The Yamaha YCL‑CX is a hand-crafted custom-series clarinet inspired by the historical “Chalumeaux” instrument—considered the clarinet’s precursor. This model delivers a full, round sound with immediate clarity, characterized by inset, conical tone holes and a silver-plated bell ring, creating an open and lively tonal presence. It is designed for precise intonation and dynamic full-range response.
Built from select grenadilla wood, the YCL‑CX features a natural oil polish that preserves the wood’s tonal richness, while leather pads ensure smooth breath flow and reduce unwanted noise during playing. Notable ergonomic enhancements include an adjustable thumb rest with strap ring and extended key levers (E/B, C#/G#), improving comfort, precision, and reliability in performance.
Specifications
| Feature | Details (Bb Key / YCL‑CX) |
|---|---|
| Model | YCL‑CX (Bb‑key, with YCL‑CXA as A‑key variant) |
| Series | Custom (handcrafted, Generation 2 design) |
| Key | Bb (Concert B‑flat) |
| System | Boehm — 17 keys, 6 rings |
| Material (Body/Barrel/Bell) | Grenadilla wood, natural oil finish, selected for consistency |
| Barrel Length | ~65 mm |
| Tone Holes | Inset, conical, hand-undercut |
| Bell Ring | Silver-plated ring for enhanced presence |
| Keywork | Silver-plated nickel‑silver |
| Pads | Leather, optimized for smooth tone and breath flow |
| Thumb Rest | Adjustable with strap ring for ergonomic playability |
| Ergonomic Enhancements | Extended levers (E/B, C#/G#), improved key return mechanism |
| Mouthpiece | Yamaha 4CM custom ebonite |
