Yamaha has been making very fine professional clarinets for some time now. Traditionalist had always considered Buffet to be the only "real" clarinet, with Selmer running second best. But Yamaha is doing with clarinets what they have done with all musical instruments: taking the best design features, then experimenting to make them even better. If you're in the market for an upgrade you really should consider trying this clarinet.

Buffet has been making great clarinets for a very long time. This antique "Full Boehm System" clarinet, made in 1920, has a lot of interesting features: wrap-around register key, six rings, including a "doughnut" ring on the left hand middle finger, keywork to low Eb giving it the same range as a clarinet in A, an articulated G# and a right hand G# trill key, left hand Ab/Eb lever. It's been put into good playing condition in our shop but if you are going to play it professionally you might want to look into getting it overhauled, your shop or ours.

Selmer Series 9 clarinet #S8070 was made in France during the early 1960's. It is a one owner instrument, and has been very well cared for. This is full Boehm clarinet: 7 rings articulated G#/C# key additional "sliver key " on lower joint (opens the G#/C# keys) left hand Ab/Eb key. OK, it doesn't have the low Eb key, but that makes it lighter and if you really need that note, go buy an A clarinet....
All cork pads on the upper joint, all bladder on the lower joint, with the exception of the G# key (cork pad) which is located on the lower joint. Has a bit of nickel plate wear, mostly on the rings and other touch pieces. No cracks, no pins. The lower tenon does have a chip in it, but the bell is securely held on. We will be giving it a good playing condition repair in our shop before it ships out. Fee free to ask any question you may have.

Backun bust onto the clarinet scene in the early 2000's with the "Leblanc by Backun". Since then they have gone on to become one of the most innovative makers of fine clarinets. The Protege is their advanced intermediate model, but it plays like a high end clarinet: nice feel in the hands great tone right on intonation. Ours is made of cocobolo wood, has rose gold plated keys and black Valentino pads. Comes with a Vandoren B45 mouthpiece with cap and ligature. Come in to the shop and try it. You won't be disappointed.