Featuring a bell shape and barrel design similar to that of the V Series, the YCL-450E offers a surprisingly 'professional' sound with an easy response. The bell design gives improved intonation and projection, especially in the all-important lower register, while the barrel enhances the 450's response, flexibility and tonal focus. Featuring silver-plated keys, and an Eb/Ab lever, the YCL450E encompasses design elements from Yamaha professional series clarinets. FEATURES Keys - While silver-plated keys of YCL-450 give a softer and warmer sound, nickel-plated keys of YCL-450N delivers a clear focused tone. New adjustable thumb-rest and strap ring - A new adjustable thumb-rest accommodates different sized hands helping the player develop proper playing technique. In addition, a strap ring allows for the instrument to be held without extra effort. Firmer screws and silver soldered ring gives this new feature excellent durability. Optional Eb lever - YCL-450E with Eb lever is available as an optional extra. Case - CLC-400EII is a semi-hard case that can be carried in your hand, over your shoulder, or like a backpack. SPECIFICATIONS Key: Bb - Fingering System: Boehm, 17 keys, 6 rings - Barrel Length: 65mm - Toneholes: Straight tone holes with tapered undercut - Thumb-rest Adjustable with strap ring - Body Material: Grenadilla - Key Material: Silver-plated nickel silver - Mouthpiece: 4CCase: Included
Featuring a bell shape and barrel design similar to that of the V Series, the YCL-450E offers a surprisingly 'professional' sound with an easy response. The bell design gives improved intonation and projection, especially in the all-important lower register, while the barrel enhances the 450's response, flexibility and tonal focus. Featuring silver-plated keys, and an Eb/Ab lever, the YCL450E encompasses design elements from Yamaha professional series clarinets. FEATURES Keys - While silver-plated keys of YCL-450 give a softer and warmer sound, nickel-plated keys of YCL-450N delivers a clear focused tone. New adjustable thumb-rest and strap ring - A new adjustable thumb-rest accommodates different sized hands helping the player develop proper playing technique. In addition, a strap ring allows for the instrument to be held without extra effort. Firmer screws and silver soldered ring gives this new feature excellent durability. Optional Eb lever - YCL-450E with Eb lever is available as an optional extra. Case - CLC-400EII is a semi-hard case that can be carried in your hand, over your shoulder, or like a backpack. SPECIFICATIONS Key: Bb - Fingering System: Boehm, 17 keys, 6 rings - Barrel Length: 65mm - Toneholes: Straight tone holes with tapered undercut - Thumb-rest Adjustable with strap ring - Body Material: Grenadilla - Key Material: Silver-plated nickel silver - Mouthpiece: 4CCase: Included
Featuring a bell shape and barrel design similar to that of the V Series, the YCL-450E offers a surprisingly 'professional' sound with an easy response. The bell design gives improved intonation and projection, especially in the all-important lower register, while the barrel enhances the 450's response, flexibility and tonal focus. Featuring silver-plated keys, and an Eb/Ab lever, the YCL450E encompasses design elements from Yamaha professional series clarinets. FEATURES Keys - While silver-plated keys of YCL-450 give a softer and warmer sound, nickel-plated keys of YCL-450N delivers a clear focused tone. New adjustable thumb-rest and strap ring - A new adjustable thumb-rest accommodates different sized hands helping the player develop proper playing technique. In addition, a strap ring allows for the instrument to be held without extra effort. Firmer screws and silver soldered ring gives this new feature excellent durability. Optional Eb lever - YCL-450E with Eb lever is available as an optional extra. Case - CLC-400EII is a semi-hard case that can be carried in your hand, over your shoulder, or like a backpack. SPECIFICATIONS Key: Bb - Fingering System: Boehm, 17 keys, 6 rings - Barrel Length: 65mm - Toneholes: Straight tone holes with tapered undercut - Thumb-rest Adjustable with strap ring - Body Material: Grenadilla - Key Material: Silver-plated nickel silver - Mouthpiece: 4CCase: Included
Featuring a bell shape and barrel design similar to that of the V Series, the YCL-450E offers a surprisingly 'professional' sound with an easy response. The bell design gives improved intonation and projection, especially in the all-important lower register, while the barrel enhances the 450's response, flexibility and tonal focus. Featuring silver-plated keys, and an Eb/Ab lever, the YCL450E encompasses design elements from Yamaha professional series clarinets. FEATURES Keys - While silver-plated keys of YCL-450 give a softer and warmer sound, nickel-plated keys of YCL-450N delivers a clear focused tone. New adjustable thumb-rest and strap ring - A new adjustable thumb-rest accommodates different sized hands helping the player develop proper playing technique. In addition, a strap ring allows for the instrument to be held without extra effort. Firmer screws and silver soldered ring gives this new feature excellent durability. Optional Eb lever - YCL-450E with Eb lever is available as an optional extra. Case - CLC-400EII is a semi-hard case that can be carried in your hand, over your shoulder, or like a backpack. SPECIFICATIONS Key: Bb - Fingering System: Boehm, 17 keys, 6 rings - Barrel Length: 65mm - Toneholes: Straight tone holes with tapered undercut - Thumb-rest Adjustable with strap ring - Body Material: Grenadilla - Key Material: Silver-plated nickel silver - Mouthpiece: 4CCase: Included
Last updated at 06/09/2026 09:21:16
Yamaha YCL-450E Intermediate Bb Clarinetaha YCL-450
Free delivery between 15–23 June
Yamaha YCL 450M Clarinet
Yamaha YCL-450M 02 Grenadilla Wood Bb Clarinet w/ Duet + Bore
Free 30-day returns
originally posted on musicarts.com
The Yamaha 450 clarinet is simply amazing. Do not pay attention to the negative reviews on here which have nothing whatsoever to do with the quality of the instrument itself, but instead chose to focus on a key that may have been out of alignment when they received their instrument, leading them to (falsely) claim the instrument itself was at fault. That is simply untrue. I recently purchased this clarinet and have nothing but glowing things to say about it. This Yamaha is a joy to play and does absolutely everything well. The tone is superb, intonation is spot-on throughout the range of the instrument (Honestly - the needle on the tuner does NOT readjust itself with every note played. It stays where it is and does NOT budge at all!), the throat tones are much more ... MoreThe Yamaha 450 clarinet is simply amazing. Do not pay attention to the negative reviews on here which have nothing whatsoever to do with the quality of the instrument itself, but instead chose to focus on a key that may have been out of alignment when they received their instrument, leading them to (falsely) claim the instrument itself was at fault. That is simply untrue. I recently purchased this clarinet and have nothing but glowing things to say about it. This Yamaha is a joy to play and does absolutely everything well. The tone is superb, intonation is spot-on throughout the range of the instrument (Honestly - the needle on the tuner does NOT readjust itself with every note played. It stays where it is and does NOT budge at all!), the throat tones are much more full and open than I have heard on any other clarinet, and it has the reputation of Yamaha and the Yamaha reliability behind it. Please, do yourself a favor at at least try this model out for yourself. Compare it against the 650, an E11, or an E12, and see what all the fuss is about. You'll be glad you did. Yamaha has knocked it out of the park with this gem.
originally posted on musicarts.com
When it came time to upgrade my daughter's instrument, she tried three different clarinets - a Yamaha 450, a 650 and a Buffet E12. Both she and her private teacher agreed that the 450 played the best despite being the least expensive of the three. She says the keys all work more smoothly and easily and it is easier to play in the higher registers compared to the other two. While the finish on the 450 is fine, it isn't nearly as nice looking as the other two, especially the 650, but playability beats appearance. Also, a couple of years ago, my daughter got an upgraded mouthpiece (Vandoren B45) for her old plastic Olds clarinet. She says it made a huge improvement in the sound. When she first tried the new instruments, none sounded as good as her old clarinet (!), ... MoreWhen it came time to upgrade my daughter's instrument, she tried three different clarinets - a Yamaha 450, a 650 and a Buffet E12. Both she and her private teacher agreed that the 450 played the best despite being the least expensive of the three. She says the keys all work more smoothly and easily and it is easier to play in the higher registers compared to the other two. While the finish on the 450 is fine, it isn't nearly as nice looking as the other two, especially the 650, but playability beats appearance. Also, a couple of years ago, my daughter got an upgraded mouthpiece (Vandoren B45) for her old plastic Olds clarinet. She says it made a huge improvement in the sound. When she first tried the new instruments, none sounded as good as her old clarinet (!), until she used her Vandoren mouthpiece with the new clarinets. My point is that maybe the mouthpieces that come with these three instruments are not all that good. You might want to consider upgrading immediately, if you get a new clarinet in this price range (or lower). Or maybe get one if you just want to make your old instrument sound better. I'll give this clarinet 5 stars, even though it needed a better mouthpiece, since the E12 and the 650 also should have had better mouthpieces, too.
originally posted on ebay.com
I hadn't touched my old Selmer Signet Special from high school band in over 50 years. Thought I would give it a try and was surprised that I could still play. After a few weeks I got the urge to try a newer clarinet and ordered a used YCL-450N from Sam Ashe on Ebay. Sam Ashe described the clarinet as 'like new' and it was. I was surprised at just how new it looked and the way it was packaged. The clarinet is in perfect condition and plays just like I had hoped. It even came with the hard shell case. I couldn't be more pleased. All I have to do now is practice.
Yamaha YCL-450E Intermediate Bb Clarinetaha YCL-450
Free delivery between 15–23 June
Yamaha YCL 450M Clarinet
Yamaha YCL-450M 02 Grenadilla Wood Bb Clarinet w/ Duet + Bore
Free 30-day returns
The Yamaha 450 clarinet is simply amazing. Do not pay attention to the negative reviews on here which have nothing whatsoever to do with the quality of the instrument itself, but instead chose to focus on a key that may have been out of alignment when they received their instrument, leading them to (falsely) claim the instrument itself was at fault. That is simply untrue. I recently purchased this clarinet and have nothing but glowing things to say about it. This Yamaha is a joy to play and does absolutely everything well. The tone is superb, intonation is spot-on throughout the range of the instrument (Honestly - the needle on the tuner does NOT readjust itself with every note played. It stays where it is and does NOT budge at all!), the throat tones are much more ... MoreThe Yamaha 450 clarinet is simply amazing. Do not pay attention to the negative reviews on here which have nothing whatsoever to do with the quality of the instrument itself, but instead chose to focus on a key that may have been out of alignment when they received their instrument, leading them to (falsely) claim the instrument itself was at fault. That is simply untrue. I recently purchased this clarinet and have nothing but glowing things to say about it. This Yamaha is a joy to play and does absolutely everything well. The tone is superb, intonation is spot-on throughout the range of the instrument (Honestly - the needle on the tuner does NOT readjust itself with every note played. It stays where it is and does NOT budge at all!), the throat tones are much more full and open than I have heard on any other clarinet, and it has the reputation of Yamaha and the Yamaha reliability behind it. Please, do yourself a favor at at least try this model out for yourself. Compare it against the 650, an E11, or an E12, and see what all the fuss is about. You'll be glad you did. Yamaha has knocked it out of the park with this gem.
When it came time to upgrade my daughter's instrument, she tried three different clarinets - a Yamaha 450, a 650 and a Buffet E12. Both she and her private teacher agreed that the 450 played the best despite being the least expensive of the three. She says the keys all work more smoothly and easily and it is easier to play in the higher registers compared to the other two. While the finish on the 450 is fine, it isn't nearly as nice looking as the other two, especially the 650, but playability beats appearance. Also, a couple of years ago, my daughter got an upgraded mouthpiece (Vandoren B45) for her old plastic Olds clarinet. She says it made a huge improvement in the sound. When she first tried the new instruments, none sounded as good as her old clarinet (!), ... MoreWhen it came time to upgrade my daughter's instrument, she tried three different clarinets - a Yamaha 450, a 650 and a Buffet E12. Both she and her private teacher agreed that the 450 played the best despite being the least expensive of the three. She says the keys all work more smoothly and easily and it is easier to play in the higher registers compared to the other two. While the finish on the 450 is fine, it isn't nearly as nice looking as the other two, especially the 650, but playability beats appearance. Also, a couple of years ago, my daughter got an upgraded mouthpiece (Vandoren B45) for her old plastic Olds clarinet. She says it made a huge improvement in the sound. When she first tried the new instruments, none sounded as good as her old clarinet (!), until she used her Vandoren mouthpiece with the new clarinets. My point is that maybe the mouthpieces that come with these three instruments are not all that good. You might want to consider upgrading immediately, if you get a new clarinet in this price range (or lower). Or maybe get one if you just want to make your old instrument sound better. I'll give this clarinet 5 stars, even though it needed a better mouthpiece, since the E12 and the 650 also should have had better mouthpieces, too.
I hadn't touched my old Selmer Signet Special from high school band in over 50 years. Thought I would give it a try and was surprised that I could still play. After a few weeks I got the urge to try a newer clarinet and ordered a used YCL-450N from Sam Ashe on Ebay. Sam Ashe described the clarinet as 'like new' and it was. I was surprised at just how new it looked and the way it was packaged. The clarinet is in perfect condition and plays just like I had hoped. It even came with the hard shell case. I couldn't be more pleased. All I have to do now is practice.
Great value for an intermediate clarinet. Took my daughter a little while to get used to it. It does take a bit more breath strength than a beginner clarinet but the sound quality is warmer and louder. It also will be a bit more care with the wood clarinet but it is worth it.
#SweepstakesI love my YCL-450 (silver keys) clarinet! First, it is beautiful and the build looks and feels solid, like an even higher end professional instrument. The wood grain is exquisite. Second, the sound it produces is smooth and mellow, deep and rich. The higher notes are easy to play, too. Of course, proper gradual break in is necessary, as is care to avoid cracking (eg, avoiding temp extremes, changes in temp and humidity, etc.). But it is all worth it. I play my clarinet for my own enjoyment, as well as for friends. I also love to play it for seniors in retirement communities, etc. And I would like to get into playing it in church, too. I give it 10/10.
I play for pleasure, weekly for church, and teaching.Clarinet is great but the ligature wouldn't tighten to hold reed, called company twice,after lengthy wait times was twice told a supervisor needed to be consulted. I was promised a return call and solution but neither time did that happen. I do plan to buy another clarinet for my granddaughter but will purchase from Musicians Friends, never will I buy from Woodwind & Brasswinds again: poor customer service.
The Yamaha 450N, is rated #2 in transitional horns. With the sale they had for the high quality, I have no regrets. Nobody else came close to the purchase price. The sales crew, & the manager were very helpful & knowledgeable. Sam Ash music is my go to place for everything I need in the future from sheet music to claranet accessories. You won't regret it.
Not encountered this internally resin-coated instrument before. Very impressed with they typical Yamaha build quality. Bright and clear sound very different from Buffet - each to their own - but the uniformity of intonation and tone quality ever at the break is very impressive for an intermediate instrument. Excellent clarinet for the higher grades.
This is a great clarinet for the beginner that will take that beginner through intermediate levels. The one review of the B natural is either a key alignment or improper technique. The other review regarding the 'pinky' key is corrected if you just take it to a repair shop and have the key lifted or adjusted for easier access. Big deal. For the money, that I used from beginner through intermediate, Excellent clarinet!
I am a long-time (now in my early 60s) amateur musician. Clarinet was my first instrument as a kid -- I never really gave it up, but switched mostly to saxophone and bass. Anyhow, I've recently started playing more clarinet in a couple of situations and decided to finally treat myself to a nice wooden clarinet. A good friend who used to own a music store recommended Yamaha, and I have to say it is hard to imagine a nicer playing, better sounding clarinet, especially for the price. There was nothing wrong with my old (and recently refurbished) made-in-France resin clarinet, but the Yamaha is a joy. HIghly recommended!
