Yamaha YCL-650 Review: A True Professional Clarinet?

The Yamaha YCL-650 review question most players ask is whether it genuinely competes with the Buffet R13 at the professional level, or whether it’s simply a very good intermediate instrument dressed up in professional clothing. After considerable time spent with both instruments, the honest answer is that the Yamaha YCL-650 review reveals a genuinely professional clarinet — one that offers something distinct from Buffet rather than merely trying to copy it.

Yamaha YCL-650 Review: What Level Is This Instrument?

The YCL-650 is Yamaha’s entry-level professional Bb clarinet, positioned between the intermediate YCL-450 and the flagship YCL-CSVR Custom Series. Although it carries a lower price than the Buffet R13, it’s a fully professional instrument — not an advanced student model with a professional label attached.

It’s particularly well-suited to advancing students making their first professional purchase, doubling orchestral players who need a reliable backup instrument, and professional musicians who prioritise consistency and reliability over the specific tonal character of the Buffet line.

Build and Construction

The YCL-650 uses a grenadilla wood body throughout — body, barrel, and bell — finished in Yamaha’s natural, unstained style that shows the grain of the wood. Silver-plated keys sit on a precisely machined mechanism, and the key action is notably consistent from instrument to instrument. Because Yamaha’s manufacturing process is more controlled than handmade European alternatives, you know what you’re getting when you order a YCL-650, which is not always the case with Buffet.

The 65mm barrel is a deliberate design choice that produces a focused, quick-responding tone. A resonance chamber in the bell improves low note projection and intonation — a feature that helps even experienced players maintain accuracy in the lower register. Additionally, the adjustable thumb rest with strap ring accommodates a wide range of hand sizes comfortably.

Sound

The Yamaha YCL-650’s tone is bright, even, and consistent across the full range. In comparison to the Buffet R13, it’s less complex and less dark — but more predictable and more even in response. The instrument doesn’t have the warmth or the “ring” that R13 players associate with Buffet, but it has exceptional clarity and projection that works beautifully in ensemble settings.

Because the tone is more even across registers, the YCL-650 is particularly forgiving of developing technique. Players who are still building consistency in their embouchure find that the instrument responds more predictably than instruments that reward advanced players at the expense of developing ones.

Yamaha YCL-650 Review: Pros and Cons

View Yamaha YCL-650II Price on Amazon

Yamaha YCL-650 vs Buffet R13

	Yamaha YCL-650	Buffet R13
Body	Grenadilla wood (natural)	Grenadilla wood (stained)
Tone	Bright, even, consistent	Warmer, darker, more complex
Consistency	Very high — minimal variation	Variable — try before you buy
Best for	Reliability, consistency, versatility	Orchestral tone, American standard
Price	~$1,200–1,600	~$1,500–2,200

The most honest summary of the Yamaha YCL-650 vs Buffet R13 comparison is this: both are genuinely excellent professional instruments, but they suit different players. The Yamaha is the right choice if you prioritise reliability, consistency, and evenness of response. The Buffet is the right choice if you specifically want that characteristic R13 warmth and tonal complexity, or if you’re entering a program where most players use Buffet.

Furthermore, the Yamaha is typically less expensive than the R13, which makes it particularly compelling for advancing students making their first professional purchase. Because you’re not paying for the Buffet name, more of the price goes directly into the instrument’s quality.

Who Should Buy the Yamaha YCL-650?

The YCL-650 is especially well-suited to three types of players. First, advancing students who are ready for a professional instrument but don’t want to spend R13 prices on their first professional clarinet. Second, professional players who double on multiple instruments and need a reliable backup that plays consistently. Third, players who have tried both instruments and prefer the Yamaha’s bright, clean, even character — which is a legitimate preference, not a compromise.

In contrast, if you’re heading into a classical performance program or professional orchestra where the R13 is the expected standard, choosing the Yamaha requires more explanation. That said, many professional orchestral players have made the YCL-650 work beautifully, and ultimately the sound that comes from the instrument is shaped more by the player than the brand.

For more on how the YCL-650 compares to other options at the professional level, see our full guide to the best professional clarinets.

FAQ

Is the Yamaha YCL-650 a professional clarinet?

Yes — it’s Yamaha’s entry-level professional model and a fully professional instrument. Although it sits below Yamaha’s Custom Series in the lineup, it meets every standard required for professional performance and is used by working professional musicians worldwide.

How does the Yamaha YCL-650 compare to the YCL-450?

The YCL-450 is an intermediate instrument. Although both use grenadilla wood, the YCL-650 has a more refined bore, better key finishing, and a more sophisticated tonal character. The difference is clearly audible and felt in terms of response. Players who have outgrown the YCL-450 will notice an immediate improvement on the YCL-650.

What mouthpiece should I use with the Yamaha YCL-650?

The included 4CM mouthpiece is a genuine step up from student mouthpieces, but most players eventually move to a Vandoren B45 or similar. The B45 suits the YCL-650’s tonal character well and brings out the natural warmth of the grenadilla wood without fighting the instrument’s bright character.