Standard Model. It's made from ABS Resin, but it Sounds as Deep & Resonant as Seasoned Grenadilla. Never before has there been a student model bass clarinet with such a rich, warm sound. The YCL-221 has a tone quality very close to that of a professional instrument; it's hard to believe it isn't made from top grade grenadilla. & the easy playability & accurate intonation will help any young musician sound better. The secret of this remarkable instrument is the fact that it has the same basic body specifications & tonehole designs as our pro model bass clarinets. & it looks as beautiful as it sounds: a special matte finish gives the durable ABS Resin body the look of a wooden clarinet. No one but Yamaha can give you such quality for such a price. Design Based on Pro Model We use the same materials & special crafting techniques as on our pro model YCL-621 to form the bell & neck giving enhanced roundness for better resonance. All key systems were also designed based on the 621 for smooth comfortable performance.A Natural Neck Angle The YCL-221 boasts a neck angle similar to a soprano clarinet for natural feeling comfort, endurance, & playability. Only Yamaha with its hightech production capability can offer this neck angle on a student model. Easy to Hold/ Easy to Play The YCL-221 key positioning is ergonomically designed for comfort, while the ABS resin body is much lighter than wooden models making it easier to hold & play, & the attractive matte finish looks the same as a pro Grenadilla model. Stronger Keys After extensive research, Yamaha metallurgists have come up with a new stronger alloy for the key mechanism. This enhanced durability is especially important on a bass clarinet with its long key rods.