YAMAHA YRA-312B Recorder - Alto baroque fingering, simulated rosewood with white trim

I bought this as a back-up to my mollenhauer prima alto recorder (which has a plastic head joint and wooden body although, not as sensitive as a completely wooden recorder it can still be sensitive to heat).Positives- sound: warm and mellow with the Yamaha slightly quieter in comparison on the lowest notes than my other alto but, really hardly noticeable.- nicely in tune- attractive appearance (photographs on the listing are accurate)- comfortable to hold (matt finish means that it doesn't slip out of your hands)- nicely packaged- well made and feels robustNegative- clogs quickly - this was really frustrating to begin with however, I have become much more used to this. Warming the head joint and sucking out the moisture does help. As it no longer bothers me I haven't knocked a star off for this.Overall well worth the price.

Lovely wood texture and colour. Rich sound - looking forward to playing.

I really like this - it has a nice tone. Not being an expert I can't comment further. I like the wood effect.

only problem was that the mouth piece gets blocked fastits a pro piece

Once recorder blaming is put to one side, this is actually capable of producing a good sound. Some people have mentioned an issue with moisture build up in Yamahas in this range, but I think it's fine (blow hard between practices). Good sound, good feel, good-looking product. I'd choose it again for my purposes (not performing in stadium venues).

I thought long and hard about getting a wooden up-market recorder but decided to go for the yamaha alto, I bought the descant as well but haven't played it much as I love the tone of the alto. It is such good value and sounds like a top notch instrument to me, it plays well above my skill level and will suit until I just want a nicer looking instrument, not that there is anything wrong with the wood grain effect plastic, and so easy to maintain.

This is my favourite plastic recorder. Initially I used it as my main instrument and now it is the one I go to when I don't want to overuse my beautiful wooden alto. The imitation rosewood finish is easier to grip than the shiny plastic versions and some people say the sound is better. I also own an Aulos alto, but my small hands seem to find the bottom hole easier to reach on the Yamaha, although it is difficult to see why when looking at them side by side. I would recommend this recorder to anyone whether beginner or advanced player.

I bought this based on Yamaha's good reputation.I wish I had read the 'one star' reviews before I bought it. I echo everything I have read, clogs in minutes, hard to play, really tight etc.Am about to return.