Now is the time to snap up this limited-edition, custom B-flat Yamaha clarinet that has been fully overhauled.
[Overview]
A limited-production original model from Yamaha’s B♭ Clarinet Custom Series SE Shimokura. Granadilla wood body. Silver-plated keys. Includes one barrel (645). Features an additional E♭/A♭ lever key on the left hand, and roller-equipped E♭/A♭ and C/F keys on the right hand. Manufactured in the late 1990s.Accessories: Third-party hard case (for Crampon Festival)
[Condition]
The gold paint on the manufacturer’s logo on the barrel and body has worn off.No signs of plating deterioration or previous repairs to cracks in the body. There is a scratch on the underside of the lower tube. Additionally, small scratches and polishing marks are scattered across the keys. Overhauled and adjusted with all leather pads and corks replaced.
*Since the included barrel is a 645, the pitch is on the high side. Depending on the period of use and the setup, the barrel may need to be shortened by approximately 1.5 to 2 mm.
[Features]
A limited-production model exclusive to Shimokura Gakki, based on the Yamaha Custom SE Series B♭ clarinet, model YCL-853II. It features an additional left-hand E♭/A♭ lever key, and the right-hand little-finger E♭/A♭ key and C/F key are equipped with rollers. This special specification prioritizes practicality, ensuring smooth execution of complex fingerings and little-finger movements.
The charm characteristic of the SE Series lies in its natural playing feel, which effortlessly responds to the player’s breath, and its soft, enveloping tone. The tone is consistent across the entire range, from high to low registers, producing a calm and expressive sound in solo performances and a tone that blends naturally with the ensemble. While this model does not compete on the basis of outstanding individuality, it reliably offers the stability and playability typical of Yamaha Custom instruments.
The included 645 barrel results in a slightly high pitch, so it will need to be shortened by about 1.5 to 2 millimeters to adjust it according to your playing environment and setup. To ensure more stable performance, adding a barrel of the appropriate length is also effective. Even factoring in the cost of a new barrel, the price difference compared to current models makes this an exceptionally attractive offer.
It has been fully overhauled, including replacement of all pads and corks. It is ready to play immediately upon purchase, without the need for significant maintenance costs afterward. The instrument body has no cracks or repair history, so you can use it with confidence as a practical instrument.
With the current Yamaha Custom SE model, the YCL-SE, now priced at 484,000 yen new, this limited-edition Custom B♭ clarinet—fully overhauled—is available for 176,000 yen (tax included). This is an unmissable value not only for those stepping up to the Custom class for the first time but also for anyone seeking a practical instrument they can use with confidence in wind ensembles or other musical settings.
☆How to Properly Care for Your Clarinet
