Somewhere on this forum – a long time ago – someone compared the Aulos 509B to the Bernolin treble (alto) if anyone still has both of them I’d be really interested in comments about that. I’d very much like to have a Bernolin for my birthday this year but I’m reluctant to buy if I won’t be able to reach the bottom holes. The Aulos Symphony (arrived this morning) is perfect reach-wise.
I have to add that having played this recorder I’m extremely impressed. It really is very easy on the top F. Bottom F is easy to reach – needs very delicate handling but that’s the same on all my trebles. I really like this recorder!
I haven’t tried the Aulos 509 but I do have the Symphony tenor, and it’s very good. John Everingham (Saunders Recorders) reckons that Aulos are better than Yamaha up to alto, and Yamaha are better from tenor on. I’ve got both tenors and there is incredibly little to choose between them – one or two minor advantages to both, so it comes down to personal preference.