Yamaha YCL-CSG Series Professional Bb Clarinet   (Used)

I recently purchased a Yamaha YCL-CSG Bb German bore clarinet. Being a lond-time Buffet R-13 player, I was not really expecting much. I played the instrument recently at the NAMM Show in Anaheim, and was very impressed. Testing an instrument at the NAMM is not a fair trial, so I ordered one. After having performed two concerts and several rehearsals on the instrument, my feeling is that this in one enjoyable clarinet. I adapted to it immediately and find the intonation spot-on with the longer barrel. The sound is full, dark, with great carrying power. The response throughout the registers is balance, making large interval jumps easy. I don't have to do any favoring of notes, something one does on an R-13. My orchestral colleagues immediately noticed an improvement in my sound. Best of all, this clarinet is really effortless to play. It doesn't tire me out, and carries well in the hall.

Besides the great playing, this instrument is beautifully constructed, with lovely unstained Grenadilla and expert keywork. My only complaint is a wish for an adjustable thumb rest and, maybe, an off-set register key, like on the German clarinets. I think the MK II model of this clarinet has that, but i really didn't need the E-F resonance key.

I just ordered an A clarinet of this model. Any serious clarinetist should give this instrument a try before you buy any other clarinet. With two barrels and a nice French-style Pouchette case and cover, it's a veritable bargain!