Buffet Crampon R13 vs. Yamaha YCL-650 - Review - Clarinet Expert (2024)

Are you in need of a professional clarinet that can deliver excellent sound quality? You should focus on popular brands. Some of the models you can compare are Buffet Crampon R13 vs. Yamaha YCL-650.

I wanted to join a band, but my clarinet was not producing quality sound. I started looking for a professional clarinet online. Though I came across many options, I was torn between Buffet Crampon R13 and Yamaha YCL-650. Finding a good clarinet that ticks all the right boxes can be difficult. We can help by comparing popular models like Buffet Crampon R13 and Yamaha YCL-650. Enjoy!

What are the differences between the Buffet Crampon R13 vs. Yamaha YCL-650?

Buffet Crampon R13 vs. Yamaha YCL-650 – How do they compare?

Barrel length

Clarinets often describe the barrels in terms of length. The barrel length impacts the pitch that you will play throughout your range. The barrel length of Buffet Crampon R13 is 66 mm, while that of Yamaha YCL-650 is 65 mm.

Though the difference between the barrel length is minimal, Yamaha YCL-650 wins in this category since it offers a quick response and a more focused tone than Buffet Crampon R13.

Case

Since a clarinet is a delicate musical instrument, it needs a case to protect it. While Buffet Crampon R13 has a leather-covered wooden case, Yamaha YCL-650 lacks this feature. If you choose the second clarinet, you have to buy a case separately.

Buffet Crampon R13, therefore, wins in this category due to the inclusion of a case.

Bell

A clarinet has a flared section at one end that projects the sound known as the bell. These two clarinets differ in that Yamaha YCL-650’s bell contains a resonance chamber while Buffet Crampon R13 lacks this feature.

Yamaha YCL 650, therefore, wins in this category since the addition of a resonance chamber helps in improving intonation.

Mouthpiece

The mouthpiece is crucial in a clarinet since it is where different elements come together to deliver sound. Yamaha YCL-650 features a 4CM hard rubber mouthpiece, while Buffet Crampon R13 does not come with a mouthpiece. If you choose the Buffet Crampon model, you have to look for a suitable mouthpiece and incur some extra costs.

Yamaha YCL-650 wins since it features a mouthpiece made from ebonite. This enables it to produce a good tone. You can, however, use Buffet Crampon R13 with different mouthpieces.

Buffet Crampon R13 vs. Yamaha YCL-650 – A comparison Overview

Buffet Crampon R13 overview

This professional clarinet has existed for more than four decades and is widely used. The manufacturer makes it with grenadilla wood, a high-quality material that makes the response and tone even. This wood also makes the clarinet beautiful. You should take care of this clarinet and keep it in great condition.

Buffet Crampon R13 comes with a poly-cylindrical bore that enables it to produce full and dark sound. This helps in centering the tone and leads to better intonation. The undercut tone holes of this clarinet improve the tone and response.

This clarinet also comes with silver-plated keys, which provide more anti-microbial protection than clarinets that come with nickel-plated keys. Silver-plated keys also maintain the shine longer than nickel-plated keys.

This clarinet also comes with cut tone holes and adjustable thumb rest. The thumb rest makes it easy to customize and prevents your wrist from straining even during extended use.

Like most professional clarinets, this model has double fish-skin pads, which offer a good seal and enhance the sound of the clarinet.

Though this clarinet does not come with a mouthpiece, the manufacturer gives you the freedom to use it with various mouthpieces that you prefer. It also has a leather-covered case that you can use to store it after use. This clarinet manufacturer equips it with a quality HB ligature that offers a centered sound.

Pros

• Made from quality materials
• It has silver-plated keys
• The ligature is easy to bow
• Its case makes it easy to transport
• Elegant design

Cons

• It lacks a mouthpiece
• High price

View price here

Yamaha YCL-650 overview

Do you have adequate experience in playing the clarinet and need an upgrade? You should not overlook Yamaha YCL-650. This is a solidly constructed clarinet that comes in a grenadilla wood body. It is a high-quality clarinet that you can depend on for years. The construction also enables it to produce a deeply resonant and warm sound.

Since this model features a 65 mm barrel, it offers a full response and focused tone. The bell design of this clarinet contains a resonance chamber which also enhances intonation. You can play this professional clarinet for a long time without experiencing any discomfort. This is because it features an adjustable thumb rest that enhances the player experience.

The thumb rest also offers room for performers with different hand sizes. Since the keys of this professional clarinet are silver-plated, they are long-lasting. You can take the clarinet to an instrument repair shop to have the keys polished from time to time. Instead of using standard pads, the manufacturer of this model equips it with Lucien deluxe double skin pads.

Pros

• It offers a full and clear tone
• The clarinet is comfortable to play
• It is durable and of high quality
• Produces smooth sound
• The wood is shiny

Cons

• It lacks a case
• Cheap cork

View price here

Verdict: So, which one is better- Buffet Crampon R13 or Yamaha YCL-650?

Yamaha YCL-650 is better than Buffet Crampon R13 since its bell contains a resonance chamber and it has a high-quality mouthpiece. Though this clarinet does not come with a case, it delivers a better tone than Buffet Crampon R13.

FAQs

How much is Buffet Crampon R13?

This clarinet costs $3495 on Amazon.

Is Yamaha YCL-650 a professional clarinet?

Yes. This is a professional clarinet that is suitable for experienced players.