£30 vs £300 recorder! | Team Recorder

[@monicasutcliffe4178]

I am in my 70s, and have loved and played recorders since primary school. My current collection -acquired over many years- has both plastic and wooden instruments, and they all give equal pleasure! Unless you are a professional, buy what you like the sound of, and what you can afford at the time! We are so incredibly lucky to have this choice available, and and it's important to remember that it is the musician that matters, not the cost of the instrument! Play for enjoyment, relaxation, and escapism in these difficult and stressful times! Thank you Sarah for ongoing support, information, and enthusiasm- much appreciated.

[@absolutedegenerate2992]

Very much, even the crappiest instruments can sound decent in the the hands of a prodigy

[@Somanath108]

When I close my eyes and just listen, disregarding price and the material of the recorders, I actually like the sound of the Yamaha. If I was blind and didn't know which was which, I would choose the Yamaha based purely on sound. Call me crazy, but I like it better, and it's a fraction of the price without having to deal with the climate problems of a wooden instrument :)

[@HeadCannonPrime]

Same. Although I could be biased because I own one. But I think wood recorders have more hiss or reediness than yamaha where all you get is pure tone.

[@CarmellaNYC]

Me too!

[@tobi_n]

To me the Moeck produces too much white noise and sounds a little bit harsh and scratchy. The Yamaha has a nice, full and more round sound.

[@honeychurchgipsy6]

@@tobi_n - are you lot listening to this on a decent set up - or on your phones?? I own a Moeck so am probably biased (I am) - but I agree that the Ecodear sounds great - until Sarah plays the Moeck and then, oh boy, it's like night and day. Take her word for it if you cannot hear how beautiful the Moeck sounds - accept what she tells you - she can hear it. Alternatively, try listening through a good amplifier and decent speakers before making a decision. Rottenburghs have an almost glass like clarity in the upper registers, a deep resonance in the lower and a beautiful fullness in the mids: you will never get this from a plastic instrument. Lastly, the flexibility, the nuance, the ability to play softly and loudly, is greater, which is why they are worth every penny. There's a reason why Michela Petri - one of the finest players in the world - uses one (she has several actually from Sopranino to Alto)

[@tobi_n]

Hello @@honeychurchgipsy6, thank you for investing a lot of effort in your comment. At first I should mention, that I'm not a recorder player, just an ignorant listener. The experience might vary depending on the side of the recorder you are on ;-) Motivated by your comment I took a deeper look into it. I'm using headphones for listening to the video. Since both recorders are recorded through the same microphone and played back via the same audio hardware I conclude, that if a sound component can be heard at one instrument it should also be audible at the other instrument, if it is present. But since all that might only be a subjective impression I captured some audio samples and viewed their FFT spectra. These spectra confirm what I was hearing. The overtone spikes of the Yamaha are much narrower and more stable and the signal to noise ratio, i.e. height of the peak vs. noise floor, is much better. Especially in the frequencies above around 7500Hz the Yamaha performs much better. There the overtones of the Yamaha are still strong whilst the overtones of the Moeck are hardly distinguishable from the noise floor. The noise floor of the Moeck is also higher, especially at higher frequencies, which explains the more prominent white noise and harsher sound. That shows at least, that my headphones and ears aren't that bad. However, I don't think that there are strict rules on how that translates into "instrument A is better than instrument B". That depends on personal preference, the kind of sound/music you want to produce maybe also the room you are playing in etc.

[@ydpd]

Came here for two set...now I have four recorders

[@rosh_ediriweera]

Yay i came from twoset but stayed for more :D

[@alexphipps4912]

I found this channel on my own

[@DevilSeiji]

good choice :D

[@yyutopian]

I found Sarah Jeffery through Davie504, you know, the stone faced guy who plays *bass*

[@qalaphyll]

@@alexphipps4912 same

[@mateuszcielas3362]

@@yyutopian he did vid about her?

[@smileygiulia]

I restart play recorder because of you , thank you so much :)

[@arlin411]

Your observation that the more expensive recorder is more difficult to play has been my observation as well. I have a $3000 alto which requires very precise fingering, particularly with the left thumb, as well as articulation, but when I get it right it has an absolutely luscious sound. It also has the capability of a relatively wide range of expression compared to my less expensive recorders. But I practice daily on a Yamaha ecodear. It is no slouch.

[@LEgregius]

I wouldn't say that's a given. I have quite a few wooden recorders of different makers. Some of them play effortlessly, and some are really finicky. I found the Yamaha Ecodear alto to be sort of in the middle of that range.

[@honeychurchgipsy6]

@@LEgregius - can you recommend the Ecodear as a practise instrument? My old Aulos (bottom of their range) has had it really (or I want an excuse to buy another cheapish alto!!). I have a Moeck Rottenburgh too - and I concur on the exactness required for the thumb hole positioning - they are known to be tricky - but they are, in my opinion, one of the best of the factory made instruments. Even the cheaper woods - mine is pear - have an ethereal, glassy, sound that I love. As for sopranos - the Moeck Steenbergen is sublime, especially when played by the likes of Michela Petri and Anna Fusek!!

[@LEgregius]

@@honeychurchgipsy6 For $40-$50, the Ecodear is decent and you could definitely find things to do with it. The Ecodear and the Zen-On G1-A are certainly the best plastic recorders unless you want to put the Bernolin resin alto in the same category. All plastic Yamaha recorders have tuning issues that I think would be problematic for newer players. If you already have a developed ear, then it's probably not an issue because you can correct for them, but by then you might have outgrown it. If you're using it to practice fingerings and get used to a piece, then sure, it's useful, but as Sarah was saying the video, it doesn't have as much of a range of sound or response so I find it very limiting. I personally use a Bernolin Resin alto, sometimes even when I'm working on Bass Recorder music. It doesn't clog readily and the tuning is spot on. In retrospect, they're pretty pricy, and I could have just gotten another wooden alto, but it's almost zero maintenance, and it has most of the feel and flexibility of a professional grade instrument.

[@honeychurchgipsy6]

@@LEgregius - thanks David for your detailed and thoughtful reply. I am looking for something to use daily so I don't wear out my Rottenburgh - my old Aulos is ruined (by me). I think the Zen on or the Ecodear will do nicely. I wouldn't spend a lot on a resin one - probably just go for a Mollenhauer modern if I was spending the big bucks - lol!! Thanks again!!

[@LEgregius]

I would actually recommend one of the mollenhauer hybrid (prima) instruments for practice. I don't like the pearwood sound or that they clog like a plastic recorder, but they are no worse than any other plastic recorder. The tuning and response are spot on. I have a soprano one. The alto is much more expensive than a plastic recorder, about 3 times, and they're funny looking, but they're about as good as you could get for an in-between price/performance.

[@philipbengtson7066]

Thank you so much for featuring the Yamaha. This is my first recorder, purchased three weeks ago. I am an older player at 72 and picked this for what was the quality factor, never playing one before. It took three days to hit the low F and I struggle to get any volume out of most of the lower register but I remember leaks and squeaks. Just started watching you the beginning of August but have gained enough beginner knowledge from yo to enjoy it .

[@fionacreates]

I bought the yamaha ecodear after watching one of your previous videos on buying a recorder, and I love it a lot. As a former flute player I’m used to having to pay hundreds just to get an in tune, playable instrument to learn on. The 30 quid price tag of the ecodear, especially for what it can do is amazing. I have had no issues at all with playing any of the pieces I want to, except my own inexperience as a player of course, can’t blame the instrument for that! I can of course hear the upgrade in sound of the Moeck in the wood, and the range of sound is definitely something to keep in mind for when I maybe reach that in my playing, but I just love that recorder is such an affordable way to get into playing classical music.

[@OlleyAney]

So did I. Bought it just yesterday. The shipment is due tomorrow.

[@luckybarrel7829]

@@OlleyAney Update!!! Don't just leave us hanging!

[@MichalKobuszewski]

I really like the low notes on the Moeck - so deep, warm and sweet. I'm not a recorder player though! :)

[@ankavoskuilen1725]

Doesn't matter that you are not playing, you are listening. Equally important.

[@honeychurchgipsy6]

Michal Kobuszewski - you could be: why not get one of these Ecodears and get going?? The recorder is one of the easiest instruments to get started with because they are sort of intuitive: make no mistake - mastering the recorder is not easy - but you can get started with very little friction. I would not recommend beginning with a Rottenburgh - Sarah is correct about the accuracy of the thumb hole for those high notes - it might drive you to distraction as a beginner!! Good luck!!

[@ramimadanat7512]

Hi Sarah, from what I've read, the type of wood in the recorder will affect the sound in two ways: 1) how easy it is to work with the wood and perfectly achieve the design 2) how much and how the wood absorbs the sound made by the recorder. The wood itself is not vibrating/making sound, but it can absorb sound, hence why harder woods (grenadilla, palisander) sound brighter/less airy than softer and more absorbing woods like maple/pear. Same with why plastic recorders don't have that airy/grainy sound, because the sound just bounces off. Basically, you're right that it makes a difference, but not for the reasons people would think, and ultimately, like you say, your recorder will sound like you.

[@hankwangn]

I suspect that the clearly different response and sound of the plastic Yamaha is more the result of deliberate marketing and engineering choices rather than intrinsic properties of the material. Plastic recorders are sold to beginners and are designed to be easy to play, which comes with compromises on the flexibility. Yamaha could design a plastic recorder that's more like that maple one, but it would need cost more due to smaller production volumes and wouldn't sell well.

[@frankthemusicteacher]

@@NguyenPham-br1ri Great idea! Companies and recorder-makers go ahead on this.

[@grahamforster4070]

I have just bought myself an alto recorder to learn on. Your videos are excellent. You are a splendid teacher. Thank you! Wish me luck!

[@yukyeeyip5780]

Many years ago my recorder teacher urged me to buy a new recorder. Back then I didn't quite understand the difference between the sounds, but still I agreed and my teacher got me the Yamaha Ecodear soprano. It was a newly launched product at that time, and when I played the first note on Ecodear, I finally understand why my teacher insisted me to get a new one. It's not just about the sound that the instrument produces, it's also about the easiness for the player to achieve a certain effect (exactly what Sarah pointed out here). Now I haven't played the recorder for a long time. Just want to say thank you to Sarah for bringing this up. A great video.

[@MrArchie765]

That was an alto recorder she played!

[@Anubis81]

I bought that yamaha model to replace my old 10 year old cheap busted alto. The difference was night and day. I was thinking about a wooden alto but as my main instrument is clarinet and i had no experience with wooden recorders i decided on this model. It's a Lovely change from the lip biting clarinet embouchure!

[@grahamhill3220]

I have the Yamaha YRA 48B Ecodear alto, and the sound is like you say, excellent for the price and for a non wooden recorder. I have also got other Yamaha plastic resin recorders along with the Aulos Symphony recorders in Soprano, Alto and Tenor. I have had some wooden recorders in the past, but the thing is, although most (but not all) wooden models do sound better, they come at the price of very high maintenance, and can only be played for a limited time before needing to dry out. The plastic models can be played all day with just a wipe out or wash afterwards. I am a disabled player now, and can't do with the high maintenance needed with the wood recorders. For the music I play, even with other musicians, my Yamaha and Aulos models sound and do very nicely. There's always a trade off. You can buy a set of five Aulos Symphony Recorders from Garklein to Tenor for around £230 to £250, which is cheaper than the Moeck Maple Alto alone. Now which is more versatile? The Moeck is lovely, but if you're a music student, and/or on a budget, then you get a lot more for your money with something that will still take you a long way with the resin recorders.

[@maurmi]

I prefer Aulos to Yamaha. What do you prefer?

[@grahamhill3220]

@maurmi I prefer the Aulos Symphony recorders in general, but there's not much in it. it depends what type of music I'm playing at the time. I like the Yamaha Ecodear recorders better for playing Jazz music. They have just got that slight edge to the tone which the Aulos Symphony recorders don't have for Jazz. I wish they would bring out a Tenor in Ecodear!? I even have a Yamaha YRA 28B that I prefer for some folk music! I have tried an Aulos Haka in Alto but didn't buy it, I preferred the Yamaha Ecodear. Both the Aulos Symphony and the Yamaha 30s and 40s ranges are excellent value, and very fine quality instruments with excellent tuning. It's all down to personal choice.

[@sondraturnbull]

The Yamaha you're demonstrating is my instrument! It's the first alto recorder I've owned (or played). I splashed out last year and got myself a soprano and tenor from Yamaha also. One of your earlier videos was VERY helpful. I'm such a new recorder player-I played sax for a long time in my youth though, so it's not completely alien territory. Anyway, this alto is my favourite at the moment and I love playing it. That little snippet of music from Lord of the Rings you played in there... I have to go and have a look if you've got a play along or tutorial in your video collection! Thank you for sharing your knowledge so generously, Sarah.

[@Phloks17]

5:35 High Notes - Bach Partita BWV 1013 6:00 Middel Register - Concerning Hobbits 6:30 Fast - Vivaldi? 6:41 Vibrato - 7:08 Folk music - Off to California

[@matteomagurno3068]

definitely not vivaldi

[@franckapi3277]

I started to play the recorder two months ago. I'm a clarinetist for a long time... Thanks a lot for all your videos that are very usefull, nice, funny... I've got a Yamaha Alto (YRA-312B III) and a Mollenhauer Denner in pearwood. I enjoy playing a long time and because the Mollenhauer is new, I limit the time of playing at 10 to 20 min a day. The rest of the time, I play with the Yamaha. I have more pleasure to play with the wooden recoder : the sound is richer and it is easier to sound in the low register. The expressivity is much better. THe Yamaha is practice when I travel and is anyway a good instrument for is price. To answer to your question, we can ear the differences betwin the two models on your video. Personally, I prefer the Moech wich is more expressive.

[@ChrisWaigl]

Hey, these are exactly my two current alto recorders! Except that my Moeck Rottenburgh is the older model, circa 1983, no decorative rings but with a slightly differently shaped windway. I think nonetheless the sound of both is very recognizable, and your review is spot-on. I got the Ecodear last year after my wooden alto that I had since my youth developed a nasty crack. Just to have something to play on while deciding what to do next . It exceeded my expectations - especially in the lower and mid register the tone is really beautiful and it speaks easily. I played it every day pretty much for six months and used it while taking lessons. But I did want to own a wooden alto again, too - it was more about the plasticky mouthfeel and slipperiness when wet than about the tone, really, but I was also hoping for a more woody sound. I'm also finding that for the first time my thumbnail is leaving a mark -- I think the Ecodear plastic is softer than other resins. There are no in-person recorder stores where I am literally for 1000s of km - and then travel plans I had for this summer fell through too of course. So I bought a very gently used maple Rottenburgh from eBay, privately, for about half the new price. A risk I was willing to take. And this instrument, too, exceeded my expectations. It is overall louder than the Ecodear (I think you can hear this in the video too), and the tone is much more complex in the upper register. As Sarah says, it has a wider variety of colors. It's a bit more responsive, though I think a handmade one would be in an entirely different league. There are some quirks - for example the first register jump, typically g-a, is pretty harsh, which I think is not a function of the make but of this particular instrument. If I'd had a chance to try it I might have hesitated because of it... and maybe it is a reason the previous owner was happy to part with it. On the other hand my teacher didn't even notice it and I can live with articulating this particular transition carefully to attenuate the brief "crunch" sound. Also be aware that factory-made maple instruments are very heavily paraffinated - mine feels a little bit "part-candle" in the hand! This said, given the price and the overall quality it's still a total steal. I now use the Moeck as my main alto, but the Ecodear is always close-by ready to grab for 10 minutes of recorder during a work break.

[@pennycasey1166]

Many years ago, I played clarinet at a nearly professional level. Life happened, and I basically gave it up. Sad. Now in my 60's, I bought the $39 Yamaha just to see if I was going to enjoy playing the recorder. Instantly I was hooked. Then I saw this video and bought the Moeck Rottenberg recorder in pearwood - just under $400. It has taken me a few months to get comfortable with the pearwood recorder. By this, I mean that the highest and lowest notes didn't speak as easily as they do on the Yamaha. During these months, I played the Moeck exclusively, and now I am quite pleased with it. Yesterday, I took out the Yamaha and found that it sounded almost too predictable, like a whistle. There's more to musicianship than just getting all of the notes right. Someday, someday, I may be able to afford a $1000 recorder, but for now I'm loving my pearwood recorder.

[@jettandwilly]

I have a Moeck Rottenburg Alto in Boxwood being delivered tomorrow!!!! I am a musician, but new to the recorder. I was so excited to start playing but then I found instructions for breaking in the wooden instrument, and that doesn't really allow much play time for the first 4-6 weeks ... so ... based on your review, I just ordered this Yamaha Ecodear alto so I can get a lot of playing in when it's all still new and exciting. I love these videos!

[@PrettyGuardian]

I was really impressed by the richness of sound in the cheaper model. In the 10 buck vs 1000 buck video it was clear that the 1000 one was better in just about every regard (although $10 for a functioning and "nice" instrument is nothing to scoff at) but here it appears like the cheaper model defaults at a better sound whereas the more expensive model sounded like it was taking more effort to sound good but likely had more possibility. Vibrato sounded particularly nice on the higher end model, which I think ties into how much more responsive it was to your input. Overall the $30 model was very impressive though. Great video.

[@krishufford7156]

I started playing soprano recorder this year (all that free time at home). To start I purchased a Yamaha Ecodear, which I really enjoy. However, I found these videos and all those great online and paper resources and finally capitulated. I now also own a Mollenhauer Denner soprano in grenadilla. I love the sound of the wood recorder but I've noticed the tone can really change depending on the weather. It can be humid and rainy here - or very dry when the furnace is on in colder weather. So the wood recorder is a favorite for the range of sound and its classic beauty, but I grant the Yamaha is more consistent without checking the forecast. Now if I can just become a better player..

[@mynvision]

I actually own the Ecodears. Those Ecodears perform quite well, and I use them for long practice sessions, especially since I get limited play time on my wooden recorders. They also deal well with changes in temperature and humidity, something that has been a problem in our area. The wood one definitely has better flexibility when it comes to dynamics. The notes sound more "whole", not as "pinched" feeling as the plastic. That's the best way I can describe it. But both sound very clean and sweet. One thing I noticed when playing plastic vs. wood, is how the sound vibrations affect me and my hands. I can feel the resonance on the plastic more, not as much with wood. Funnily enough, my only good wood tenor (I do have a plastic Yamaha and a vintage wood one that I got for super cheap, but I have trouble playing them because my right wrist has to bend too much) is a bent-neck Moeck Rottenburgh in maple, with keys. I cherish that one because I was lucky that a local shop owner even carried it, so I was able to test it first, and it makes playing on a tenor so much more easy. I definitely have to be careful in the upper range because it's pretty sensitive to air pressure. I do often squeal or squeak the higher notes because of control issues, so I definitely need more practice.

[@debthompson4498]

I find that having a wooden recorder is too much like having the responsibility of a pet. It needs to be played in, needs to be oiled, let set, wiped, let set, blocked removed and cleaned, etc. You can’t play it nonstop or you can wear it out. (That’s why many people will use a plastic instrument for practice and save their expensive wooden ones for performances.) In climates where humidity is a problem, going back and forth from air conditioning to very warm air causes condensation to form (happens to plastic ones also; but is not going to damage the plastic). I have had mine get black mold when I haven’t even played it because of going in and out of different humidity-needed air circulation or a breathable case. I’ve also suffered PSTD (hyperbole, but pretty close) from when my wooden recorder was on top of the bookcase (out of the way of the grandchildren) in the process of setting after being oiled. The grandchildren wanted something from off the bookcase (which normally NEVER happens), and while retrieving the item, I jiggled the bookcase and the recorder fell off. It was nicked and scratched from the fall……broke my heart. Repair is expensive, and the damage fortunately was just cosmetic. Just too much stress having a wooden recorder. Since I am only an avid hobbyist player, I will stick with good quality plastic and live care-free. (Also, be careful if you have dog….)

[@johnfenn3188]

Deb Thompson plastic recorders also wear out!

[@gardeniainbloom812]

@@johnfenn3188 They do but they're so cheap so...

[@HeadCannonPrime]

@@johnfenn3188 you could literally buy a lifetime supply of plastic recorders for 1 wood recorder.

[@BenK12345]

you can play the plastic one while having some beers, and just rinse it out the next day.. probably not advised with a wood one.

[@gardeniainbloom812]

@@BenK12345 lol well when you put it like that there's no competition.

[@margretwitte632]

I have the ecodear soprano and I'm really pleased with it. It has a very nice quality, warmer than the other plastic recorders I have. I ordered the ecodear recorder online, because in the real life store I was given a lecture on how awful plastic recorders are. I get so annoyed by that attitude. Yeah thanks, I would really like to play on the 500€ Recorder but thats almost three months disposable income for me. Theres an aspect of classism in the "only wooden instruments are worth it" IMO Edit: I think disposable income is the wrong term. I mean the money that is left after oaying rent/insurances/phone bills, food and necessary drugstore items.

[@ankavoskuilen1725]

I know what you mean. It is silly to dismiss the plastic recorders. They are way better than they used to be and not everybody can afford a wooden one. It is worth while saving money for an upgrade though when you get better at playing. And while you do that you can enjoy playing on your plastic one. Win-win situation I guess.

[@margretwitte632]

@@ankavoskuilen1725 You're right. And I am saving up right now, it just takes a long time. I guess I was just angry when I went into the shop like "I want to give you money" and they went "ha ha no!" :) Ok now I have a question. WHat about used wooden recorders? I know you can buy them on ebay but are they worth it? What would you need to pay attention to? How to you clean them so you don't get corona?

[@grahamhill3220]

@Margaret Witte. Buying a new wooden recorder would be better than buying a second hand one. I know there are a lot of second hand ones on Ebay etc, and very reasonably priced, but you never know how well they've been maintained. They may be coming to the end of their useful life too, as wooden recorders do wear out, especially the softer woods. I recommend watching Sarah's video on maintaining and oiling wooden recorders.

[@HeadCannonPrime]

Its absolutely ridiculous the elitism in music instruments. Inexpensive plastic recorders allowed me to buy 4 recorders in all the different sizes for half the price of 1 wood recorder. So of course I went and bought 5 metal whistles!!!!

[@grahamhill3220]

@bkLEGION3000 I did similar. I have the Aulos Symphony Soprano, Alto and Tenor plastic recorders, and bought all 3 for £155. They are all excellent quality and sound, and better than some of the cheaper wooden alternatives.

[@clairekurdelak2913]

This was so helpful! I got my 10 year old daughter a Yamaha very much like this one, but it actually has a separate plastic block.

[@idraote]

Lovely video, I do like these instrument demonstrations 🥰 Personally I'm still absolutely happy with my Yamaha 300. I fell in love with it when I realised how NOT shrill it was, how sweet the sound. I can only play very basic tunes but my Yamaha makes them sound great.

[@ZICMUSE]

For 5 years I have been playing the Yamaha Ecodear alto in a number of live concert situations. I have to admit that I really appreciate it's durability on tour & given the variety of venues and styles, it fits well to an active lifestyle. I save my wooden flute for home ;) and less variable humidity & heat conditions. I do wish that Yamaha would make a sopranino ecodear... or why not a full line...

[@ManuelBianchiBooks]

Thank you for this video in particular. I basically just started getting invested into the recorder like six weeks ago. I started with a tenor from Thomann - which is really fine for learning - and I wanted to expand my range. Therefore I had put this particular Yamaha model on my Thomann wishlist. It's also my birthday shortly after Christmas and my girlfriend wanted to have options.

[@stephenarnold6359]

How can three people dislike this?? It's informative, interesting, utterly captivating and charming. Are these people human?

[@zombiepyrate4969]

Just a big thank you for your lovely channel. I started to learn sax about a month ago and started with a recorder as a quiet way to learn to read music. After finding your channel I absolutely love the recorder 50 years after the last time I played one!

[@christalsmith1866]

I loved this video so much, thank you 💜 I've recently been stalking your videos while trying to decide which plastic model to buy and my very first recorder the alto ecodear just arrived this afternoon! I'm so excited 😆 I've spent all afternoon exploring my fingering since I had been trying to play my dad's german alto. I just love the way the ecodear feels so solid / substantial, smooth but not slippery and theres quite a bit of resistance when blowing compared to my dads wooden adler. Looking forward to working through your videos while learning to play 😃

[@beth7467]

The recorder is such a great instrument. You're going to love it! Check out Sarah's videos on alto method books.

[@MacHamish]

I just bought a plastic Yamaha Alto YRA 27 recorder from our local second hand shop barely used and compleate in bag for $2.99 Canadian dollars. And a baroque soprano version for $1.99 Can dollars. I'm used to the soprano but have always loved the Alto sound. I've taken about 20 years off from playing the recorder but methinks the Alto will be a nice one to start up again with. 🙂 Anyway, I love your channel. Thank you for your uploads. 😊❤👍🇨🇦

[@rosid6643]

Thank you for this very interesting video! My daughter, 4, just started a year ago with the soprano and I also chose the yamaha ecodear for her. A great choice. It sounds good, it's easy to play especially the low notes, intonation is fine to go with other instruments as well, it's not really expensive and it's ok if my daughter is sometimes a little bit rough with it. She loves her flute 🤗

[@paopaosm]

I don't even play an instrument but I love your videos! You definitely deserve more subscribers ❤️

[@steennordberg-nielsen3012]

I started on the AULOS 709w, got a used maple Moeck Rottenburg (wich is very difficult to play). Now I've bought a brand new Moeck Rottenburg boxwood. BTW I have a Mollenhauer Dream as well. Good for early music. All altos.

[@chrisgay4786]

I like I can put my $70 AUD plastic yamaha in the sink to give it a wash, and let it dry in the dish rack.

[@Machodave2020]

Your recorder must be all kinds of f*****.

[@chrisgay4786]

@@Machodave2020 why? it's plastic, I hand wash it. Nothing to warp or crack. use cold water and dish soap.

[@MacHamish]

I do the same with my plastic ones. But my maple one gets wood oil soap and treated more like a baby.

[@Pattamatt1998]

I mean, for the plastic Yamaha soprano recorders my elementary school had, they literally just put them all through their industrial dishwasher in the kitchen to clean and disinfect them all and those instruments also had to hold up dozens of not-so-gentle 3rd and 4th graders. They're built like tanks as far as instruments go lol

[@argonwheatbelly637]

The wood is warmer, but you can tell it's maple, too. All in all, great recorders, both. Depends on what you need, and when you wish to change. I have an excellent 12-string guitar, but a crap 6-string electric. But my bass guitar is really tops for its type. Again, it's all up to you. Music is Life.

[@teuluPaul]

Grrrr!!! Owner and amateur player of a Buffet & Crampon RC Prestige clarinet feeling tempted!!!! I have a yamaha plastic descant recorder which I use for folk music with the local morris group, along with a G and low-G tin whistles (I was chasticed by my favorite instrument tech when I asked wheher a shorter barrel would help me keep my clarinet in tune when playing outside in the cold - his reply - don't play it outside in the cold - get a cheaper instrument!). I will probably get the Yamaha alto and see how much I use it before considering upgrading. Thanks Sarah for this and your other videos!

[@utplagal]

I play plastic instruments for the meantime, and I have two Yamaha altos: an Ecodear and an imitation rosewood finish (both Rottenburgh copies). I've loved them for a very long time, especially the imitation rosewood finish, but this video is yet another reminder that I'm way overdue to start investing in wooden recorders. It's just going to be... a lot of money to update my Garklein through my basset... thank goodness my great bass is already wood.

[@miki890098]

If you don't feel ready to spend a lot but still want to upgrade I highly recommend the aulos haka recorders! I have 2 Yamahas, alto and soprano, in the wood-imitation series, and I lately bought an aulos haka alto for around 50 euros (the Yamaha ones were cheaper) but I think it's really worth the 20 bucks more! In fact I was expecting Sarah to compare the moeck with the aulos haka, since at least as I understood it's the best plastic recorder actually available, as long as you Dont count the handmade resin ones, which are on a completely different price range

[@johnfenn3188]

I wouldn’t worry too much about the Gark! How often, realistically, does it get played? Interestingly Küng makes the upper recorders in all sorts of woods, from,soft to very hard. But from tenor downwards they don’t bother - nothing harder than cherry - or Castello Box for their Marsyas range - because down there it doesn’t make so much difference. If you have a wooden GB already, it'll either be pear (Mollenhauer) or Maple (Küng, Moeck) or a Paetzold, which is of course a whole diff3ent ball game!

[@utplagal]

@@johnfenn3188 My great bass is a maple Yamaha. I've actually been leaning towards going maple all the way across the board because I love the light, agile sound of it. The fact that it also happens to be among the cheaper of the wood models is a nice bonus, too.

[@frankthemusicteacher]

Especially for wood recorders, try before you buy. A poor wood recorder will not be better than a very good plastic one like the ecodear.

[@olinesorensen5869]

I play both, the Yamaha is perfect for practicing alone and I play Moeck with my ensemble. I like them both!

[@RecorderArcade]

I have my wood Küng recorders for most of my playing, but I also have the alto and soprano Ecodears. I use them tons for technique exercises, long playing sessions, or if I’m just passing by the studio and want to play a quick Irish jig without moistening up a wood instrument. Ecodears are fantastic for a beginner model, and great for an alternative or heavy use for wood players.

[@yyutopian]

I never knew plastic recorders could sound so good until now.

[@SpinesAndSplines]

I recently bought my first alto recorder. I couldn't justify the price of wood at this point, so bought one of the Ecodear recorders. I think it's the alternate model to the one shown here (I couldn't figure out what the actual difference was, so I went for the one that was a few € less) and I love it. It's good to hear that the 20 or so wooden recorders still on my wishlist will still be worthwhile buying at some point down the track though. :)

[@imerlettidifrancescabarett9408]

The moek is the same I usually play, but I have also a plastic yamaha. I play both, my next alto could be made by harder wood but I prefer not to buy rare or endangered woods, so it could be olive, plum or cherry.

[@e.sitskoorn6325]

I agree with you on the wood-difference part. I have a Moeck Rottenburgh alto in maple and one in palissander and the sound is really different.

[@brumm3653]

3:30 this surprises me, because on the non-plant plastic versions of Yamaha alto and soprano recorders the block is definitely removable, at least on the ones that I have.

[@mrsrev62]

I have a plastic Yamaha 302 which must be nearly 30 years old now, and a 312 imitation rosewood which is at least 15 years old, they both still play pretty well. I also have a Dolmetsch grenadilla alto which I bought second-hand from the Early Music shop, I so wanted grenadilla but couldn't afford a new one. It's beautiful but, like someone else commented, it's a bit of a responsibility so sometimes it's easier just to pick up the plastic... But I have put the Ecodear soprano and alto on my wish list because I'm thinking that the 302 can't last forever!

[@rileykittendorf]

Well, I have the standard version of that Yamaha rottenburg alto and it’s sound is quite different than the eco model. The one I have is a bit brighter and the low range is extremely robust. Thee eco to me has a very warm tone to me and I kind of want one now lol i have a Moeck rosewood alto and Kung in pearwood. The sound difference in the woods are quite notable. The rosewood has a more bold rougher sound with a robust lower range and the Kung in pearwood has a very smooth mellow sound, but a week low range. I also notice a difference in many plastic instruments. My plastic Yamaha tenor is bright and smooth throughout the ranges. However, another plastic one by a different maker, is much warmer and mellow. I never realized these things until I bought and tried several. Thanks for the insight!

[@MarvinTurner-oc4ml]

The difference between the two instruments is somewhat masked by the excellent technique and performance of the player. Anyone who has not played a recorder might not appreciate how much talent and hard work Sarah has put into being able to play at this level. Very enjoyable demonstration video!

[@Team_Recorder]

Aww thanks!

[@terohyvarinen4358]

I bought that particular Yamaha model recently, because it was the only one with baroque fingering in this local music shop - which, by the way, sells high quality stuff. I am a guitarist, but still, when I first tried the flute, I was amazed. Compared to my old Adler, with German fingerings, it is precise and easy to play. I am not skillful enough to speak about the nuances of the lower register, but anyway, it is far away from squealing school whistles. And, while made of plastic, it is beautiful to look at!

[@ThisCanBePronounced]

Exciting; I have the ecodear soprano after watching you demo it, though it cost more because I got it from a music shop that tunes each recorder you order from them.

[@arlin411]

Some years ago I bought a plastic alto Yamaha from a dealer who tuned it. In the beginning it was great, but in time the wax used for tuning it began to deform, making it worse than had it not been tuned in the first place. I now have an ecodear soprano and alto and I have found that they are in quite good tune without adjustment (other than a bit of breath pressure adjustment on my part, as is required with any recorder).

[@ThisCanBePronounced]

@@arlin411 Good warning to share! 0.0

[@beatstranger1767]

I absolutely love my ecodear alto. I play everything with it, from jazz to folk to pop to baroque music. Personally, i think the expensive rottenburgh sounds richer, no doubt, but also "reedy", a quality i'm not very fond of. Just an impression.

[@arendsmit3617]

Something in the signal chain is overdriven. Going to the shops (Vink, Bergman, Hakkert) and being the second ear while mom selected flutes for students... Thanks for making these videos.

[@lindaevans4215]

Hi Sarah, I bought the yamaha ecodear after your recommendation and my playing has lost it's screech! Thanks for that.

[@Emilsonlim]

I will 😊💕🥰😍💕💕💕 eventually buy a Yamaha wooden recorder I love the sweet tone of wooden recorder. Thank you 💕💕💕 for this demonstration it really helps heaps

[@curlyrecorder386]

Thanks for that Sarah .Great comparison. I totally agree. In my opinion wooden is nearly always more versatile and usually just nicer but the plastic recorder is great too especially for practicing when it doesn't need as much care or any maintence and you can bring it with you without having to worry about minding it. I suppose they each have their place.

[@andrealedda7766]

I'd love a review of a Triebert alto, recommended also from Early Music Shop.

[@miguel.schionato]

I would love a video comparing a $300 recorder and a fully hand made, professional recorder

[@maziikun2167]

Recorder Vs violin Bass Vs violin Winner? Me, I became a fan of the three :)

[@ankavoskuilen1725]

AMAZING! Congratulations!

[@carudatta]

The Yamaha Ecodear is a wonderful practice instrument for me. I take it to all sorts of places and play scales and etudes in the forest or on the beach :) In a moist climate, it bekomes difficult to play the low notes after a while, but that's hardly a problem at all. Was really worth the 30 € I paid for it.

[@1cleandude]

In the hands of this beautiful artist I love the wooden one!!🙏

[@SteveCaddy]

I played an Aulos descant for nearly 30 years, and it was good (and durable). Then I splashed out on a Moeck Rottenburgh descant about 7 years ago (also maple as it happens). And what is true for the treble is equally true for the descant. This video is absolutely spot on. You will learn well on a good cheap (plastic) instrument (as opposed to an awful cheap instrument - there are some). Then, eventually, you'll appreciate the step up to wood in that £200-400 mid-range if you want to play more seriously.

[@Torricello62]

Hi Sarah. First off let me express my deepest appreciation for your work. Coming to the above video, aside from the well-conducted comparison between two good yet much diversely priced instruments, I'd like to ask you a few specific questions. • How would you rate the Yamaha Ecodear (400 series) alto against its former version, the well-known 300 series? In detail, apart from the particular resin they're built from, do actually both 300 and 400 series share the same dimensional specs - bore, windway, scale, tone holes, etc? What about the sound differences (and similitudes as well!) between both models? • Again, do you know that the Ecodear alto recorder is actually two models? I for one could not find any detailed description about the actual difference between Yamaha's YRA-48 B (the other model) and YRA-402 B, the one you just reviewed, deemed of "Rottenburgh" strain (which isn't really so just as it isn't with the 300 series). So, have you ever had any chance to compare and evaluate both Ecodear altos side by side? • Moreover, could an estimated guess boil down to state that the Ecodear 400 series may sound less 'glassy' than a 300 series, especially in the high register? I already appreciated the deep, full, almost woody sound of the YRA-402 B's low and middle range. • Last yet most important: what else could you say about the very small dynamic headroom of the plastic alto you pointed out within the video, comparing the synthetic Yamaha to the wooden Moeck? (Incidentally I too own both a new YRA-314 BIII and a preloved 1970's maple Moeck Rottenburgh bought in Rome in 1995, still in mint conditions). Speaking of headroom, did you hear and feel that the same small dynamic range affects the trusted 300 series plastic Yamaha? Thank you so much in advance, and kudos to Team Recorder! ❤️

[@anneharrison1849]

Really useful as this is probably the next leap I will make in my recorder owning, a wooden soprano or alto. Until recently I haven't played soprano much and I realised what I had was pretty rubbish so I decided I may as well get a decent plastic one, but I got the other top yamaha rather than the one made of eco plastic - I may not have done my research properly, but I felt I would be paying extra for eco rather than for a better instrument, so I stuck to their other curved windway plastic instrument and got the plastic finish rather than one of the wood finishes!

[@jonathan4bama]

I’ve been playing on Yamaha plastics for nine months and finally got my first wooden recorder, a Moeck Rottenburgh, last week. The biggest difference I notice is responsiveness. Like Sarah said, you have to work harder to make a better sound, and that’s due to the responsiveness. I can’t wait to see how its sound develops as I continue playing it in!

[@doateacher6492]

I got an Ecodear alto recorder for Christmas and I'm in love! It's the first recorder I've had since childhood. (I've played the flute for many years and wanted to branch out and try something new.) The tone is so warm and rich in the middle register and the high notes (when I can hit them--ha!) are clear and beautiful. I have noticed the problem that you mentioned with the lowest notes. It's very tricky for me to hit that low F, and when I do get it to speak it's exactly the same every time; I can't vary the dynamics or the tone. I was thinking I only had this problem because I'm a beginner, so it's nice--though a little discouraging, too?--to know that's just the way the instrument is. In general, though, I'm really happy with it! The fact that it spoke so well right away has been great encouragement to practice.

[@hellswench5388]

I have the Yamaha Alto in rosewood resin (YRA-312B III) as my first 'big' recorder and love it. I struggle sometimes with the finger stretch but sounds lovely and has a nice weight to it and yes I agree it fits together beautifully.

[@thiago.assumpcao]

You should try the Aulos 709b. It has this same flexibility. I have other 2 other alto recorders from Yamaha and another one from Aulos. This one really sounds better.

[@tz64nk41]

I have a YRA-48B which looks almost the same at first glance to the 402B. It's not identical, it doesn't have the Rottenburgh details in the design, but with the distinctive yellow colour you'd be forgiven for mixing them up. It also breaks up on the low notes as Sarah describes here, which is one of the more frustrating things about it as an absolute beginner. But it sounds really nice otherwise, I have a lot of fun with it!

[@SpinesAndSplines]

I bought the same one you have recently. I looked at the two for a long time (pictures online, not in person) and still can’t see what the actual difference is. Do you know if it’s just cosmetic, or is the inner shaping different between the two styles? I’m super happy with mine, but I’m still curious!

[@Oaktreealley]

I was just having this talk with my hubby because I didn’t know if I should do the Bernolin resin or go for a wooden one as an upgrade to my ecodear . I really liked the sound of the moek even in the maple it sounds so pretty.

[@blauespony1013]

Even without headphones the difference between the regal wooden recorder and the plastic one is clearly audible. But if you just want to play for fun or occasionally the Yamaha will do just fine. Stay safe and healthy everyone.

[@giovannirafael5351]

You sound so condescending though lol

[@blauespony1013]

​@@giovannirafael5351 And how do you think that you sound when you are attacking someone like this?

[@bacicinvatteneaca]

Yeah, the plastic one is clearly better

[@blauespony1013]

@@bacicinvatteneaca :-D

[@melissajaninepeters3694]

I also have a Moeck Rottenburgh but in boxwood and it cost me around 500€ but I just love it ❤️ it's literally my favourite of my recorders (sopranino to tenor, one each)

[@ormirian7364]

I was really impressed by how good the intonation is on the Yamaha - I’m so used to plastic altos being sharp at the bottom end and flat at the top

[@RolfLunheim]

It might be sacrilege to say so in the recorder world, but I prefer the sound of the Yamaha plastic recorder (so I rather buy 10 of those!)

[@comionpewrio]

Really? Can I ask why?

[@RolfLunheim]

@@comionpewrio Belive it or not - but I think the Yamaha plastic recorder have a more beautiful tone than many wooden recorders. I usually play the YRA-302BIII alto, and it is amazing. I also love those transparent, brightly colored soprano recorders by Yamaha. Furthermore, since the recorder is made mostly using automatic precision machinery, the quality is very consistent. And maintenance is easy. The older I get, the more sceptical I become toward snobbery in music and wine. These days I often prefer playing cheap instruments and drink cheap wine, because it often sound and taste better thans those items which give you social status. And remember - wood is just another polymer (like plastic), it just happens to be made in the "nature factory". But I love the touch and smell of wood. Maybe one day Yamaha will make a plastic flute with those qualities!

[@barthvapour]

I am inclined to think so too, and the exact reason for me is that the wooden one has much more "background air hiss" than the plastic. However, many other plastic recorders also have more hiss (e.g. Aulos Haka) - the Ecodear is notable for the smoothness of its sound. That's why I chose it as my recorder.

[@johanneslee7616]

me too ，and I am a pro classical guitar student (

[@gardeniainbloom812]

@@RolfLunheim What about the limitations in expression Sarah noted? I do find many wooden recorders can sound 'reedy' and the difference negligible but I did detect a better sound in this example.

[@PWL1371]

I have followed your channel for some time now . Have to say I really enjoy it . Even though I don't paly a recorder I do build Native American style flutes and wood plays a huge part in the sound ! Denser the wood the higher per pitch . Softer wood gives a mellow tone . A G is still a G but sounds greatly differ in the tone . Just my thoughts : )

[@communityband1]

That Moeck does have a nice sound!

[@TootlinGeoff]

I play in a wind band with reed and brass instruments. We sometimes have outside gigs. We had one just before Christmas. It was cold and damp and I felt uncomfortable playing my modern alto in those conditions and it misbehaved at one point. A friend in another music group I belong to has bought a ecodear soprano and I was impressed with its sound quality, definitely better than the regular plastic Yamaha (nothing wrong with that, just that the ecodear had a sweeter clearer tone). I am thinking the ecodear treble will be a useful standby for outdoor gigs so I thought I'd check your review and from what you are saying I'm pretty sure it will do the job and I will get one for just that purpose. I think some of the "shortcomings" (for want of a better word) you mentioned would not be as critical in those circumstances except, possibly the lack of dynamic range. I already have a regular Yamaha plastic treble which I practice on and it does that job very nicely but I think the better sound quality of the ecodear makes it worth getting for very little financial outlay. I got my modern alto after watching one of your reviews, btw. A superb instrument.

[@barthvapour]

Really good and useful video, that goes into good detail about the differences beyond what we can hear, i.e. what it's like for the player.

[@JasonCone]

I'm a relative beginner with that exact Yamaha model. It's fine and I'm content with it for now, but I was just listening to this on studio monitors and I can definitely hear a difference when you're playing the Moeck. I foresee an upgrade in my near future... Lol...

[@charlottesmom]

The Yamaha is the one I will be receiving today, looks like I made a good choice even though I have heard some folks say the recorder sounds “dead”?? I’ve seen many more positive reviews. 👍🏻

[@ilikethischannel5719]

I have never been so into recorders as I am now after finding this channel, I used to have one and never liked it, but I am seriously thinking about getting one again.

[@susannekalejaiye4351]

Good comparison. I have a similar model by Yamaha... considering wood now

[@DelNegro10]

Thanks so much! Best regards from Brazil. you are a charismatic person

[@Team_Recorder]

😘😘

[@NataliaBazj]

2:07 I think this is an important remark. An outside listener: “How can you hear that there is a difference? I do not understand what you are talking about: a better instrument, a worse instrument. Aren't they the same? ” - "And you try to blow!"

[@Pompeuzation]

With the wooden one, u can make more dynamics without going out of tune, with the plastic yamaha (i have a soprano) if u try to play forte fortíssimo it goes a little higher out of tune, and if u try piano it goes lower

[@Pompeuzation]

Staccato, legato, crescendo, forte piano crescendo...all the articulations and dynamics are harder or almost impossible using a plastic recorder

[@frankthemusicteacher]

@@Pompeuzation Dynamics require different fingerings to avoid going out of tune on the recorder, whether it's wood or plastic. Mostly not so with a flute, clarinet, bassoon, etc.

[@luiskp7173]

The two lowest notes on plastic recorders (C-D in soprano, F-G in alto) break easily if you blow just a little bit too hard. Wooden ones are more forgiving in this area.

[@alfonsotenreiro9388]

Hello Sarah. I'm an intermediate player. I have a Moek Rottenburg $700 in 1999. I love it. I just purchased the Ecodear and I norice a lot of resistance when I blow. Also the higher register sounds breathy. Did you or anyone else found this to be the case?

[@hei444]

I bought a plastic Yamaha ten or fifteen years ago, simply because I liked the sound of an alto recorder, but cannot really play it (my only abilities stem from a course in elemantary school some forty years ago with a cheap instrument and german fingering). And in a few minutes I'm going to fetch the Küng Studio soprano in pear wood (77 €) I have ordered and want to start earnestly into practicing and learning! So curious!

[@SeekerLancer]

The ECODEAR line is super impressive. It takes the plastic recorder to its limit.

[@dees3179]

I remember a particularly hard exposed section which I was going to have to play in a concert and I just couldn’t get through it. Until I borrowed a better recorder. In fact none of us could do it on the plastic one. But that’s the only time I’ve had to wimp out. Normally a decent plastic is an amazing work horse and will play most stuff you throw at it. . I have a lovely grenadilla Von huene low pitch but I certainly don’t use it for everyday practice. You really need multiple recorders to enable you to participate in everything. What a shame....... basically it is not an either/or. It actually does have to be both once you start getting into performance.

[@cesarvidelac]

Sarah, I don't know if you will read this but would be interesting to review or at least comment about used, second hand instruments. Unfortunately I don't have a big budget and I am just an amateur. I have mainly plastic instruments, but cared about the quality and they are new, mainly Aulos. I'm in the process of buying a basset (plastic) from that brand, but that's my limit. Perhaps for the same price I could get a Mollenhauer or Moeck alto in wood, but that brands are not found here in my country (Chile), so I got myself a used Mollenhauer Student Alto that sounds beautifully but needs some repairs from my part. In any case, your advices about choosing an instrument have been invaluable to me when choosing any kind of recorder, thank you very much!

[@hei7586]

I have them both and like them both, only that my moeck is in boxwood. And yes, the Yamaha is easier to play especially the high notes and uncomplicated in handling. I'm still learning to manage the wooden Moeck accordingly and give her all that she needs to fully develop her potential.

[@nickscott4272]

I own several of the top end plastic altos including this Ecodear, the Zen-on Bressan G1, and the Aulos Haka. My Mollenhauer Prima Alto Hybrid with plastic head joint and pearwood body is better than all of them. It is not just material that makes it better but it is design features too, such as proper more spread tone hole spacing and intonation and ease of playability from low F to high A. If you're buying anything other than the cheapest alto, get the Muellenhauser Prima, don't waste your time on these high end plastics. Sarah, you should really review one of them against the plastic competition, would love to hear your thoughts.

[@alanlee4526]

Nick, what's your experience with the 3 plastic altos you mentioned (or with your other "top end" plastic altos--which ones?)? Does each have its own purpose? If you have a favorite, which one and why? I'm a serious beginner.

[@marc270959]

I play the Moeck Rottenburg and a Fehr alto,the Fehr sounds lighter but both have there own personality. I love them both.

[@Dru.V]

I personaly play the flute and they sound so simular yet so different ... IT IS SOO COOL

[@bstring3967]

I bought the entry level yamaha (off white color alto) and so sad the B was so flat it was a microtone lol. Had to send it back now I’m waiting for an Aulos from Texas 🤙. I bet the wood grain finish and ecodear recorders are much better as they are twice the price.

[@SkyRainpuff]

4:48 is J.S. Bach: Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B Minor, BWV 1067

[@huzone600]

I have a wonderful Moeck tenor that I bought back in the 70s. I consider it my real recorder; it has a wonderful mellow tone. I also have a plastic soprano that is not as good quality as the Yamaha you tested. It is more like something a grade school kid would play.

[@tukulet]

Moeck Rottemberg in ebony with ivory inlay. I have small hands and a trigger finger on the left hand caused by an accident but even so I always reach for the Moeck, I also have a Aura Conservatorium in grenadilla which has a shorter reach.

[@meredith18352]

I would buy the wooden one just because I don't think we need any more plastic on the planet to start with and secondly because it does just sound better. Although, I'm pretty sure in my hands you wouldn't be able to tell the difference but maybe not. I'm still trying to decide which sort of wood I should buy and am getting more and more confused and am heading towards rosewood because it is pretty which seems like a terrible reason. I would also rather buy an instrument I can grow into rather than one I think I am going to have to replace.

[@luckybarrel7829]

I just realized there are two different kinds of ecodear recorders. One with a wider windway and the other with the narrow windway. What would be the difference between them?