00n0nce
8/4/2018, 3:36 AM I've been looking everywhere for a good beginner to intermediate clarinet and some options that have come up for me are the YCL-32 and YCL-33. Are both these models any good, and out of these two, which is more preferable?
Chris P
8/4/2018, 4:13 PM They should be of the same level what with them both being a 30 series which are both intermediate level wooden clarinets (the next model up Yamaha's lineage from their plastic 20/200 series).
Are you able to play test both of them side-by-side? If so, then pick the one which you like best.
But both should be ideal for a good intermediate level clarinet - plus you will have Yamaha build quality. I know some players who still have their YCL-34II clarinets from the '80s and they're built to last (pads and corks aside that is).
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
Independent Woodwind Repairer
Single and Double Reed Specialist
Oboes, Clarinets and Saxes
NOT A MEMBER OF N.A.M.I.R.
The opinions I express are my own.
Are you able to play test both of them side-by-side? If so, then pick the one which you like best.
But both should be ideal for a good intermediate level clarinet - plus you will have Yamaha build quality. I know some players who still have their YCL-34II clarinets from the '80s and they're built to last (pads and corks aside that is).
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
Independent Woodwind Repairer
Single and Double Reed Specialist
Oboes, Clarinets and Saxes
NOT A MEMBER OF N.A.M.I.R.
The opinions I express are my own.
Steven Ocone
8/5/2018, 2:21 PM Edited: 8/6/2018, 1:20 PM
Some early Yamaha clarinets were made by Leblanc. I have never seen a YCL-32 or 33 in my shop (I have seen lots of YCL-34 clarinets and made no notes that they were Leblancs). The clarinetpages website makes no note of this either though they do indicate that the keys are very strong (Leblanc keys are very strong). I don't have access to my technical information today so I can't see if it had metric threads or not. Perhaps someone else has information.
Steve Ocone
Steve Ocone
donald
7/30/2023, 3:07 PM I have had 2 YCL 33s come across my path in the last few months and was super impressed by the build and intonation. The tone, not quite so much, but still better than your average plastic student horn, a little "characterless" compared to my Buffet Festival.
However, the tone was very even throughout the registers, the intonation still had the typical issues that even the most expensive Boehm system clarinet share but was definitely (measurably) better than the stock R13s off the shelf at the local store. At $500 NZ$ for my student, a total STEAL
However, the tone was very even throughout the registers, the intonation still had the typical issues that even the most expensive Boehm system clarinet share but was definitely (measurably) better than the stock R13s off the shelf at the local store. At $500 NZ$ for my student, a total STEAL
Tony F
7/30/2023, 3:48 PM I've worked on several YCL33's. I wasn't aware of the Leblanc link, but they were well made and played and tuned well. I found the tone a bit thin but swapping the barrel for a compatible aftermarket barrel that I had in my junk drawer fixed the tone problem and slightly improved the tuning.
Tony F.
Tony F.