Which recorder to choose for learning?

Yamaha is a world-famous producer of musical instruments. The company offers instruments in various price ranges and intended for musicians of various skill levels. The following article aims to introduce you to and help you choose the most appropriate recorder for learning.

In this area, Yamaha products seem to be unrivaled, and two flagship models – Yamaha YRS23 and YRS24B, have been breaking popularity records for years.

The key to success turned out to be a compromise between reliability, resistance to damage (very important features in the case of school flutes), and excellent sound and a low, affordable price.

The difference between the two models is mainly in the fingering system – YRS23 is a German flute, YRS24B – baroque fingering.

The key to the sound is the material from which the instrument is made. In both cases, it is a durable polymer resin that provides a warm and delicate sound, similar to that of structures made of wood. At the same time, the material is much more durable. Another positive feature of the polymer resin is the fact that, unlike wood, it does not soak up moisture, which is often the cause of damage. This is a very common problem in the early stages of learning to play, when students are just learning how to blow the mouthpiece correctly.

Yamaha flutes from the YRS family are currently the most recommended by playing teachers, also because the first sounds can be produced in a very easy and effortless way. The precision of the performance makes the notes clean and tunes very well, which is also a key feature in the case of flutes intended for study. The price is also important – both instruments are among the cheapest on the market.

Which fingering system should I choose?

In this case, there is no definite answer, and neither of them is more suitable for learning. The choice is usually made by the teacher, but the German fingering system is somewhat easier to learn in the early stages of learning. However, this does not translate into popularity, as most of the publications and textbooks for learning are oriented towards the Baroque fingering system. So what’s the difference? It is mainly about producing the “F” sound (see picture below). Although German fingering seems simpler at first glance, it can cause intonation problems when producing the F sharp note.

Why Yamaha?

I have already mentioned all the most important arguments in favor of choosing instruments from this Japanese manufacturer. Finally, let me just add that no music company in the world is more meritorious when it comes to constructing and building school instruments. This vast experience helps creators to constantly develop in this field.

Comments