Yamaha YCL-255 clarinet review

The process and action of determining which intermediate or professional clarinet to use is a difficult task for many. If you are a beginner and looking for an instrument to start with, the Yamaha YCL-255 will serve you best.

Playing the clarinet is by no doubt the most enjoyable activity for instrument lovers. While searching for a clarinet, there are some key considerations to look at before making your purchase. This includes the resistance of the instrument, its tuning, the materials it is made of, and the flexibility and stability of the material, among other factors. I remember when I started playing the clarinet a year ago, I was very undecided on which clarinet works best for the beginner level. My dad was, however, so supportive as he has been playing clarinet for so many years now. We narrowed downed to two brands and later decided on purchasing the Yamaha YCL-255 clarinet review. My experience with the clarinet has been great since.

Yamaha YCL-255 Breakdown and Review

• The body of the clarinet is made of ABS resin hence affirming its durability.
• Has a superior tone mostly due to the high-quality Yamaha 4C mouthpiece that comes with it.

The Yamaha YCL-255 is a combination of Yamaha high-end clarinet features with state-of-the-art production. The clarinet delivers a resonant and warm tone that is quite similar to that of a wood clarinet. The chamber of the clarinet has a unique resonance; a high-quality mouthpiece and a tone bore design that ensures its players, even of the beginner level, can make progress confidently and swiftly.

The Yamaha YCL-255 is made of an ABS resin body and has a wood-like appearance. Furthermore, the added benefits like the resonance chamber, the unique bore design, and the quality mouthpiece that the clarinet comes with gives it a superior tone.

What we liked most about the Yamaha YCL-255 is the warm and rich sound it produces. The product offers a solid and focused sound that attests to its quality. Furthermore, we really like the resonance chamber as it greatly assisted in improving intonations. Therefore, the tone and responsiveness of the clarinet were great. The Yamaha YCL-255 is also quite easy to operate, and its keys are very durable. The adjustable thumb rest of the clarinet was also an attractive feature as it accommodated hands of different sizes.

However, if cost is a major factor like it was to us, then the YCL-255 clarinet was very expensive compared to substitutes in the market. Furthermore, playing the clarinet at a high velocity is quite hard, especially for beginners.

What we liked

• Great responsiveness and tone
• Durable keys which won’t break or bend under normal play pressure.
• The resonance chamber feature assists in improving intonation.
• Warm, rich sound

What we did not like

• Expensive
• The clarinet is difficult at high velocity.

 

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Yamaha YCL-255 specifications

Model	Yamaha YCL-255 clarinet
Key	Bb
Body material	Matt ABS resin
Key material/finish	Nickel/Silver
Series/range	Standard
Mouthpiece	Yamaha 4C mouthpiece
Level	Beginner to Intermediate
Barrel	Comes with a 65mm barrel
Key features	Has a unique resonance chamber, unique bore design, produces a superior tone, and comes with a protective and practical case.

Features of Yamaha YCL-255 clarinet

Design and build

The features and design of the Yamaha YCL-255 are high-end; hence a superior tone is produced when playing the instrument. The instrument comes with a thumb rest that is newly adjustable, along with a belt ring that enables the user to apply appropriate playing techniques they prefer. Furthermore, the device has screws and solid silver soldered rings which give it incredible durability.

The instrument features a newly re-designed bell made of solid ABS resin plastic hence resulting in a durable, lighter, and responsive clarinet. The bell also has a resonance chamber that assists in improving and projecting intonation, especially during lower notes. Other features that come with Yamaha YCL-255 include; stainless steel springs, nickel-plated ligature, and threaded posts with tapered undercut and straight tone holes.

The design and finishing of the Yamaha YCL-255 are unique compared to other clarinets in the market. The design features a barrel of 65mm that gives the clarinet a focused tone. Furthermore, the instrument has a matte finishing that provides it with added durability. Lastly, the device also features Valentine pads, which make the clarinet durable and less sensitive to temperature changes.

Speed and performance

The performance of the Yamaha YCL-255 is great hence allowing the player to gain a comfortable experience while using this instrument. The various features present in the Yamaha YCL-255 clarinet allow the player to offer a piece of stable music with the best tone to cater to the desired audience.

In general, the high-end Yamaha features incorporated in the Yamaha YCL-255 make the performance of the instrument exceptional hence the quality sound it produces. The instrument has a decent projection, and it produces a rich, warm sound. The projection produced by this instrument is consistent at different tones as the user moves to lower and higher registers.

Connection and user-friendliness

The clarinet is very user-friendly hence why it is appropriate for beginners. Yamaha YCL-255 comes with an adjustable strap that enables one to play the instrument without putting in too much effort. The instrument comes in different tunes as well as colors. Yamaha YCL-255 clarinet is also constructed to endure the extreme and vigorous use that comes with beginners; hence very strong and durable.

Connecting and installing the Yamaha YCL-255 is super easy; hence you can install it in the comfort of your home according to the way you would prefer playing it to give the best-desired results. Though the key work of the Yamaha YCL-255 feels like that of a professional, the instrument is easy to play and lightweight. The instrument can make a good sound even in the hands of a beginner.

Who is it best suited for?

The Yamaha YCL-255 clarinet is best suited for beginner and intermediate clarinet payers. This is because though the instrument is easy enough to be played by beginner artists, its quality and the sound it produces will be of much benefit to intermediate players. Furthermore, the features of the Yamaha YCL-255 make it exceptionally durable and will be of long-term service for beginner players before they upgrade to an advanced level. However, if cost is a major factor of concern, then the Yamaha YCL-255 will not be your best suit as it is quite costly compared to its substitutes in the market. However, if you buy it, be rest assured of quality for your money.

Are there alternatives to the Yamaha YCL-255 clarinet?

Yes, there exist alternatives to the Yamaha YCL-255 clarinet. There are a wide variety of clarinet brands and types in the market ranging from beginners to professionals. Other quality alternatives of the Yamaha YCL-255 clarinet include; the Buffet B12 Student Clarinet, the Jean Paul USA CL-300 Student Clarinet, and the Mendini MCT-E+SD+PB Black Ebonite B Flat Clarinet.

Features of Yamaha YCL-255 clarinet

Model	Buffet B12 Student Clarinet	Jean Paul USA CL-300 Clarinet	Mendini MCT-E+SD+PB Black Ebonite B Flat Clarinet
Key	B flat	B flat	B flat
Body material	ABS Resin, wood, ABS plastic	Ebonite body material	Ebonite ABS body
Key material/finish	Nickel/ sliver	Nickel plated	Nickel plate
Series/range	Standard	Standard	Standard
Mouthpiece	‘Urban Play’ mouthpiece	Standard mouthpiece	Standard
Level	Beginner	Beginner/intermediate	Beginner
Barrel	65mm barrel	Comes with two barrels of slightly different sizes for tuning.	Depends on individual preference
Key features	Has blue needle springs and staggered trill keys.	The clarinet can withstand extreme humidity and temperature without losing its vibrancy and toner; it is durable, tough, and hard.	Comes with a hard shell case and also comes with a cleaning cloth, a pair of gloves, and cork grease.

Verdict; so should I buy the Yamaha YCL-255 clarinet?

Yes, I would definitely recommend the Yamaha YCL-255 to you if you are a beginner or an intermediate. It is important to understand that Granadilla wood is the major material clarinets are made of. It is, however, great to select the right instrument that will serve you according to your preferences and needs. The Yamaha YCL-255 is that device as it has high-end features that set it apart from its alternatives. Furthermore, the device is easy to set up, and you can set it up based on your preferences to give you your desired results. If you value quality, then the Yamaha YCL-255 clarinet is worth investing in.

FAQs

Is the Yamaha YCL-255 clarinet best for beginners?

Yes, the Yamaha YCL-255 suits beginner to intermediate clarinet players as the instrument has high-end features that are easy to operate, making it an exception for entry-level clarinet that produces a resonant and warm tone.

Is Yamaha the best brand for clarinet?

Yes, Yamaha produces clarinets ranging from beginner to professional and has an excellent build and design hence regarded as one of the best brands while looking for quality clarinets.

How long does the Yamaha YCL-255 clarinet last?

Yamaha YCL-255 clarinet is exceptionally durable mainly because of the ABS resin it is made of.