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 Recomendations for a new Clarinet
Author: RafaelRAzevedo 
Date:   2020-03-10 04:59

Hello!
So I've been playing on my Yamaha YCL-450 for some time (7~8 years now) and I'm thinking of buying a new one.

Any recomendations?
I like clarinets with warmer sound.

Best regards,
Rafael Azevedo

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 Re: Recomendations for a new Clarinet
Author: Maestro_6 
Date:   2020-03-10 06:30

Check out the line of Royal clarinets, which have been growing in popularity recently. They have the build quality like the big companies, and their key work actually seems even more sturdy than the big companies. Plus, their sound tends to be warmer and the prices are good.

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 Re: Recomendations for a new Clarinet
Author: Kalashnikirby 
Date:   2020-03-10 18:42

Umm...
More details, please? What do you dislike about the Yamaha, is it in bad service, do you feel like stepping it up?
The Yamaha SEVR/CSVR may have one of the best the best price/performance ratios; ergonomics are great, too.
The CSGIII does certainly have a warm sound.
The Uebel Superior is an all around awesome horn, but not really cheap. Great keywork!
And there’s so many more! You should specify your budget, experience and needs...

Best regards
Christian

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 Re: Recomendations for a new Clarinet
Author: ruben 
Date:   2020-03-10 19:14

Rafael: I recommend the Selmer Seles. It's reasonably priced, well in tune and if it's warmth you're after, it will give it to you. I wonder why they haven't been more successful saleswise.

rubengreenbergparisfrance@gmail.com


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 Re: Recomendations for a new Clarinet
Author: Bob Bernardo 
Date:   2020-03-10 20:00

Greetings! I guess you might want to stay with Yamaha's and you can use the 450 as a backup. A backup horn is always needed even if you might travel somewhere the 450 is a good horn to use.

I've played most of the Yamaha's including the saxophone line. I think the SEVR might the the best sound. The Custom mouthpieces that come with the pro models also help this. But these have a very open tip so maybe have someone reface this and bring the tip opening down to something playable and reed friendly. These are very good mouthpieces.

You might want to listen to some youtube videos and see if you like the sound of the SEVR. I play on the CSVR models because the bore is a shade smaller.

If you want to get away from Yamaha the Selmer's cost more, but they tend to sound warmer as well.

You can listen to some of the recent Chicago Symphony recordings. The principal player Steve uses Selmer Signature's, the assistant principal John is using the Yamaha CSVR's, one of the players Greg is on an older 1960's vintage Buffet's. So you can check out the whole section and pick your favorite sound. Steve and John are using Vandoren mouthpieces I think and Vandoren reeds. Greg I think is using his own line of mouthpieces, probably from a Zinner. I'm not positive with their recent setup's, if any of the players have made any changes.


Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces


Yamaha Artist 2015




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 Re: Recomendations for a new Clarinet
Author: dorjepismo 2017
Date:   2020-03-10 20:02

If you're thinking about a professional-level horn, then find a way of trying out several different kinds, because the expense of doing that will be worth it in the long run. If not, then Yamahas seem very cost-effective, so consider a better model. Uebels used to be underpriced, but they've corrected that, and they're priced at almost what they're worth now.

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 Re: Recomendations for a new Clarinet
Author: ruben 
Date:   2020-03-10 20:28

Bob: the Selmer Signature resists a hell of a lot; not really free-blowing. I know some top players play it, but I've never understood why.

rubengreenbergparisfrance@gmail.com


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 Re: Recomendations for a new Clarinet
Author: RafaelRAzevedo 
Date:   2020-03-10 22:26

I don't dislike Yamaha, I just would like to adquire a better clarinet.
Either Yamaha, Buffet, Selmer or any other.

Looking up for recomendations, since where I live I'm not able to try many. (Live in a small island).



Post Edited (2020-03-11 00:35)

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 Re: Recomendations for a new Clarinet
Author: seabreeze 
Date:   2020-03-11 02:26

Bob,

Steve Williamson plays a James Pyne "Williamson" model mouthpiece designed for him. It's currently the top of the line in Pyne's offerings. https://www.pyne-clarion.com/Williamson.

Rafael,

The suggestions so far are good but I'd add that you should not miss the opportunity to try the inexpensive Uebel Advantage clarinet (they retail from about $2,200 to $2,650.) They are warm and vibrant at the same time.



Post Edited (2020-03-11 02:36)

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 Re: Recomendations for a new Clarinet
Author: r small 
Date:   2020-03-11 03:29

I just purchased a Selmer Presence. This stick literally blew me away in about the first 3 seconds. Very free-blowing with a full resonant tone. With the best "pinch Bb" of any stick I've ever played. Keywork like butter. Selmer wrote the book on ergonomics as far as I'm concerned. Price was $3,250 at the Washington Music Center in Wheaton, MD. A screaming buy.

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 Re: Recomendations for a new Clarinet
Author: m1964 
Date:   2020-03-11 05:08

RafaelRAzevedo wrote:
"I don't dislike Yamaha, I just would like to adquire a better clarinet.
Either Yamaha, Buffet, Selmer or any other.
Looking up for recomendations, since where I live I'm not able to try many. (Live in a small island)."

Hi Rafael,
I believe that the recommendations you will get on this (or any other) forum will most likely reflect the bias of the person replying to you, whether he or she realizes that or not.
If you are unable to travel to a large city where you can try a few different instruments, you may try to get a few different instruments from a big online seller by mail on a trial and choose the one you like the most.
Given the coronavirus situation, mail ordering multiple instruments may be the safest way as well.
However, you need to carefully check trial agreements since some retailers charge as much as $250 if you return their instrument.

Good luck.

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 Re: Recomendations for a new Clarinet
Author: RafaelRAzevedo 
Date:   2020-03-11 05:21

M1964:

I'm aware of this. And there is no right or wrong answer in this case.
Every input is welcome.

I just wanted to know what is out there, viable options, and if anyone went through the same with the 450 and what were the options they had.

Nonetheless, I'll try to find retailers that may ship here.

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 Re: Recomendations for a new Clarinet
Author: SunnyDaze 
Date:   2020-03-12 15:48

This is a good thread to look at:

http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=481629&t=481629

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 Re: Recomendations for a new Clarinet
Author: Bob Bernardo 
Date:   2020-03-12 23:01

Ruben, yes they are resistant compared to other horns. Totally agree!

seabreeze, I wasn't aware that Steve changed. In fact I think I heard him at the Vandoren Store, youtube recording, playing on Vandoren mouthpieces. Guess he change and I'm glad. Jim Pyne makes some very nice mouthpieces. He's a good man too.


Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces


Yamaha Artist 2015




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