When it comes to purchasing clarinets, we are often asked what the difference is between Buffet and Yamaha. In this article, we take a look at the student and step-up models from both manufacturers and what they have to offer to help you make the right choice for you.
Beginner clarinets
Both Buffet and Yamaha have been producing high quality student clarinets for more than 30 years. Although the Yamaha student clarinet at this time was well made, it was the Buffet B12 which sat at the top of the student clarinet market for a long time. However, in the early 2000s Yamaha produced a new model, the YCL-250, which heralded the brand's rise in the beginner clarinet market.
Yamaha’s YCL-255S and Buffet’s 'Prodige' are the current beginner models, both offering players a very reliable and easy-to-play option. Each model is constructed from ABS resin which is hard wearing, durable, resilient to temperature changes and affordable. Both are lightweight and with the removal of the metal ring at the bottom of the bell, they are even lighter and easier to balance. Each model has an adjustable thumb rest to aid ergonomics plus a sling ring so a sling could be used to take some of the weight. Either of these models would offer a beginner player a fantastic start to their clarinet journey and are of a quality to last right through to an intermediate level of grade 5 or 6 before having to consider an up-grade.
Are there any differences?
Yes, there are a few differences which may influence a player’s decision:
The sound: although this is rather subjective! Some teachers feel that the Yamaha clarinet has a slightly brighter and more projected sound whereas the Buffet offers more warmth. Teachers will often recommend one or the other based on their own brand loyalty, but if you are a beginner starting out, you are not likely to notice a huge difference in terms of sound quality.
The mouthpiece: The Yamaha is supplied with a 4C mouthpiece which is the biggest selling student mouthpiece on the market. The Buffet is supplied with their ‘Urban Play’ mouthpiece. Both mouthpieces are designed with the beginner player in mind – easy to control and free blowing.
The case: The Yamaha case has carry handles plus a shoulder strap, whereas the Buffet case has a carry handle, but has back-pack style straps instead. Both cases feature a fabric outer with a hard shell and padded interior.
Step-up/ Intermediate Clarinets
Both Yamaha and Buffet produce a range of step-up or intermediate wooden clarinets ranging in price from around £900 to £1700. For the majority of players, the clarinets in this bracket would offer you a wooden clarinet that will last for life.
Wooden clarinets offer a fuller, richer tone with more projection and the methods used to manufacture these instruments are more complex with higher quality materials used in the process.
Buffet offer three models in this range, the E-11, E-12F and the E-13, of which the E-11 and E-13 are currently offered at Presto Music. The E-11 is classed as a first level step-up instrument which offers great progression from a student model but keeps budget in mind. Made from Grenadilla wood, it offers a fuller and darker tone with more projection than a plastic student model.
The E-13 is amongst the top selling upgrade wooden clarinets on the market and sits right at the top of buffet’s intermediate range. It is made from the best pieces of Mozambican granadilla wood and features many of the technical characteristics of their professional models.
Yamaha's wooden upgrade models are the YCL-450 and YCL-650. These models are broadly equivalent to the Buffet E12F and the E-13 respectively and are often high on teacher recommendation lists. The YCL-450 offers many features associated with higher level models in the Yamaha range, including a resonance chamber in the bell, a high-quality mouthpiece and a bore with a more open design that enables the player to produce a warmer and more powerful sound. Like the YCL-450, the YCL-650 also features a resonance chamber in the bell plus more hand finished features close to those of top Yamaha Custom models.
All these models are of high quality, so it would be incorrect to say that one is better than the other. Choice is really down to player preference.
How do I choose?
We would always recommend visiting us at our store in Leamington Spa if possible to test and directly compare instruments, especially if you are upgrading from your student clarinet. You can contact us to book our testing room so you can take the time to ensure you are making the right choice for you.
Buffet Crampon has revolutionised the student clarinet! Now, beginners on a budget can start out with a professional sound. Essential qualities of the Prodige clarinet are tone, ergonomics and reliability.
The YCL-255S combines state-of-the-art production expertise with high-end Yamaha clarinet features. The result is an outstanding, all-round entry-level instrument that delivers a warm, resonant tone, remarkably similar to that of a wood clarinet
The Buffet E11 has been a great option for many years for any players looking to make their first upgrade to a wooden clarinet but with a budget in mind. This model offers a good step up from a plastic model that students may have begun on. Produced in specially dedicated German workshops in Markneukirchen, the Buffet E11 represents excellent value for money and is capable of taking players through their grades and on to a higher level.
The name E13 is legendary for a clarinet that has never changed in 40 years. With its origins in the BC20 – the clarinet played by Jacques Lancelot – the E13 has accompanied amateurs and advanced musicians to conservatories, music schools and wind orchestras the world over. This model has been a popular choice for many years for players looking to upgrade their instrument and sits right at the top of the Buffet intermediate range.
