Yamaha YCL85 A Clarinet
A very good condition Yamaha YCL85 A clarinet, which is a commission sale for Clarinets Direct. It is received wisdom within the music industry that when Yamaha launch a new product, they will have made every conceivable effort to outdo their competitors, at a considerably cheaper price to the customer. So it was in the late 1970's and early 1980's, when Yamaha made their first serious foray into top of the range professional clarinets. The wood was computer controlled, kiln dried, to assist in avoiding cracking, the silver plate, and key work, was of considerably better quality than Buffet. Many players found the ease with which these instruments responded completely won them over. The YCL81/82, 84/85 which were Yamaha's most expensive Custom models. The YCL85 was the top of the range professional model and this example is in superb condition for its age.
The instrument has no cracks or damage to the wood, which is finest aged, unstained, Grenadilla, there is one tiny scratch to the wood surface on the upper joint, see photos 5 & 6. The Silver plated key work is also very good throughout, with no wear. This clarinet has used fish skin pads throughout in good order. All touch and tenon corks are good. There is no joint wobble. The matching serial nos. are 00582. The original case shows some slight wear to the interior but latches well, and comes with the key. This instrument would pair well with any Buffet Bb of professional quality