as well as the years they were produced, only it's not working: https://parts-search.yamaha.co.jp/html/WIND_ENGLISH/orders/group_e.php
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: shmuelyosef
Date: 2024-05-03 00:43
Just for history sake, the original Yamaha AE and SE clarinets were made from 1994 to 1998. I have a Custom SE made in 1995 and it is a phenomenal clarinet. Has the punch and sound of my Centered Tone, with great up-dated keywork on the SE.
The SE model has a similar Buffet RC bore. Minimal resistance is
achieved through the use of larger toneholes, larger tonehole overcut and
undercut. The upper joint taper is also longer than the Buffet RC model.
Due to the larger bore the production and volume of sound is more easily
achieved
Model: YCL-SE (from yamaha website)
Years: 1992-2009
Key: Bb
Body Material: Wood
Key Plating: Silver
Bore: 14.78mm
Current Model: Current
The CS model is the original “Custom” and is modeled after the Buffet R13.
The CS has small toneholes with a larger undercut and a small overcut.
This design allows the clarinet to blow easily with good projection yet have a
concentrated and clear tone. The CS model was originally developed in
conjunction with the french player Claude Faucomprez.
Model: YCL-CS
Years: 1994-
Key: Bb
Body Material: Wood
Key Plating: Silver
Bore: 14.65mm
Current Model: Current
The CX model has CS attributes except for a different bell ring and separate
tonehole chimneys (similar to the Buffet E-11). This design results in a
brighter tone than the CS with the CS responsiveness.
Model: YCL-CX
Years: 1994-1998
Key: Bb
Body Material: Wood (with wood inset toneholes)
Key Plating: Silver
Bore: 14.65mm
Current Model: None
Post Edited (2024-05-03 00:56)
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Author: donald
Date: 2024-05-03 11:08
I just sold a Yamaha YCL 82 from the 80's that I think was a better clarinet than any of the brand new $10,000 instruments at the local store. If I could choose, I'd have a pair of...
YCL 82 (Bb)
YCL 85-11 (A clarinet, low resistance and matches better with the 82 than the 85)
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