 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: hanna
Date: 2002-12-01 13:10
Hi.
My son would like to purchase an intermediate model clarinet. He is currently renting a plastic yamaha from his school, and this weekend, he went to the music store to try out different models. His teacher ecourages us to buy other brands such as Buffet, but he really likes the yamaha because it is easy to blow. I know that Yamaha does not specialize in making clarinets, and I was wondering if he likes the clarinet only because he is familiar with the yamaha plastic. Should I look more into other brands? Is the Yamaha intermediate model a good clarinet? I would really appreciate some help. Thanks.
han
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Author: ed
Date: 2002-12-01 15:07
I am not sure what you mean when you say that Yamaha does not specialize in clarinets. Maybe you mean that is not the only thing they make? Yamaha makes very fine clarinets. I have not played the 34, which I believe is basically the same design as the 20, but in wood. The 52 is their true intermediate model. I think all of their models beginner through pro are well made and nice playing instruments. You also may want to consider others made by Buffet, Selmer or Leblanc.
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2002-12-01 15:39
Hannah,
How long has your son played the clarinet?
He may be ready to consider one of the smaller-bore instruments recommended by his teacher, and Yamaha makes those, too.
Yamaha is a conglomerate, and they have divisions making many things, including terrific clarinets.
(It's like saying the GE doesn't specialize in jet engines!)
For a longer discussion, off-post, please list your email address.
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Author: madvax
Date: 2002-12-01 15:54
Hanna wrote:
> Should I look more into other brands? Is the Yamaha
> intermediate model a good clarinet?
The Yamaha is a good intermediate model, along with its main competitors, such as the:
Buffet E-11
Leblanc Noblet
Selmer CL-200
You can't really go wrong from this list. Pick the one that gives your child the most confidence when playing. Also, if possible, make sure the one you select has good intonation (i.e. it plays in tune up and down the scale)
As an alternative to an intermediate model, you might also want to consider a used professional model from one of the companies mentioned above.
One other important point. Make sure your child has a good mouthpiece. Even the best clarinet will sound bad if the mouthpiece is bad.
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Author: Dee
Date: 2002-12-01 17:50
Yamaha is considered one of the top four clarinet makers. The others are Leblanc, Selmer, and Buffet. All make fine instruments.
Yamaha actually started as a musical instrument company. They still make top quality instruments of all kinds. Decades ago, the father sent the son around the world to study manufacturing techniques around the world and bring new technology back to Japan. However the kid got interested in motorcyles, studied that technology and talked the old man into also founding a line of motorcyles.
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Author: Fred
Date: 2002-12-01 19:40
hanna, getting a better clarinet is always a thrill for any player. I'm sure your son will be very happy with any of the major four brands: Buffet, Leblanc, Selmer, and Yamaha (no order intended). However, I must express my heartfelt opinion: A NEW intermediate clarinet is one of the worst investments you can make. For the price of a new intermediate, you can buy a wide selection of used pro models. If, on the other hand, you want to save major dollars, you could buy a used intermediate and decide on a pro model later on if necessary.
Since he's not allowed to do it, let me suggest you go to the following web site of one of our sponsors - John Butler.
http://www.cork-and-pad.woodwind.org/
John is one of the finest repair technicians around, and his clarinets are always cream of the crop. And I've seen some models there recently that might interest you. John is not the only one I'd recommend, but you can see what he has available with the click of a button.
It is important for a parent to know that a used instrument they are considering is in very good condition. Otherwise, they end up paying more to get the clarinet in good condition than the horn originally cost. Buying from John or someone like him assures that the instrument is in top playing condition at a fraction of the new price. Used instruments, whether beginner, intermediate, or pro, are very good values when you can purchase them in good condition.
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Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2002-12-02 05:11
Yamaha wooden clarinets are exactly as they seem. You pay more for each step you go up. They are exceptionally good value for money. I use a 457-20 just about everyday and it stands up to a fair bit of punishment.
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2002-12-02 14:26
The Yamaha YCL34 is a nice intermediate instrument and would serve your son well until he was ready to step up to a pro instrument. Shop around for a good price on one because if he stays with the instrument he will most certainly want a pro model later on. You might try International Musical Suppliers (800-762-1116) or look online at woodwind and brasswind (www.wwandbw.com) for the best prices on one of these. Or, you might look around for a good used one.
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Author: Nick
Date: 2002-12-02 15:42
I own a yamaha clarinet and it's great. How do I find out what model it is? I've looked over the clarinet a few times and I can't find a model number or serial number.
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Author: Marge
Date: 2002-12-02 20:42
Keep in mind that if your son is or will be in a marching band at least part of the year, a plastic clarinet is what's most suitable for that purpose. It's somewhat risky to use a good wood clarinet for marching.
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2002-12-03 11:15
Yamaha's model # is immediately below the name etc, on the front of the instrument, in the vicinity of the top side key's key cup. The serial # is just below the metal ring at the top of the lower section - i.e. abovethe thumb rest. I supose It is possible that very early models had them elsewhere.
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Author: clare
Date: 2002-12-05 20:11
Hannah
Just to add another voice in support of Yamahas (I am very fond of mine) and to echo Fred's advice about going for a second-hand instrument that is in good condition - much better value, which is particularly important I guess when you're looking at an intermediate instrument which you may want to upgrade to a pro-line one in due course.
I didn't find the standard Yamaha mouthpiece very good, though. As so many of the posts on this BB say, you're much better to buy a decent mouthpiece separately than rely on the one that comes with the instrument.
Good luck.
Clare
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