What I'm trying to say is that it's a good deal. The conductor thought the sound was too nice, and honestly, it is quite an upgrade from any of the other plastic recorders I've played. It's definitely not a top of the line recorder because I did find some clarity issues with upper register notes, but that's fine. For roughly $30, this is a heck of a deal. It has a sweet, pure sound that is deliciously warm. I will never be a Pro level recorder player. Nor do I want to be. But, this recorder is definitely a good instrument in my opinion. Wood does have a learning curve to it. Plastic generally has a faster and easier response, but the tone quality simply doesn't compare.
If you're debating between this recorder or a plastic model (Aulos or Yamaha for example) in the same price range, think about what you will use it for. If you are willing to take a little longer to get the best out of it, get this one. If this is for a child, get the plastic ones. Wood WILL break, and the light oil finish on these simply doesn't offer any additional protection.
If I were given the opportunity to buy it again, I wood. Get it. Wood? Haha ;)
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After some years of playing plastic recorders, I finally tried wood, in part because of the reasonable price of this made-in-China German recorder. It has the sweetest timber of any soprano recorder I have played (not as sweet as alto recorders, of course); the tactile sensation of playing wood is quite different (softer) than plastic; low C and high A are not too difficult to hit consistently; and (apparently like all wood recorders) condensation/spittle is a minor problem compared to plastic recorders (that block up very easily). This comes with only the lightest oil finish. I used olive oil and not the recommended linseed oil (I want edible oils for anything that goes in my mouth). Although Hohner says not to use oil on the cork seal (used to attach the 2 parts), the olive oil does not seem to bother it. I have also used the vegetable joint grease from Aulos without problem. After oiling inside and out a few times, condensation has no effect on the wood. If you have a narrower rod than the one supplied (which is identical with Aulos rods for soprano recorders) and something like gun-cleaning patches, this recorder can be cleaned without breaking it down. Hohner does not include joint grease or a thumb rest. That is unfortunate, but you can rectify the omissions by ordering from Aulos (the soprano thumb rest is a tight fit but will work OK). I cannot deduct stars for that because this is such a bargain at the price. I should advise that the recorder I received is called the B9560 by Hohner (the Hohner website has no model 9522--once again US vendors changing barcodes and model numbers for who knows what reason).Best Deals for Hohner Kids / 2-piece Maple Soprano Baroque Recorder
This Hohner maple recorder is surprisingly nice. I like it better than their more expensive "Concert" pearwood model, which has a louder, albeit duller quality to it. The tone on this one is more open, and lighter. Like all Hohners,it hits the higher notes quite easily.I would definitely recommend this recorder to anyone looking for something that sounds nice and wants something in wood. I have some expensive recorders, and to tell you the truth, I like this one the best. Good for children and adults, and adults shouldn't think just because this is a "student" model (basic shape, design) that it's inferior. It sounds just lovely!
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I have decided to take up the recorder after many years away from playing anything. I had used a plastic recorder the previous few months and was pleased with that, but I am definitely glad I spent a little bit more to get this recorder. I was going to save $8 and get the all pear one, but someone reviewing with knowledge recommended this one. If you have played even a little bit and wish to continue playing recorder, it will be a wise choice. I can play longer without the moisture obscuring the sound of plastic and making it temp unplayable. It is easier to hit low C and high A! I don't have a great ear but it does actually sound better! Cleaning ain't that big of a deal and it comes with everything you need. Someone mentioned it being smelly. LOL There is a very minimal wood smell that I enjoy. I wish it smelled stronger. I had to put my nose to it and it is fast loosing even that minimal scent. Can't believe I didn't get this sooner.UPDATE: I'm still in love with this little baby! It sounds lovely... Best buy I could find on a quality wood recorder, still to this day. It has held up perfectly over the past 1.5 year and actually sounds a tiny bit better, then when brand new and warms up more quickly at approx 2-5 minutes instead of 10 minutes, for several months after first purchased. Highly recommended!
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The plastic recorder originally bought for my granddaughter always 'screeched" and I could barely stand to listen for more than a few seconds. This beautiful wooden recorder is well worth the little bit of extra money it is a pleasure to hold (the wood is like satin) and has a much nicer sound. I read the other reviewers comments before buying it and was glad to make such a good purchase. I would recommend buying the 'fuzzy' rods (also bought at Amazon) for drying it out after playing. My 7 year old granddaughter understands that drying is important and likes that she can do this herself.
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