Yamaha YAC CLC-221II

Excellent sound and tone for a "student" instrument. I am a "semi-professional" multi-instrumentalist (clarinet, alto/tenor/soprano sax, too) and have used the YCL-221 in community band concerts, in the pit for local musical productions, in church and other orchestra performances and in performances at the Stockholm Jazz Festival in Sweden. Excellent value with a quality sound that won't break the bank.

This is an extremely high quality student/intermediate level instrument, and is well worth every penny. Several of my students play the Yamaha YCL-221 II model, and a few of them have made it to various all-state music festivals in my area. As a professional musician, I can assure you that the YCL-221 II is a very sturdy instrument and does not have any tuning issues. (at least when played by an experienced musician) Again, it is well worth the price and I would highly recommend this instrument to anyone.

I specifically ordered YCL-221 Bass Clarinet, but instead I got YCL-221 II model, which has significant tuning issues. I could have bought the II model in other web pages for $600 cheaper, but I bought in this one because it was the only one offering the model that I needed, so I could avoid the tuning issues. This was a "Sweet 15" present for my daughter that I will have to give her with issues that I paid to avoid.

Though it says nowhere in any specs that I've seen, this instrument is tuned to A442, and not A440, which is the standard for American bands. The instrument sounds wonderful and it responds beautifully. Unfortunately it plays so sharp that I cannot play it without significant struggles in an ensemble. When I contacted Yamaha, they told me that European ensembles are all tuning to A442. Bully for them I say. I live in America and am now the proud owner of an instrument I cannot use.