AulosRecorder, Multi (A709B)

High quality manufacture . Resonant and easy to play . I really like it .

I've had a couple of very nice wood recorders, based on F, in the past, but I've never played a plastic recorder that had as good a sound, or as reliable intonation and accuracy as this one. It compares well with the nice wood recorders I've played. If I ever have trouble with a high note, I find that there condensation in the mouthpiece, but it is way less an occurrence as it would be with other plastic recorders I've tried. It looks good too. I think this would be an excellent recorder for a beginner or a more advanced student, because it is much easier to play, with reliable intonation and fingering. Students should start on the best instruments that they can afford, because there is nothing more discouraging to a beginner to play on an instrument that just won't sound good no matter how hard you try. Why make learning more of a chore than it has to be? But as others have said, it is a good practice instrument for more advanced players, because you don't have to worry much about moisture, etc, harming the instrument. I'm very pleased with this, and would recommend it to anyone who wants a surprisingly good recorder for a surprisingly good price.

I was a bit disappointed at the finish quality. Mine came with some minor imperfections. However after comparing with different Yamaha 300 series, I decided to keep this one. The overall tone is more interesting and rounder than Yamaha. But the lowest two notes are not clean as Yamaha's. I still like Yamaha 312 and 314 with bright clear tones. For some reason, I really disliked the sharp tone of 302 which is supposed to be the same as 312 and 314 except for the finish. Maybe I tested a defected one.

This Aulos recorder competes with the Zen-On Bressan for first place among alto plastic recorders. You can't go wrong with either. The E-flat fingering of the second octave does not have to cover half of the 7th hole. This can be an advantage or a disadvantage, depending on what you are used to. The attack of the notes has a slight 'cuic' which gives the timbre more richness. Overall, this is a recorder that encourages good airflow, which is not the case with other plastic models.

I can get some very nice sounds out of the Aulos A709B. The timbre has a bit of oboe to it, and the bottom notes are full. I can even easily get high f# with the thumb hole half open and all of the top holes fully closed. Bottom line, this instrument motivates me to keep playing and playing.This has been described as the only authentic plastic reproduction Baroque recorder (after Haka), but one that is best suited for non-beginners. That's right, it helps to have already developed some technique before tackling this beauty. It is more sensitive to articulation than the popular Yamaha 300 series, which I also have. I've been playing steadily for about two years recently after having originally dabbled extensively with a wooden alto recorder 40-plus years ago.They call it a "classroom recorder", but I think it can take the serious player as far as the $500 range of wooden altos -- or beyond. Maybe it's just the novelty of having something different, but I like this Aulos better than my excellent wooden/plastic hybrid Mollenhauer Prima. I had been dreaming of the day of dropping a wad of cash to get a Zapatera boxwood Mollenhauer Denner alto, but now I'm thinking, this Aulos may be all I need for a long time. It satisfies the original charm of a plastic recorder -- inexpensive, durable, playable for hours -- while at the same time providing lots of room to develop technique and make wonderful sounds.

As far as plastic recorders go, I typically stick with Yamaha. However I heard great things about the Aulos Haka models, so I figured I'd give this a try and am glad I did!Intonation is great, sound is very full and resonant. The sound can verge on "buzzing" but in a way that adds interest. Very dynamic and a joy to play.I due to its unique (and loud) sound, I would only recommend this for solo playing, namely Baroque music. For consort/group playing, I'd opt for something with a less complex tone, like the Yamaha 402b.

I compared this Aulos A709B to the Yamaha YRA-302B and decided that I preferred the Aulos recorder. One reason is that the 2nd F (octave above the lowest F) and higher notes on the Yamaha were flat at medium air pressure (but were OK if I blew harder). In general, the intonation is better on the Aulos. The low F is fairly weak on both recorders, but had a better, more resonant tone on the Aulos (after optimizing my air pressure). I'm not sure if there exists a plastic alto recorder with a stronger low F.Another advantage of the Aulos is that it comes with a thumb rest, which I find very helpful.

The good: Intonation is spot on. Tone is markedly more mellow than the Yamaha 300 and 400 series altos. It can also be pushed harder without jumping to higher harmonics. Less finicky about half holing.The bad: The beak is very thick, and feels awkward. Response is slower than the Yamahas, Intonation is more sensitive to breathe pressure.The verdict. Buy it. It requires more skill, but gives greater rewards.