Yamaha YCL650 B Flat Clarinet
A good condition Yamaha YCL650 clarinet, which is a commission sale for Clarinets Direct. This instrument was bought new by a musician in the Royal Marines, who soon after up-graded to a professional model, therefore this clarinet has seen little use.
The Yamaha 650 is the top selling rival to the Buffet E13. It tends to give less trouble than the E13, because, unlike the current Buffet, the Grenadilla wood moves less, causing fewer problems with sticking joints. Yamaha quality control and build quality are exemplary, and these instruments are easy to live with and perfect for the advancing student. The instrument features an adjustable thumbrest, tapered and undercut tone holes, Silver plated keywork, and a voicing groove to the neck of the bell. Unfortunately, shortly after purchase, the instrument developed a small surface crack to the upper joint. I have attempted to photograph the area concerned [ see the photo of the upper section of the upper joint], but the crack has been very well repaired, and even with magnification is extremely hard to spot. In any case the crack does not enter the bore, and has no effect on the response. The instrument has used fish skin pads throughout, which are all sealing well. The clarinet has been down to our workshop for a minor service prior to being advertised.The serial numbers are 104802. The supplied m'piece is a used Vito 2V. The original case is in good condition, though there are a few slight exterior marks to the case cover.