- This topic has 25 replies, 8 voices, and was last updated June 27, 2026 at 12:08 pm by
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The reviewer above found some differences. It’s baffling why Yamaha make two models and fail to market them with accurate info.
My guess is it’s more an effort by Thomann rather than Yamaha. It’s been common for manufacturers to cater to smaller market differences between contries. My guess is that Thomann offers both altos as it wants to become THE global music store as merchendising barriers become smaller over time. Their recent postal charge to the States was less than half what I pay the other way.
My guess is it’s more an effort by Thomann rather than Yamaha. It’s been common for manufacturers to cater to smaller market differences between regions. My guess is that Thomann offers both altos as it wants to become THE global music store as merchendising barriers become smaller over time. Their recent postal charge to the States was less than half what I pay the other way.
The plot thins! I tried to order the YRA-42 B, but Thomann’s system immediately flashed that the recorder was not for sale to the United States. I wanted to tell them that Texas is an ‘altered state,’ but no further discourse was permitted. -k-
Only now, after we’ve been discussing this for days, I am sort of half remembering that when the Ecodear range came out the 48B was described somewhere as for ensemble playing and the 402B for solo playing. (Aside: bit pretentious for a plastic recorder!). Anyway, I think Ken is on the right track because all those European music schools, of which there are many in Germany, will perhaps want instruments for ensemble playing, which are a couple of Euros less. Non of this matters. It’s how well you play it that matters.
The plot thins! I tried to order the YRA-42 B, but Thomann’s system immediately flashed that the recorder was not for sale to the United States. I wanted to tell them that Texas is an ‘altered state,’ but no further discourse was permitted. -k-
Wonderful! And there’s no arguing with a computerised system…
After viewing the YouTube Jacqui posted above, I’m thinking that with that larger windway reducing clogging, the YRA-42 might prove an exceptional plastic instrument if its voice is like that of its sibling, the YRA-408 B. I wonder if Santa honors international trade restrictions.
Late to the party, but I’ve got the alto Ecodear, regular plastic yamaha, an Aulos and the Zenon 415. I play the Zenon the most because of the pitch, but the Ecodear has the warmest, richest sound of them all and clearly stands out. Unless you ramp up to a Bernolin, which has a wood block and sounds like an ebony recorder, the Ecodear is flat out the best. I wish they made a 415 in that model.
Late to the party, but I’ve got the alto Ecodear, regular plastic yamaha, an Aulos and the Zenon 415. I play the Zenon the most because of the pitch, but the Ecodear has the warmest, richest sound of them all and clearly stands out. Unless you ramp up to a Bernolin, which has a wood block and sounds like an ebony recorder, the Ecodear is flat out the best. I wish they made a 415 in that model.
Later to the thread, but the subject remains so interesting… I will consider buying a Yamaha Alto Recorder Eco (that’s the name it’s given now). I possess and practice the Aulos Haka 709B and the Zenon Bressan G1-A, and I can say two things : 1/they are very good recorders (even compared to wooden recorders that I own) 2/there are real differences in intonation and timbre, the Aulos being brighter and more reedy-toned than the Zen-On. Then, if the Yamaha Eco has another sound, it’s worth trying it.
The timing on this is beginning to feel like putting notes in bottles and throwing them in the sea (laughing.) Michel, I’m thinking that if you have the Haka and Bressan, there’s little gained by buying the Ecodear. The real problem may be that we can afford an every-now-and-then purchase in hopes of finding the perfect plastic. … and maybe it doesn’t exist. My arsenal for performance is now the Plum Dream Edition, a Boxwood Moeck Rottenburgh, and a Blackwood Moeck Rottenburgh. My plastics are for practice and rehearsal only. The Bressan for its articulation and the Haka cause it blends and doesn’t clog too soon. Also, you may be interested – though it’s not ‘directly’ on target – in a video I posted: https://youtu.be/X2R-aJN99hE?si=mbAQJoReh8_cS_Nv of opinions on plastic recorders that’s gotten very supportive feedback from our community in general. Hey, the very best to you.
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