Yamaha YCL-450 Intermediate Series Bb Clarinet | Nickel

Natural oil finish and silver-plated keys make this a beautiful and durable clarinet. Featuring a bell shape and barrel design similar to that of the V Series, the YCL-450 offers a surprisingly ‘professional’ sound with an easy response. The new bell design gives improved intonation and projection, especially in the all-important lower register, while the new barrel enhances the 450’s response, flexibility and tonal focus.

Yamaha Intermediate Clarinets feature a grenadilla body, barrel and bell. These models feature a bell and barrel vertically integrated from the popular Yamaha V-Series models. Undercut tone holes provide accurate intonation and responsive playing. Durable features include power-forged keys and blue-steel springs which stand up to years of use, and an innovative design helps prevent jamming or breaking of the bridge keys.

YCL-450 Model Options

Yamaha offers a number of variable options for select instruments.

• YCL-450N – Intermediate Clarinet; key of B; nickel-plated keys and bell ring; CLC-180 case; 4C mouthpiece
• YCL-450NM – Same as YCL-450N; except upper joint with injection molded inner bore

Features

• New 65mm barrel: The YCL-450 intermediate model clarinet incorporates some of the distinct qualities of Yamaha’s professional and custom clarinets. One of these features is a 65mm barrel design that produces a focused tone and quick response. Players looking to “step-up” their performance will do just that with this instrument.
• New bell design: Nothing can be more frustrating than a soft sounding, out of tune instrument. A new resonance chamber in the bell of the YCL-450 aids in projection and improves intonation in lower notes, allowing for consistency and confidence.
• “Blue” steel spring material: Intermediate instruments need to feel different than student model instruments. Part of making the YCL-450 “feel” better is the upgrade in spring material. Blue steel springs give the keys a lighter touch and feel while producing a smooth, quick action.
• Sculptured, silver-plated keys: The silver-plated keys provide not only an enhanced appearance, but also a wonderful feel for the players. In order to make the keys to the appropriate strength level, a technique called power forging is used. The result of this hi-tech process are keys that are exceptionally durable and contoured to the best possible ergonomic shape.
• Straight tone holes with tapered undercut: Yamaha intermediate model instruments set themselves aside with their use of professional materials and features. Straight tone holes with tapered undercuts provide outstanding intonation and response making the YCL-450 play like a pro model instrument.

Technical Specs

• Level: Intermediate
• Key of Bb
• Fingering: Boehm
• Key System: 17 keys, 6 rings
• Barrel Length: 65 mm
• Body Material: Granadilla
• Barrel Material: Granadilla
• Bell Material: Granadilla
• Key Material: Nickel Silver
• Plating: Silver
• Bore: Machined
• Tone Holes: Straight inset type with tapered undercut
• Thumb Rest: Fixed
• Mouthpiece: Yamaha 4C
• Mouthpiece Cap: Silver
• Ligature: Silver-plated
• Spring Type: Blue Steel Needle
• Pad Type: Lucien deluxe double skin
• Posts: Threaded
• Options: Carry-all case (YCL-450CA/450NCA)