Yamaha’s New Duet+ Intermediate Clarinet Combines Traditional Craftsmanship with Modern Technology

The Yamaha YCL-450NM Duet+

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Yamaha's Band and Orchestral Division will debut the YCL-450NM Duet+ Intermediate Clarinet at the 2013 NAMM Show. This brand new addition to Yamaha's clarinet line is the first intermediate clarinet to feature Duet+ construction, which combines physical elements of wood and resin. Duet+ also represents the melding of old world craftsmanship and new world technological advancements.

Less prone to cracking and yielding better sound production, the Duet+ model takes the guesswork out of selecting an instrument. The consistency and reliability offered by the YCL-450NM Duet+ Intermediate Clarinet make it an easy choice for music educators, school band and orchestra students and players living in areas with extreme climates.

This intermediate clarinet includes a stabilizing ABS resin injection-molded upper joint inner bore, which drastically reduces the chance of cracking in the upper joint and allows for greater consistency in sound production. In addition, the Duet+ model includes an adjustable thumb rest and waterproof Valentino pads that provide increased resonance along with a more mature tone quality to the sound. While competitively priced, the Duet+ model offers the superior durability and quality that Yamaha is recognized for. The company anticipates high rental market demand as a result of the product's superior durability.

"The introduction of the new Duet+ model YCL-450NM clarinet reinforces that Yamaha's research and development team is on the cutting edge of technology," said Roger Eaton, Marketing Manager, Yamaha Band and Orchestral Department. "That the clarinet resonates with the purity of tone of a Grenadilla wood instrument makes it that much better."

The double ring of the Duet+ logo embossed on the clarinet graphically represents a cross-section view of the instrument's body. This logo also signifies two materials joining together "in harmony," much like two players coming together to play a duet.

Available beginning in March 2013, the YCL-450NM Duet+ Intermediate Clarinet carries an MSRP of $1,695.00.

For more information on the Yamaha YCL-450NM Duet+ Intermediate Clarinet, visit Yamaha Corporation of America, Band and Orchestral Division at the 2013 NAMM Show at the Marriott Hotel, Marquis Ballroom; write Yamaha Corporation of America, Band & Orchestral Division, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com; or visit www.yamaha.com/band.