Yamaha 250 clarinet review

Over the years, student clarinetists and beginners have had limited options for getting a suitable clarinet. However, Yamaha 250 clarinet delivers as it should; read on to learn more about the instrument.

I was interested in learning how to play the clarinet and knew the first step was to get a suitable clarinet. The internet threw a few suggestions, but the Yamaha 250 clarinet stood out for me. The Yamaha 250 clarinet is budget friendly and does not fail to deliver quality sound. The review below will shed light on the Yamaha 250 clarinet’s features, specifications, alternatives, and features of other options. Read on to learn the likes and dislikes of the instrument, answers FAQs, and give a verdict on the Yamaha 250 clarinet.

Yamaha 250 clarinet overview

The Yamaha 250 clarinet is among the new additions by Yamaha to its list of clarinets. The company made improvements to the clarinet’s body, precisely the bell, and barrel, which automatically affect the quality of sound produced. If you are a beginner clarinetist, you will be impressed with how easily you can make a quality sound while playing the Yamaha 250 clarinet.

Yamaha 250 clarinet allows you to learn how to play the clarinet on a budget without sacrificing sound quality. You need low maintenance on it as the material used is a good standard. The Yamaha 250 clarinet has Valentino pads, making repairs easier. For this upgrade, you get to enjoy a new bell and barrel design which go a long way in sound production.

The finishing of the instrument made of ABS resin is quite impressive; it adds a classy touch. Typical for Yamaha instruments, there is little to see fault in; the keys are intact, and the making and finishing of the fittings and pillars are at par with standards. Yamaha has its mouthpiece fitted at the top, one of the best options for beginners and students playing the clarinet.

Unlike Yamaha YCL26, the Yamaha 250clarinet gives a more defined sound that is vibrant. Despite falling short of some features present in the more expensive Yamaha clarinets, the difference in the quality of sound is minimal, especially when one learns to play it professionally. However, as mentioned, it is a good bargain for student clarinetists.

What we liked

• The matte resin finishes on the clarinet’s body, giving it an elegant look.
• It requires minimal maintenance, such as the repairs needed—an important aspect when purchasing a clarinet, especially for students.
• A new bell and barrel design are like Yamaha’s V series.
• The Yamaha 250 clarinet has a resonance chamber that projects the sound produced.
• Yamaha uses silver finishing on the keys, which offers more durability.
• The reviewed clarinet has valentine pads that fit student clarinetists in terms of maintenance, durability, and sensitivity to heat.

What we did not like

• Despite having a tough ABS resin finishing, it will get damaged if exposed to excessive heat.
• It is light to carry but may be heavy for children clarinetists.

 

View price here

 

Yamaha 250 clarinet specifications

Model	Yamaha 250 clarinet
Level	Student
Key plating and material	Nickel
Key	Bb
Material of barrel	ABS Resin which is matte.
Material of body	ABS Resin which is matte.
Material of the bell	ABS Resin which is matte.
Size of barrel	65mm
Tone holes	Tapered undercut straight tone holes.
The shape of the bore	Cylindrical shape.
Key system	Boehm
Size of the bore	14.59mm(574”)
Springs	Stainless steel springs.
Type of pads	Valentino pads
Other includes	Ligature, case, cap, cork grease, Yamaha mouthpiece, and a swab.
Availability	Check Price Here

Yamaha 250 clarinet features

ABS Resin Body

The Yamaha 250 clarinet has an ABS Resin body that is matte. The kind of resin used is challenging, making it last several years. When it comes to students, you expect some mishandling, but with tough resin finishing, the Yamaha 250 clarinet is set to stick through the tough times.

You will notice a brushed effect on the body, which adds to the beauty aspect of the clarinet. With the matte finishing, Yamaha 250 clarinet delivers an affordable yet classy clarinet. The stainless steel material on the springs compliments well with the ABS resin. You can wrongly assume the fabric of the Yamaha 250 clarinet, given how the matte finish resembles wood.

The ABS resin withstands humidity and temperature changes that primarily affect the material of most instruments. However, this does not take away that Yamaha 250 clarinet may get damaged when exposed to excessive temperatures and humidity levels.

Barrel Design

When introducing the Yamaha 250 clarinet into the market, Yamaha promised its customers improvements on the new clarinet, which it indeed did deliver. One of the improvements is the new barrel design which features Yamaha’s professional and expensive clarinets.

The barrel on Yamaha 250 clarinet is 65mm, giving a quick response and a more precise tone. You can achieve good tone variations across different ranges, even the throat notes, which are Bb, A, and Ab.

With the improvement on the barrel, it becomes easier to blow pitches that are hard to attain. Therefore for a beginner, you can get a good start while perfecting the pitching. Also, if you have played for a while, you will find it easier to perfect the hard pitches.

Valentino Pads

The Valentino pads are another feature on the Yamaha 250 clarinet that makes it stand out. Given how durable they are, Valentino pads are known to last for years. Valentino pads are synthetic; therefore, they may withstand the harsh conditions it’s put through.

If you are a student, you are aware of the damage instruments are exposed to; therefore, you may opt for a clarinet such as Yamaha 250, which has Valentino pads that are easy to repair. If you are keen on handling your clarinet, it may take a long time before replacing the pads.

Bell Design

As mentioned, the Yamaha comes with improvements, the second being a new bell design. Unlike previous Yamaha clarinets, the YCL250 has a resonance chamber that helps project the lower notes and improve the intonation. If you are a beginner, you will find this very helpful as it will make your journey on learning and projection of lower notes.

Case

The Yamaha 250 clarinet comes with a sleek case alongside others, including the ligature, case, cap, cork grease, Yamaha mouthpiece, and a swab. The case is adequately padded inside, ensuring the safety of the clarinet. The case is also light which makes it easy to carry around.

However, it is stackable therefore being of more benefit to storerooms or shop owners. The lock buttons are located inside the base of the handle. In order to open the case, you will need to press both buttons and lift the lid. Younger clarinetists may find this difficult and will require assistance.

Who is it best suited for?

The Yamaha 250 clarinet is a good fit for students and any beginner clarinetist. For students, it is affordable, and it requires minimal maintenance. Beginners will find it easier to blow on the Yamaha 250 clarinet, given its features that make the process easier while producing quality sound. Students may expose instruments to damage, but the ABS resin finishing is tough and can withstand a harsh environment.

Are there alternatives to the Yamaha 250 clarinet?

Yes, there are. Apart from the Yamaha 250 clarinet, you can find other clarinets recommended for beginners and students. Jean Paul USA CL-300 and Yamaha YCL-255 Standard Bb Clarinet are two highly recommended replacements. These clarinets have Bb keys and Boehm 17 key system, among other specifications, as listed below.

Features of alternatives of Yamaha 250 clarinet

Model	Jean Paul USA CL-300	Yamaha YCL-255 Standard Bb Clarinet
Level	Student	Student, beginner
Key plating and material	Nickel	Nickel
Key	Bb	Bb
Material of body	Ebonite	Matte ABS resin
Tone holes	Straight	Straight
The shape of the bore	Cylindrical	Molded
Key system	Boehm 17 key system	Boehm 17 key system
Springs	Blue stainless steel	Stainless steel
Type of pads	Fish skin	Valentino pads
Includes	Cork grease, cleaning cloth, case, and a single Rico reed 2.5	Ligature, case, cap, cork grease, Yamaha mouthpiece, and a swab.
Availability	Check price here	Check price here

Verdict: So, should you buy the Yamaha 250 clarinet?

The Yamaha 250 clarinet is a good purchase option for students and beginners. The features on the clarinet make it easy to blow. Compared to other clarinets, it is more affordable to students. The ABS resin is tough and can withstand harsh conditions, which makes it durable. Yamaha 250 clarinet has improved bell and barrel designs that produce a quality sound with a precise tone and quick response. All these qualities make the Yamaha 250 clarinet a good purchase.

FAQs

1. Is Yamaha 250 clarinet suitable for beginners?

Yes, Yamaha 250 clarinet is a good option for beginners. The YCL250 clarinet is affordable, requires minimal maintenance, and produces a specific tone.

2. Is Yamaha 250 clarinet wooden?

Yamaha uses ABS resin on the body of the YCL250 clarinet, which has a matte finishing. The quality of the resin resembles that of wood which may confuse you about the material used. The keys are nickel plated as well.