Good Wood Recorder for a Beginner?

[Nicole Massey]

My nephew has taken up the recorder, and he enjoys playing it. He's got a
cheap plastic one like the typical student instrument, and I want to look
into getting him a good quality soprano, alto and possibly sopranino. But I
also don't want to spend too much on these, as I don't know how long this
interest will last -- my goal is to nurture his drives to make music, but I
also understand we're dealing with an almost 11 year old, so life is a bit
transitory at that age.
Anyone got any good recommendations for brands that won't break the bank but
likewise won't break eardrums?

[ERSHC]

There are good plastic recorders and there are cheap wood recorders at
about the same price. The good plastic sounds and plays MUCH better
than the cheap wood. Sure, a $700 wood alto (hopefully) plays better
than a $30 plastic alto, but that plastic alto plays rings around a
$50 wood alto (if you can find one that cheap). And plastic can handle
the abuse a child will cause.

Check out the Yamaha "302B" recorders (YRN-302B, YRS-302B,
YRA-302B). Not too long ago I got a set of 4 (sopranino-tenor) for
under $200 (gift for a 12 y.o.). They played well.

[Nicole Massey]

"ERSHC" <ersh...@invalid.invalid> wrote in message
news:kth8og$8ro$1...@dont-email.me...

Thanks for this. Twenty years ago everyone was recommending wood over
plastic all the time. It's good that this has changed. I'll check into the
Yamaha models.