Yamaha began working intensively on the development of wind instruments in 1963, utilizing all aspects of traditional technology to create the world's top class of wind instruments. Today Yamaha is widely recognized as the top brand in wind instruments. In 1967 Yamaha started indepth acoustical research. The findings from this research were quickly applied to processes such as determining ideal body tapers. Precision design using computer simulations has provided us with new methods for improving the intonation of wind instruments. A combination of craftsmanship and new technologies has enabled Yamaha to produce high-quality musical instruments with great consistency. In addition to the basic design, factors such as product materials and working techniques are also taken into account to ensure even pitch and beautiful sound. 1. Natural drying and mechanical drying of wood Clarinets are made from grenadilla, which is dried for a period of several years. Both natural drying and computer-controlled mechanical drying processes are used. 2. Drilling the bore First the bore is drilled mechanically in the wood blank. Then the exterior is shaped on a computer-controlled lattice. 3. Body surface treatment In order to preserve the natural acoustics of granadila and the wood's quality, and to protect the body from cracking due to the effects of moisture and other factors, we use Yamaha's proprietary oil to finish the body. 4. Tonehole formation Toneholes are formed mechanically on the body, and the body interior is undercut. This step has a tremendous impact on a clarinet's sound quality. The holes in high-end handmade models are carefully hand-cut and fine-tuned by skilled craftsmen. 1. Tonehole (cross section) 2. Set the cutter inside the body. 3. Screw in the handle to lift the cutter from the outside. 4. Cut the inside with the cutter while lifting the handle upward. 5. Undercutting (completed) What's undercutting? Undercutting involves shaping the interior of the tonehole for improved intonation and response. 1. Pressing and forging The material used to form the keys is pressed using tremendous force to shape it while increasing its strength. 2. Hole formation Holes are formed to insert the rods in the key components (e.g., keys and pad cup arms). 3. Beveled cutting The exterior of the component is cut while using a guide that has the same shape as the component. High-end handmade models are cut by hand. 4. Brazing Key rods, key shanks, keys, pad dishes, arms, and other key components individually brazed. 5. Plating The components are dipped in a plating solution and electroplated. What is forging? Forging provides greater resilience, hardness, and strength than casting does. 1. Screw assembly Special rustproof screws are used to join the key posts and other metal components with the body, which is usually made of wood. 2. Adjustments Minute adjustments are made to eliminate rattling between the keys and key posts, and gaps between the pad and tone holes. 3. Inspection Before a clarinet leaves the factory it goes through a thorough function test. This test covers its sound and reverberation, key movement (touch), key response, intonation, and playing feel. Pitch is checked using a strobe tuner. 4. Polishing The keys and body of clarinets that pass the stringent inspection are polished before shipping. Go to Clarinet Factory Tour Top Page