Aulos

Yamaha vs Aulos alto recorder

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• published: 04 Apr 2016
• views: 6909

This video is to directly compare the Yamaha YRA-312B (III) to the Aulos 709BW E Alto recoders. Both of these recorders are made of plastic and are considered serious instruments and better than the cheaper wooden models. They seem to be direct competitors with each other and people who tend to want to buy one or the other read up about both. I wanted to do a little side-by-side playing for anyone considering purchasing one or the other. While Yamaha seems to be the bigger more trusted name, Aulos actually holds its own and is equally well built. To start learning the instrument and actually have something worth holding (these are not your cheap 3rd grade recorders folks!) either one will do equally well. I prefer the simulated wood grain on the Yamaha. The Aulos is brand new and already has a little area worn smooth (finish scratched off during shipping?). From a distance, either instrument is pleasing to the eye and no one would question you. Both instruments are nice to hold and the wood-grained finished models are less slippery when your fingers become sweaty. In my mind they are worth the extra few dollars. I would recommend buying one or the other. For those on the fence considering buying the one you don't already have, I would save your money. Also, they come essentially the same: small bags, with end caps, joint grease, fingering charts, and and a rod to attach a cloth to to wipe the instrument out after playing. The only difference is that the Aulos includes a small plastic thumb rest. I wont be using it since it seems a little uncomfortable to me and I think it will wear the finish off. I hope this helps somebody somewhere! I would have appreciated a video like this before purchasing the Aulos. UPDATE 9/2016: After having lived with the instruments for a few months I can definitely say that I prefer the Aulos in nearly every respect. There is a tonal difference that my ear did not pick up (and the mic most certainly didn't) that once you hear it, you cannot un-hear it. There is a certain roundness and fullness to the tone that is lacking in the Yamaha. If you are on the fence about ordering one or the other, go for the Aulos. If I could only keep one, I would keep the Aulos as I reach for it over the Yamaha 9/10 times.