Yamaha YRA-402B Alto Recorder Eco

I was impressed with the soprano version of this recorder and ordered this alto model. The first I ordered was flat and the sound wasn't very focused requiring large breath pressure to play at 440. It was loud (organ-like), indelicate and slow to articulation, requiring large breath speeds for the highest notes- I really didn't like the sound much, particularly when playing it up to pitch. The second instrument I ordered a month later was very different, without the problems I had before and I really like the warmth and fullness of it's sound, it is sharper in pitch under the same breath pressure and has a more focused sound. Both instruments weigh the same 212g and they look identical, so it is very peculiar for the variation in performance. The only thing I have noticed is the actual part numbers on the back of the top, middle, and bottom sections are different, and perhaps the instrument has been improved in newer stock.

I am very happy with the Yamaha YRA-402 Alto / Treble recorder from Thomann.

PROs: (1) It has nice clear bright sound. (2) Very easy to attain high notes (3) It has a curved wind-way which means less clogging (4) cheaper than other 'top end' plastic recorders (5) It is very easy to clean (6) The joints fit well.

In comparison to other recorders I own, this Alto recorder sounds exactly like my £700 Alto in Palisander wood, which is excellent value for money.

CONs: The only downside to this recorder is the mellow yellow appearance. If it had an imitation dark rosewood appearance it would be great.

The recorder is not exactly what one would ecpect to use in contemporary jazz/pop situations, however, this recorder has not failed me in live contextes. Here Yamaha has provided a recorder that respects a sound quality worthy of being listened to, and which is applicable to many diverse situations.

It is used at home and on tour, and so far no complaints. a quality recorder... however i wish that this series would expand to the sopranino and tenor, I do not know who to contact to make this happen.

The style is more akin to a recorder made of lighter wood and ivory gothic recorder players beware !
But fo me to have a choice that is light in color but heavy in sound gives me hope for all future concerts.

I hope to meet with the factory and discuss the potential of this agreeable instrument.

Good for folks that are into alto, on a budget
or on tour in a multi-intstrumental configuration

Using it for practice, wanted to actually record small parts, but its not good enough. My mistake.

CONS: -THE BAG
It comes in a poison-green plastic bag >.< which looks awful, and is rather small, meaning you have to disassemble the instrument if you want to transport it in the bag. Every time. Maybe provide a simple long bag instead?
-Plastic recorder sound quality
Plastic itself is of a good quality, instrument works good, fingering is ok. BUT it is very hard to produce quality tones. You need to give your best, so maximum concentration to make the tones sound actually good. Not only that, but you must stay focused not to breakthrough to high pitch. That isn't the case with some high quality wooden recorders for example.

PROS: -it's ok for practice
-price/quality is not terrible, just its better to save more money for the real deal, and skip this completely.

I wouldn't recommend this for a complete beginner as it's not forgiving, and a beginner would have to deal not only with technique and normal practice but also bother with pitches and unwanted sounds. If you played before, maybe. Sound could be good if you really know your stuff and want to put effort in.

Thomann service was good.