14 best alto recorders
The alto recorder is a musical instrument that belongs to the woodwind family. It is often considered a part of the recorder family, which includes various sizes and types of instruments. Here are some key points about the alto recorder:
Size and Range: The alto recorder is a mid-sized recorder, larger than the soprano recorder but smaller than the tenor and bass recorders. It is typically pitched in F and has a range of about two octaves, from F4 to F6.
Construction: Alto recorders are usually made from wood, plastic, or a combination of materials. Traditional wooden recorders are favored by professional musicians for their warm and rich sound, while plastic recorders are often chosen for their durability and affordability.
Sound: The alto recorder has a mellow and sweet sound. It is known for its expressive capabilities and is used in a variety of musical genres, including classical, early music, folk, and contemporary music.
Fingering: The alto recorder is typically played with Baroque-style fingering, which involves covering the finger holes with the pads of the fingers. This fingering system is different from the German fingering used in some other recorder types.
Repertoire: There is a substantial repertoire of music composed specifically for the alto recorder, including solo pieces, chamber music, and ensemble works. Composers like Johann Sebastian Bach and Antonio Vivaldi wrote music that features the alto recorder.
Accessories: Accessories for the alto recorder may include carrying cases, cleaning rods, and swabs to maintain the instrument. Additionally, players may use cork grease to keep the joints well lubricated.
Maintenance: Wooden alto recorders require regular maintenance to prevent cracking and maintain their sound quality.This involves oiling the wood and ensuring the recorder is kept in a stable environment with appropriate humidity levels.
Playing Technique: Learning to play the alto recorder involves mastering techniques such as breath control, finger dexterity, and articulation. It is a popular instrument for beginners due to its relatively simple fingering system.
Ensemble Playing: The alto recorder is often used in recorder ensembles, where multiple recorder types (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass) come together to create harmonious music.
Historical Significance: Recorders, including the alto recorder, have a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods. They have evolved over time in terms of design and technique.
In summary, the alto recorder is a versatile woodwind instrument known for its warm sound and expressive capabilities. It has a significant place in the world of music and is enjoyed by both beginners and professional musicians.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best alto recorders on the market
Yamaha YRA-28B Alto Recorder, Key of F
Yamaha
Product description
The Yamaha YRA-28B alto recorder in the key of F has a beautiful tone that plays with a rich expressive sound throughout its registers. The straight rectangular airway makes it easy to play even for a beginner, while the 3-piece body comes apart for easy cleaning. Made from durable and safe ABS plastic, so you know it will last for many years.
- Key of F
- Baroque fingering
- Double holes
- Three piece construction
User questions & answers
| Question: | Does the alto recorder come in the key of c |
| Answer: | This is an F instrument. |
| Question: | Does the alto recorder come in the key of c |
| Answer: | Yes it does. It comes apart into 3 pieces. This is a good recorder, but I would recommend that you also consider the Aulos "plastic" Haiku alto recorder as an alternative. I believe it is a better choice. |
| Question: | I played one, and the holes are extremely far apart. Is this true of all alto recorders, regardless of the material used to make one |
| Answer: | I'm not sure what a foot joint is, but it has 3 parts. The mouth piece, the middle part with almost all of the fingering holes, and the bottom where the little finger goes (foot joint?)Its a nice instrument, needs to be cleaned fairly often.Hope this helps. |
| Question: | is alto lower than soprano |
| Answer: | In this price range, I would buy plastic just because it's easier to maintain, and the sound quality of the Yamaha 300 series is superb. For less than the price of one wooden alto, you could buy a full case of Yamaha 300s, including the sopranino, soprano, alto, and tenor recorders. If I had to pick only one, I'd buy the alto because it plays better with musical songbooks like the Disney Fakebook. The distance between my wrist and tip of pinky finger is 5.5" and my hand perfectly fits the alto. If your hand is smaller than this, you might find the soprano to be a better fit. |
Product features
Start with great sound
Yamaha has been building musical instruments for more than 130 years, so we know what it takes to make a great sound. Our alto recorders produce a classic tone that's pure and in tune across the whole instrument.
Models for every player
Whether you're experienced or a beginner, there's a model for you. The YRA-28B is intended for beginners with a design that makes it easy to produce a sound. The 300 and 400 series models give advanced players more control over their tone.
Durable and safe
Yamaha plastic recorders are built to last for years of reliable use. All models are BPA-free and meet strict international safety standards. They can even be washed with regular soap and water, so keeping them clean is easy.
Choose your finish
Want the durability of plastic but the look of wood? The YRA-312B and YRA-314B have simulated wood-grain exteriors that look remarkably like real rosewood or ebony. For something different, the YRA-402B has a unique goldenrod color that really stands out.
What's in a Windway?
The windway is the opening at the top of a recorder that you blow into. The shape of this opening is very important to the way the recorder plays and feels. Yamaha offers two different styles:
- A straight windway is easy to play with very light air, and produces a soft and pure tone. This is typically preferred for beginners, and is found on the YRA-28B.
- An arched windway gives more blowing resistance than a straight windway. This added resistance gives more experienced players better breath control which allows greater tonal expression and projection. Yamaha 300 and 400 series alto recorders use arched windways.
Yamaha YRA-312B Alto Recorder, simulated Rosewood finish, Key of F
Yamaha
Product description
Like all Yamaha 300-series recorders, the YRA-312B alto recorder in the key of F is a step-up instrument designed for advanced players. Based on the famous Rottenburgh body design, this recorder has an arched windway to produce a slight resistance that gives you better breath control and allows you to play with more expression.
- 3 piece alto recorder in the key of F
- Made from durable and long-lasting ABS plastic
- Arched windway gives experienced players more control
- Simulated Rosewood finish gives the appearance of a wood grain texture
User questions & answers
| Question: | Just purchased the Alto Recorder. Are the holes suppose to be perfectly aligned on the recorder? Getting a strong whistle with "C |
| Answer: | The finish is a glossy dark mahogany brown to be expected with ABS plastic. I consider it to look reasonably favorable when compared with its wood compatriots. |
| Question: | What is the difference between this 312 and the 314 model |
| Answer: | Yes, this recorder will come with a soft vinyl case, cleaning rod, cream/joint grease and a fingering chart as well. I hope this helps! |
| Question: | Which is the most useful key to get an alto recorder in |
| Answer: | This is tuned to a = 440. I have never seen a plastic recorder tuned to 415. That kind of instrument is usually made to order and is quite expensive. This Yamaha Tenor recorder is a fine instrument and is in tune from top to bottom. |
| Question: | What's the difference between the YRA-302B and the YRA-312B |
| Answer: | Please double-check the product numbers. The YRT-304BII is a TENOR recorder, fingered like a SOPRANO recorder. These are C-tuned instruments. The tenor produces a sound an octave lower than the soprano. The YRT-304B is an ALTO recorder. It is F-tuned. I think (at least as I look at the descriptions on Amazon), that the 304B is a BROWN ALTO recorder. I notice that the YRT-304BIII is also an ALTO recorder. |
Product features
Start with great sound
Yamaha has been building musical instruments for more than 130 years, so we know what it takes to make a great sound. Our alto recorders produce a classic tone that's pure and in tune across the whole instrument.
Models for every player
Whether you're experienced or a beginner, there's a model for you. The YRA-28B is intended for beginners with a design that makes it easy to produce a sound. The 300 and 400 series models give advanced players more control over their tone.
Durable and safe
Yamaha plastic recorders are built to last for years of reliable use. All models are BPA-free and meet strict international safety standards. They can even be washed with regular soap and water, so keeping them clean is easy.
Choose your finish
Want the durability of plastic but the look of wood? The YRA-312B and YRA-314B have simulated wood-grain exteriors that look remarkably like real rosewood or ebony. For something different, the YRA-402B has a unique goldenrod color that really stands out.
What's in a Windway?
The windway is the opening at the top of a recorder that you blow into. The shape of this opening is very important to the way the recorder plays and feels. Yamaha offers two different styles:
- A straight windway is easy to play with very light air, and produces a soft and pure tone. This is typically preferred for beginners, and is found on the YRA-28B.
- An arched windway gives more blowing resistance than a straight windway. This added resistance gives more experienced players better breath control which allows greater tonal expression and projection. Yamaha 300 and 400 series alto recorders use arched windways.
Yamaha YRA-302B Alto Recorder, smooth brown finish, key of F
Yamaha
Product description
Like all Yamaha M-Series recorders, the YRA-302B alto recorder in the key of F is a step-up instrument designed for advanced players. Based on the famous rottenburgh body design, This recorder has an arched windway to produce a slight resistance that gives you better breath control and allows you to play with more expression.
- Key of F
- Baroque fingering
- Arched windway
- 3 piece ABS plastic body
- Double toneholes on lowest two notes (F and G)
User questions & answers
| Question: | Is this a C or an F instrument |
| Answer: | The sax is beautifully made. And it has a nice rich sound. Great for beginners to professionals. High recommend it. |
| Question: | Does it come apart |
| Answer: | Yes it does |
| Question: | Does the foot joint detach |
| Answer: | They are wooden reeds. -Jesus The Music Store |
| Question: | Trying to decide between a couple of decent maple soprano recorders and a couple of plastic altos (priced comparatively) Any advice? wood or alto |
| Answer: | Place orders individually |
Product features
Start with great sound
Yamaha has been building musical instruments for more than 130 years, so we know what it takes to make a great sound. Our alto recorders produce a classic tone that's pure and in tune across the whole instrument.
Models for every player
Whether you're experienced or a beginner, there's a model for you. The YRA-28B is intended for beginners with a design that makes it easy to produce a sound. The 300 and 400 series models give advanced players more control over their tone.
Durable and safe
Yamaha plastic recorders are built to last for years of reliable use. All models are BPA-free and meet strict international safety standards. They can even be washed with regular soap and water, so keeping them clean is easy.
Choose your finish
Want the durability of plastic but the look of wood? The YRA-312B and YRA-314B have simulated wood-grain exteriors that look remarkably like real rosewood or ebony. For something different, the YRA-402B has a unique goldenrod color that really stands out.
What's in a Windway?
The windway is the opening at the top of a recorder that you blow into. The shape of this opening is very important to the way the recorder plays and feels. Yamaha offers two different styles:
- A straight windway is easy to play with very light air, and produces a soft and pure tone. This is typically preferred for beginners, and is found on the YRA-28B.
- An arched windway gives more blowing resistance than a straight windway. This added resistance gives more experienced players better breath control which allows greater tonal expression and projection. Yamaha 300 and 400 series alto recorders use arched windways.
Silverstar Professional Alto Recorder with Baroque Fingering 3-piece Wind Instrument
Product description
1. The completion of music with a great depth of feeling Silverstar always hangs on to the basic and produces the musical instruments.
2. As the musical instrument manufacturing company for the basic music education, we’ve always tried our best to make products and satisfy the customer needs.
3. We specialize in the batch production with our manufacturing techniques which have been accumulated for a long time and manufacture all parts in the musical instruments in order to increase product quality.
- 3piece Alto recorder baroque fingering key of 'F'
- Silverstar recorders are a great value instrument. with accurate intonation and ease of playing in all registers, these recorders are excellent for students in the classroom or ensemble setting
- Made of high quality ABS plastic
- Inside the bag contains recorder, fingering chart and cleaning rod and joint grease.
- Play in the classroom or in concert.
User questions & answers
| Question: | Is baroque finger the same on alto as it is with soprano recorderr |
| Answer: | It fit my alto sax mouth piece perfectly. I have heard a couple reviews that say it won't fit larger mouth pieces, I tried it on my tenor and it did not fit. If you are looking to put it on a clarinet, it might not work, but if it is roughly the size of an alto mouth piece then you should be fine |
Sweet Pipes Recorder Book 1: A Method for Adults and Older Beginners - Alto
Product description
Westco continually strive for new product innovations and seek out and develop products that meet exacting expectations of quality, safety and musicality. Westco Music instruments are valuable tools to empower and positively impact the lives of those who play them or instruct with them. They are very often used in cross-curricular experiences both in home-schooling and classroom environments in order to create richer and higher levels of engagement.
- This alto recorder method book is perfect for those looking to expand their musical horizons
- Recommended for players already familiar with the fundamentals of music notation and rhythm.
- This book contains 12 study units including exercises, folk songs, and music of the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Baroque
- Also includes duets and trios, as well as a fingering chart and a brief history of the recorder.
- It's the perfect book to use for teaching beginners as individuals or in groups!
User questions & answers
| Question: | does it show the notes and how to play them |
| Answer: | The number of holes is the same. But it is bigger in size than soprano. And The German and Baroque types can be distinguished with the size of 5th hole in Thank you |
| Question: | What size is it? How is it bound |
| Answer: | I bought mine for an alto sax and it was great. For a tenor sax, you would have to purchase the tenor size. I'm not sure about the size of the jody super jet tenor mouthpiece, so I'm not much help there. |
| Question: | Is it an audio cd that comes with the book |
| Answer: | Should work with anything as longs as the size is correct. Also. you need to get ail of the parts. Mine was missing the nut. It probably would not tighten on a metal mouthpiece because their diameter is to small. |
| Question: | does it show the notes and how to play them |
| Answer: | Yes the mouthpiece cover comes with it. |
Aulos Aulos Classroom Recorder Alto 3 Piece English Woodgrain Finish A709Bw
Aulos
Product description
Aulos recorders are a great value instrument; with excellent intonation and ease of playing in all registers, these recorders are excellent for students in the classroom or ensemble setting.
- Classroom Recorder Alto 3 Piece English Woodgrain Finish A709Bw
- Aulos recorders are a great value instrument; with excellent intonation and ease of playing in all registers, these recorders are excellent for students in the classroom or ensemble setting
- Beautiful wood grain finish, available in a variety of pitch orientations
- Aulos recorders are a great value instrument; with excellent intonation and ease of playing in all registers, these recorders are excellent for students in the classroom or ensemble setting
- Beautiful wood grain finish, available in a variety of pitch orientations
User questions & answers
| Question: | Is the woodgrain purely cosmetic or does it effect the sound? The regular brown is 20% cheaper |
| Answer: | Yes; every lesson shows the note notated on the stave, what the name of the note is, and the recorder fingering for the note. |
| Question: | What key is this in |
| Answer: | It is roughly 9x12 and is staple bound ( about 39 pages) |
| Question: | Is this baroque fingering |
| Answer: | Hello there, there is no CD with this book (we do sell other song books with accompanying CDs under separate listings). Thanks, Be-Active |
| Question: | Aulos has several Alto models. Are the hole spacings the same for each? Which is best sounding |
| Answer: | Yes, it shows each note and how to play each note. After each note is introduced there are practice exercises to review the previous notes you've learned and practice the new note being introduced. |
Woodi Alto Recorder WRA-302GW2 Wood Simulated 2 Knob Red & Ivory White 3-Piece German Fingering
Product description
The Woodi Alto Recorder gives you a High quality matched range. We make a superb instrument at a Sensible price. Maintenance-free ABS Plastic Resin construction for strength and durability.
- Professional Alto Recorder Twin Colors (Knob Red & Ivory White) .
- 3 Pieces,German -English Fingering and Arched Windway.
- Features double holes for low F & F#, and low G & G# ; Key of F.
- Package includes:Leatherette Bag, Fingering Chart, Cleaning Rod, Recorder Cream.
- This Alto Recorder is approximately 18.5" long.
Aulos A309A 3 Piece Alto Recorder
Aulos
Product description
The Aulos 309A Bel canto alto (treble) recorder produces a natural sounding, bright tone which is clear throughout its register (F above middle C to the G two octaves above). made from ABS plastic, It is both solid and durable. It has a dark brown finish with attractive ivory detail which gives it a classic, traditional appearance. It is supplied in a quality Brown leatherette zip-up bag with a cleaning rod, thumb rest, fingering chart and joint grease.
- Alto Bel canto recorder in dark brown with ivory detail
- 3 piece construction for easy maintenance
- Arched windway provides a slight amount of resistance aiding breath control
- Made of ABS plastic
- Supplied with leatherette Bag with zip, cleaning rod, thumb rest, joint grease and fingering chart
User questions & answers
| Question: | Does it come with thumb rest |
| Answer: | The wood grain is cosmetic. It shouldn't matter if you get the regular brown or the wood grain. The sound should be the same. |
| Question: | My hand are small. I could only stretch my index to pinkie about 5 inches.. would that be enough to play this instrument |
| Answer: | The sopranino, alto and bass recorders are in the key of F. The soprano and tenor recorders are in the key of C. The F and C recorders employ 2 different sets of fingerings so both F and C recorders can read the same music written for C instruments (flute, oboe sheet music for example). This may sound confusing, but the fingering chart included with all Aulos recorders will make this clear. Aulos makes wonderful recorders (and I don't work for the company). As a matter of fact, I'll be playing their recorders in our upcoming Christmas masses with our church choir. Good luck and have fun playing. |
| Question: | My right hand spread from index to pinkie is just six inches. will that suffice for the A309A? What is the overall length of the instrument |
| Answer: | Yes, it is. The fingering chart come with the recorder. |
| Question: | would you say this alto plays like the wood grain classroom model |
| Answer: | I bought this recorder to replace an older wood recorder, I didn't want to spend a lot, and because my duet partner had an Aulos tenor. The Aulos alto is easier to play and in tune. Also, easier to tune with embouchure adjustments. I don't know anything about hole spacing between individual instruments. The plastic does retain more spit....have to suck and blow it out frequently...didn't have to do this with the wood recorder. |
Woodi Alto Recorder WRA-408BM(BL) Translucent Blue 3-Piece Baroque Fingering
Woodi USA
Product description
The Woodi Alto Recorder gives you a High quality matched range. We make a superb instrument at a Sensible price. Maintenance-free ABS Plastic Resin construction for strength and durability.
- Professional Alto Recorder Single Color (Translucent Blue) .
- 3 Pieces,Baroque-English Fingering and Arched Windway.
- Features double holes for low F & F#, and low G & G# ; Key of F.
- Package includes:Leatherette Bag, Fingering Chart, Cleaning Rod, Recorder Cream.
- This Alto Recorder is approximately 18.5" long.
Harmony H30A F Alto Recorder
Product description
The Harmony H30A F Alto Recorder is an exceptional and affordable student instrument for the classroom.
- 3-Piece
- Baroque-English Fingering
- Includes durable bag
- Includes fingering chart
- Includes cleaning rod
Yamaha YRA28BUKIII Alto Recorder
Product description
This is an easy to play alto with accurate intonation and a warm rich sound which will enhance any recorder ensemble.
Set Contains:
cotton case, fingering chart, recorder cream and cleaning rod
- In f
- Baroque system
- Abs resin
- 3 piece construction
- With cotton case, fingering chart, recorder cream and cleaning rod.
Aulos 209 B Robin Alto/Treble Recorder
Aulos
Product description
The Aulos 209B Alto recorder is an ideal choice for a player looking to move up from the Descant recorder to the Alto. All Aulos instruments have good tone and speak freely and the 209B is no exception. The recorder is a three piece design which gives extra flexibility to tuning, makes it easier to clean and as the bottom joint is moveable can be positioned to help small hands reach the bottom holes. The patented Aulos 'cavity wall' design has become the industry standard. Coupled with this Aulos use a new moulding powder which gives high tensile strength. Put together, these manufacturing techniques have brought about a Alto recorder that is remarkably light in weight and sounds wonderful. Great for kids and school this popular Alto recorder from the leading manufacturer is a great choice.
- Popular beginner student alto recorder universally approved by teachers and schools
- 3 piece construction - adjustable thumb rest
- Made from ABS plastic
- Curved windway makes it easy to play
- Supplied in a leatherette bag, with fingering chart, cleaning rod and joint grease
User questions & answers
| Question: | is it true ti one has a thumb rest included |
| Answer: | Yes, it has a removal thumb rest |
| Question: | Will this be comfortable to play even for small hands |
| Answer: | My index to pinkie are 5 1/4 inch. It was 5" before I started playing the alto recorder so the exercise has seemed to stretch the fingers a bit. If was hard at first but I gradually got used to it. As I said in my review the Yamaha alto holes are a little closer together so even though I bought both the Aulos and the yamaha I find that the Yamaha is the one I like to play the most--even though I CAN play the Aulos it mainly sits in a drawer. I hope this helps you. |
| Question: | Is this the 209, 309, or 509 model |
| Answer: | Should be ok. 18 3/4 inches total length, from 4th to 7th hole about 3 3/4 inches. My hand's about the same size and after a bit of practice and I can consistently reach that 7th hole (though it is a bit of a stretch, the 7th hole is not directly below my pinkie when my right hand is relaxed). |
| Question: | Is this recorder in the key of C or F |
| Answer: | It plays like the wood grain recorder, and sounds nice. However, the wood grain Aulos 709BW sounds even better. For only a little more money, I would go with the Aulos 709BW. The low F plays somewhat easier on the wood grain model. I love the tone quality of it too! |
Woodnote wood Grain & Ivory White Alto Recorder-Baroque fingering/3 pieces construction
Product description
Woodnote Alto Recorder was made of High performance ABS Plastic Resin and are highly recommended by many buyers and collectors.
- Woodnote Alto Recorder in Wood Grain & Ivory White finishing
- 3 pieces construction in Barqoue-English Fingering with Arched Windway
- Key Of F / Double Holes for Low F & F# & Double holes for Low G & G#
- The whole length for this alto recorder is approx. 18.5 inches
- Package includes: Leatherette Bag ; Fingering Chart ; Recorder Cream ; Cleaning Rod
User questions & answers
| Question: | Is it wood |
| Answer: | It is in the key of F |
Sweet Pipes Recorder Book 2 (Alto) - for adults and older beginners
Product description
Here at Sweet Pipes we take a great deal of pride in knowing our publications and recorder packages are used successfully by schools and individual recorder players throughout the USA and many other countries around the world. Our goal and pledge is to present only the best quality recorders, finest recorder publications for making music and the fastest most caring service available in the industry. We continue in the same tradition established by Gerry and Sonya Burakoff, our Founders.
- Book 2 expands the alto recorder's range of diatonic, chromatic and enharmonic notes up to the highest G#/Ab
- Also covers slurred and staccato articulations, multiple tonguing, trills and alternative fingerings for 4 much-used notes
- Presents a music repertoire from the Middle Ages through the 19th Century as well as from traditional folk music of a number of cultures
- Major categories are hymns and chorales, dances, songs and excerpts from larger instrumental works
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