"Yamaha clarinets aren't just about the SE series."
The CSVmaster delivers a rich, full-bodied sound with exceptional clarity.
[Overview]
Yamaha B♭ Clarinet YCL-CSVmaster
Body: Granadilla (natural oil finish)
Key Material: Forged nickel silver with silver plating
Core Rods and Screws: Stainless steel
Needle Springs and Leaf Springs: Hardened steel
Pads: White leather
Thumb Rest: Fixed (1st generation)
Accessories: Genuine hard case, case cover, mouthpiece (4 cm / shows signs of clouding and discoloration)
Year of Manufacture: 2018, 1st Generation
New Price: 610,500 yen (current model)
[Condition]
The lettering and logos on the barrel and upper joint are partially worn and faded. Plating has worn off on the register keys. There are some scuff marks on the sides. Otherwise, there are no noticeable signs of plating wear, scratches, or cracks that have been repaired. The instrument has been cleaned, and all pads (leather) and corks have been replaced; it has undergone a full overhaul and adjustment.
[Features]
The YCL-CSVmaster is the top-of-the-line model in Yamaha’s Custom Clarinet CS Series. The CS Series is characterized by a clear, well-defined tone and excellent projection, achieved through an internal bore design that is nearly straight. Its appeal lies in its soloistic character, which responds firmly to every breath and projects the sound straight and far.
The CSVmaster features a barrel bore designed with a combination of a narrow taper and a straight section, achieving both a focused tone and a natural response. Furthermore, it incorporates features such as C♯/G♯ attack holes, which prevent the sound from dispersing even when played with force, providing a stable playing feel and rich expressiveness across the entire range from low to high registers.
While the SE series is often chosen in Japan by players who prioritize a soft tone and blending with the ensemble, the CS series stands out for players who seek clear tonal definition and want to actively shape the sound with their own breath. It offers brilliance and power without being merely bright, and it never loses its core even when played forcefully. This combination of projection and expressiveness is precisely what makes the CSVmaster a “hidden gem” among instruments.
This instrument is a first-generation model manufactured in 2018. While there is some slight wear on the logos on the barrel and upper joint, the body has no cracks or repair history. All pads have been replaced with leather, and the instrument has been fully overhauled, including cork replacement. If you’re looking for a clarinet that doesn’t offer a soft, enveloping tone, but rather one with a solid core that you can project forward with your own breath, this CSVmaster is definitely one you should try.
☆ How to Care for Your Clarinet