 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: nellsonic
Date: 2022-06-14 04:52
Is there any significant difference in quality between the older Yamaha 24's and the newer 200 models? Asking for a student considering a purchase of a (legit) overhauled used 24. Thanks!
Anders
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: nellsonic
Date: 2022-06-17 03:12
Thanks Chris! That's what a suspected but I wasn't sure. I've heard that if you go back far enough Yamaha was once a low quality manufacturer who built themselves into quality over time, like several others. Just wasn't sure when that was, or even if it was true.
Anders
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Chris P
Date: 2022-06-17 16:11
Older Yamaha instruments were more labour intensive in their construction compared to much newer ones in they had far more key pieces fabricated and soldered together rather than using single piece castings or stampings for keywork pieces to keep the costs reasonable. I haven't seen any decline in quality as you go back to their early '70s instruments - the only real change was rationalising production techniques.
If you check the finer details on old Yamaha keywork, you'll see things like how the pad cups and ring keys align with ridiculous precision with their respective toneholes and tonehole chimneys which is something to marvel at, even on their entry level YCL-24 clarinets. The fit and finish is incredible - you won't see that degree of accuracy on a 1990s Leblanc Opus which is a top level clarinet.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: clarnibass
Date: 2022-06-18 10:23
One difference between some older and newer Yamaha is the type of pivot screws. They used to have headless pivot screws and I think newer student models changed to head screws... I'm pretty sure.
The advantage of the former is it's easier to adjust, but sometimes the friction is long gone and you need to secure them in some way. The advantage of the latter is... they don't usually have that problem, but if the keys are loose it's a bit trickier to adjust, can require special tools, etc. Luckily even with a bit of play they usually play fine.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Matt74
Date: 2022-06-20 06:19
A competently overhauled older Yamaha is a much better bet than a newer one in unspecified condition.
- Matthew Simington
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Chris P
Date: 2022-06-20 16:23
Any fully overhauled clarinet of any level should be much better finished compared to a factory finished one as the time and effort is spent on finishing them to a much higher standard, compared to factory finished instruments which have far less bench time spent on them in order to pass quality control and out the factory door.
Not only entry level plastic clarinets, but also with high end Buffets and others whose factory finish is piss poor and not reflected in the relatively high cost of the instrument.
Although the quality of the overhaul is variable depending on who does the overhaul and whether their heart is in it or not. Always use a reputable repairer who is passionate about their work and pays attention to detail instead of someone who does a half-arsed job and slaps any old pads in regardless and doesn't set ring key heights or uses crappy key corks that look like they've been sculpted with a chainsaw.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Chris P
Date: 2022-06-21 18:05
The other key corks (and speaker key cork pads) I have a strong dislike for are the ones hewn with a blunt axe, then smoothed down with a rasp.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
