What to Consider when Buying a Recorder

Buying a recorder can be daunting as they vary in looks and quality.

Read on for information to help in your purchase of a recorder.

 

1. Materials Recorders are Made From

Recorders are made of plastic or varieties of different wood.

Sound can vary between plastic and wooden recorders and between the different varieties of wooden recorders due to different woods having different texture and density. Wooden recorders  generally have a better quality of sound but not always. And there is more care involved in looking after a wooden recorder.

Wooden recorders are more expensive than plastic recorders and are preferred by professional musicians. 

Plastic recorders on the other hand are great and inexpensive for young children to learn on. However once they progress and show interest then it is beneficial to upgrade to a wooden recorder.

 

2. Number of parts in a Recorder

Recorders are either made in 2 parts with a mouthpiece and a body or three parts with a mouthpiece, body and separate footjoint. The advantage of a three part recorder is that the footjoint can be rotated so that the tone hole on that part can be easily reached by the little finger on the right hand. This can’t be done on a two piece recorder.

 

3. Different sized Recorders

I learnt on wooden recorders which my father owned. Currently I own a variety of different sized wooden recorders as in picture below.

The picture shows just 4 different sized recorders. There are more. 

Please note that the:

         1. Soprano Recorder is also known as the Descant Recorder

         2. Alto Recorder is also called a Treble Recorder

Have a look at all the different sized recorders in a concert by  Hampshire Recorder Sinfonia.                                                   

Beginners especially children start off with the Soprano ( Descant ) Recorder. Adult beginners may start out on a larger recorder.

People then branch out to other recorders as they gain experience.

 

4. Brand

There are many brands of recorders you can choose from. Have a look here at the  list. There are so many options to choose from. So what should you choose? 

I have not had experience at many brands but I have a plastic Yamaha which is very popular for students to learn on.

Yamaha is a well known brand and produces top quality musical instruments not just in recorders. You can get a range of plastic and wooden recorders in all sizes. There are lots of good reviews on Yamaha recorders online.

Another popular brand is the Aulos.

Maybe you can do your own research into other brands. Perhaps even a trip to your local music store to try some out and get advice there.

Conclusion

There are a few things  to consider when buying a recorder.

Do you want a wooden or plastic recorder?

Do you want a recorder in two or three parts?

Would you be happy to try a Yamaha recorder?

How much are you willing to pay for a recorder? This depends on whether you are giving your child a chance to play the recorder or you are thinking of longtime use for yourself.

If you are a beginner and are on a budget I would suggest a good quality plastic recorder..

If you are a beginner and you are not limited in funds to spend on one or you have had some experience playing and want a change then go for a wooden recorder.

As you progress then branch out to other sized recorders.

All the best in your search in buying a recorder.

If you would like recorder lessons then please fill in an enrolment form here

 

Happy Recorder Playing