The YCL-450S is Yamaha's popular intermediate clarinet and offers students all the tonal benefits of a real wooden instrument at an affordable price.

Whilst there are some advantages to making beginner clarinets from ABS resin, such as durability and especially cost, any one serious about progressing on the clarinet will at some point need to upgrade to a wooden instrument. The Yamaha 450 is made from grenadilla and offers the rich tone quality and control that you can only get from wood.

The YCL-450 intermediate model clarinet incorporates some of the qualities of Yamaha’s professional and custom clarinets. One of these features is a 65mm barrel design that produces a focused tone and quick response. Players looking to "step-up" their performance will do just that with this instrument.

A new resonance chamber in the bell of the YCL-450 aids in projection and improves intonation in lower notes, allowing for consistency and confidence.

Intermediate instruments need to feel different than student model instruments. Part of making the YCL-450 "feel" better is the upgrade in spring material. Blue steel springs give the keys a lighter touch and feel while producing a smooth, quick action.

The silver-plated keys provide not only an enhanced appearance, but also a wonderful feel for the players. In order to make the keys to the appropriate strength level, a technique called power forging is used. The result of this hi-tech process are keys that are exceptionally durable and contoured to the best possible ergonomic shape.

Yamaha intermediate model instruments set themselves aside with their use of professional materials and features. Straight tone holes with tapered undercuts provide outstanding intonation and response making the YCL-450 play like a pro model instrument.

The YCL 450 is supplied as an outfit with a quality lightweight case, the ever-popular 4C mouthpiece and care kit.