Buffet or Yamaha Beginner Clarinets | Which is Best?

[@andrewkessinger5966]

My old student clarinet is a YCL 20 and I actually liked it better than a B12 buffet my school had that I played every now and then. The Buffet always seemed to play louder but had a harder tone to it.

[@cynic150]

I studied clarinet and I could not tell the difference between these two. I also could not tell they were plastic. Presumably, a wooden one would sound better? The one I had to start on was terrible, but I only found out years later.

[@namnification]

I bought the Yamaha to have a god instrument and don’t need to worry about wood cracking playing in worm ore could places. I have play in many many year🖐

[@dddddddd9870]

which is better tuned in 3td octave? which more light weight?

[@caseythesparky3503]

I am surprised at how much I enjoyed the Buffet. I’ve always played Yamaha.

[@GinoCerutti-z5f]

Io sono professore di clarinetto e ho fatto strumentazione per banda. Per me gli strumenti yamaha sono ottimi per l intonazione ma sono molto freddi. Vanno bene per la qualità media,ma sulle alte qualità non sono comparabili(per me).

[@LouiseMannigel]

Are you using the stock mouthpiece for each? I found my Buffet Prodige sounded pretty ordinary with its Urban Play mouthpiece. The Buffet can sound really lovely upgrading the mouthpiece. I have used Yamaha 5CM and Vandoren M30 Lyre, both great.

[@randyking9489]

Great Question. I was wondering the same. Wish he had answered you. I have Prodige and don't care for the Urban Play, one of the cheapest mouthpieces out there. Yamaha 255 comes with 4C which is decent

[@dawkesmusic]

Hi - No Alastair was using his own Vandoren mouthpiece in this test. We chose to do that so that we're just comparing the actual Clarinets directly, and removing one of the other variables (the stock mouthpieces). In general terms many players/teachers would agree the Yamaha 4C is a better/more enjoyable mouthpiece to use, and as you've pointed out nicely the Buffet CAN sound really nice with the addition of an upgraded mouthpiece. Thanks for watching!

[@noahsolis3396]

The buff is more soothing and ik while the Yamaha is more uplifting big difference you are right

[@toja8784]

You have such a nice voice, so calming...

[@dawkesmusic]

Glad you think so!

[@emjay2045]

That model of Entry level Yamaha is easier to play than the Prodigy Buffet.

[@BeachBoi1000]

Yamaha 255?

[@randyking9489]

@emjay. You are so right. Not only is Yamaha 255 easier to play, it's built better. I have Prodige and keys were slightly unlevel from factory. Not as good as the old Buffet B12. Prodige comes with cheap $16 mouthpiece. At least Yamaha comes with a decent 4C mouthpiece

[@norwelceburon8090]

Great! What mouthpiece, brand of reed and strength do you use for yamaha 255S?

[@dawkesmusic]

Hi - If you're starting out then the Yamaha mouthpiece that comes with it is ideal to start on. In terms of reeds probably a strength #1.5 or #2 if you're beginning.

[@randyking9489]

​@@dawkesmusicHi It didn't seem like you were getting as much volume on the buffet prodige like the yamaha. Is this because of the bore being built like the buffet E11 intermediate clarinet? Even with the bore, did you find prodige as easy to play as the yamaha? Just wondering if you used urban play stock with prodige. I am aware that prodige bore is built similar specs to E11 intermediate model which may be a good thing. Thanks for your time and if you have a moment to answer. Difficult choice between the two

[@dawkesmusic]

@@randyking9489 In terms of the bore query, in general terms we do find the Yamaha is more giving for players who can already put more air through the instrument. The Buffet design however is very easy to play for new players in particular, but yes it does feel a bit 'smaller' sounding. Alastair was using his own Vandoren mouthpiece on this video. There's two ways of looking at that: One could say "why didn't he use the stock mouthpieces?" - answer would be that then the test between the two instruments is no longer using the same gear, i.e you're not comparing like vs like. However, you could also argue "these instruments won't come with his mouthpiece" - of course that's true, nor will they come with Alastair attached to that mouthpiece! Essentially we wanted to compare the clarinets themselves, not the outfits in total (i.e inc mouthpieces) if that makes sense. Alastair does mention later in the video that the Yamaha comes with a 4C which in general terms we would always say is better than the Buffet to play.

[@claude5125]

What i have heard from shop that sells clarinets is: Buffet and Yamaha are two great brand of clarinet, but, for student or relatively low experienced players, Yamaha should be the choice. It seems that they are more stable. If you are a more experienced player, Buffet wins the battle. I bought a Yanaha YCL 450 NM ( wood) and really like it, if one day i decide to upgrade, for sure i will go for a Buffet. Am i right, but i have heard that Buffet entry level clarinets, are not produce by Buffet... Thanks

[@zvonimirtosic6171]

Try Selmer clarinets instead of upper range Buffets.

[@sleepinglotus6914]

Thanks for sharing 🌹

[@loryclarinet5991]

I like the prodige better .