This tulip wood soprano has taken about 3 months to play in, with a few tears, but has been well worth it. Excellent pitch throughout and good, although not 100% reliable, high c. This can be guaranteed with more pinch to the thumbhole but this technique may wear the wood long term. Having tried everything else in the high mid range, nothing has sounded as sweet or professional. Excellent for the money, and a pretty grain that turns heads.