Yamaha YCL-650 II vs. original YCL-650

I saw there is a new Yamaha YCL-650 II that came out last year (2022), replacing the original YCL-650: https://hub.yamaha.com/winds/w-gearguide/new-yamaha-brass-and-woodwind-instruments-for-2022/

I cannot find much information about the differences from the previous generation, but I saw some things suggesting a revised barrel and bell design inspired by the Custom series and a switch to leather pads. I also saw mention of longer E/B levers and C#/G# keys, though I'm not sure if that's in comparison to the previous generation or in comparison to competitors.

Has anyone here tried the new YCL-650 II, and heard/felt how it compares to its predecessor?

Also, are there any markings on the clarinet that can distinguish a YCL-650 II from the previous YCL-650, or any other easy ways to tell them apart? Confusingly, many of the marketing materials for the YCL-650 II continue to just call it a YCL-650.

This blog post from Dave Kessler may be helpful: https://www.kesslerandsons.com/blog/yamaha-generations/. The discussion concerns saxophone model updates, but the general principle is probably applicable to clarinets as well. Basically, because Yamaha typically does not mark model updates on the horns themselves -- meaning that the same baseline model number might be in use for 20 years, through multiple revisions -- the most reliable identifier will be found on the Yamaha box in which the instrument was shipped.

Sultan,

I will be playing this instrument for the next two weeks or so and so far, after testing twelve clarinets, I have found this one and I think I love it. I need to show it to my teacher this Thursday to get his approval. I have a Selmer CT and a Selmer Series 9 both in great shape but the tone of both is dark and I wanted a different sound. This seems to be that sound.

As an aside, I wanted to love a Selmer. To have it be magic but it just did not work.

No, I do not think there is anything that differentiates it from the older 650 but I am not sure.

Two keys on the left hand stack are make longer/larger. This is is great for me and I do not think you will protest either.

Weight is 5.7 pounds. My Selmers are 7 pounds. I feel the difference. The wood is absolutely gorgeous. It looks and feels like art. It does not look like something you actually play. I keep looking at it. I kept stating at it for the longest time one day and suddenly realized that it is finished in silver. It is, once again, gorgeous.

Someone sweat the details here. I need one or to minor adjustments and I am good to go. The pads feel good. The craftsman ship is simply amazing. Why so cheap? I think,, and I might be wrong, but I think the major part of the bore is machined and this cuts labor cost. On the other hand, there is a lot of hand work here including undercut tone holes. I think that from a value perspective, this is so aggressive in pricing. About 2,300 USD. You get so much for so little.

As for sound, I can't really tell you how it sounds. It seems to do the things I want it to do. I lean towards American Songbook and a touch of jazz. I love the sound. It has a type of a core that I can sharpen or listen based on what I am playing. There is a sweetness to it.

One thing for sure. Yamaha is here to make masterpieces. The French need to follow.

I hope this helps.

Sorry I can't comment on 650-11 etc, but I own an old YCL 82 "Custom" from the 1980s that is certainly a masterpiece. Basically, I'd rather play the old 82 than any of the new Buffets "off the shelf" at our local music store. It comes a very very close 2nd to my Buffet Festival that I'll own and play for the rest of my life, but only just.

if you cant get a good sound out of those mentioned selmers -the problem lies elsewhere