The recorder is a widely taught wind instrument, loved for its clear response, easy handling and impressive versatility. From classroom lessons and ensembles to early music and playing at home, recorders remain a key part of musical education worldwide.
At MUSIC STORE, you’ll find recorders in different sizes, fingering systems and materials – from robust beginner models to high-quality ensemble and concert instruments. Every recorder in our range is carefully selected for reliable long-term use.
Explore beginner-friendly models, ensemble-ready instruments and essential accessories – all with international shipping and a 3-year warranty. Below you’ll find the key differences at a glance, including tips on size, fingering, materials and useful accessories.
Choosing the right recorder depends on your skill level, musical use and the sound you prefer. Beginners often start with a soprano recorder, while many advanced players switch to the alto for a warmer, more expressive tone. Tenor and bass recorders expand an ensemble into the lower register and add a fuller overall sound.
The soprano recorder is the most widely played recorder worldwide. It offers an easy response, solid intonation and a compact design – ideal for beginners as well as ensemble use.
Thanks to its balanced size, it’s suitable for children, teenagers and adults alike. Models with a plastic head joint are especially easy to care for and durable, while instruments with wooden components often deliver a slightly warmer tone.
Tip: If you want a straightforward all-round choice, start with a soprano recorder – and keep it as an essential ensemble voice later on.
The Mollenhauer 17313 Fipple soprano recorder is a popular beginner model with an easy-care plastic head joint.
The alto recorder is the next step for many players after the soprano. It sounds noticeably warmer and rounder, with greater tonal depth – especially popular for ensemble playing, solo parts and chamber music.
Many alto recorders are made from wood, supporting an even response and a balanced sound. At the same time, there are low-maintenance alternatives that are ideal for regular use.
Recommendation: If you want more musical expression or often play multi-part repertoire, the alto recorder is an excellent choice.
The Mollenhauer 2266 Canta alto recorder impresses with a warm, rounded sound and versatile applications.
The tenor recorder extends the sound range downward and offers noticeably more presence than soprano and alto instruments. Its tone is soft and resonant – ideal for ensemble repertoire and larger groups.
Due to the larger size, many tenor recorders feature keys to keep distant finger holes comfortably accessible. Plastic models are particularly practical for everyday use: durable, hygienic and quick to play.
Tip: Look for ergonomic keywork and a stable response in the lower register – this makes longer sessions far more comfortable.
The Yamaha YRT-304 BII tenor recorder delivers a full sound and great everyday practicality thanks to ABS plastic.
The bass recorder anchors the ensemble with a warm, supportive low register. It complements soprano, alto and tenor voices with depth, making the overall sound noticeably fuller – especially in recorder orchestras and multi-part arrangements.
Because of their size, bass recorders are often equipped with keys to ensure comfortable access to distant finger holes. This improves playability and helps keep transitions clean, especially in longer rehearsals and more complex parts.
Tip: If you want strong low-register performance with maximum practicality, ABS models are a smart choice – durable, low-maintenance and quick to play.
The Yamaha YRB-302B II is a low-maintenance F bass recorder made of ABS plastic with Baroque fingering.
Two fingering systems are commonly used internationally: German and Baroque. They differ in certain fingerings and can affect intonation and playing technique.
Note: If you play in an ensemble or use advanced repertoire, Baroque fingering is usually the more compatible choice.
The material influences sound, maintenance and everyday use. Plastic recorders are durable, hygienic and highly resistant – ideal for frequent practice and classroom use. Wooden recorders often sound warmer and more nuanced, but require more care and should be protected from extreme temperature and humidity changes.
The right accessories keep your recorder hygienic, durable and ready to play. Useful items include cleaning rods or swabs, maintenance tools and suitable cases. Wooden instruments may also benefit from appropriate care products. For ensembles, stands and secure transport solutions are practical.
Mollenhauer, Moeck, Yamaha and other brands stand for reliable intonation, responsive playability and durable craftsmanship – from beginner models to concert recorders.
For beginners, a soprano recorder is usually ideal. Plastic or hybrid models are easy to maintain and durable, while wooden models can later offer more tonal nuance and expression.
No. The recorder is a fully fledged instrument used internationally in ensembles, early music and solo performance. High-quality models offer precise intonation and refined dynamics for demanding repertoire.
The soprano recorder is often ideal for children: compact, easy to hold and with a clear response. Look for good build quality, reliable intonation and an instrument that’s easy to clean.
German fingering is common on beginner recorders and simplifies some fingerings at first. Baroque fingering is the international standard for ensembles and concerts and usually offers more accurate intonation.
Plastic is especially durable, hygienic and resistant – ideal for frequent use. Wood often provides a warmer tone and more nuance, but requires care and protection from moisture and temperature changes.
The alto recorder is an important ensemble voice and a tonal “upgrade” for many players. It sounds warmer than the soprano and is particularly suitable for solo parts, chamber music and multi-part repertoire.
A tenor recorder is a great choice if you want to play lower ensemble parts or add more overall depth. Many models include keys for more comfortable fingering, especially during longer sessions.
A bass recorder is ideal if you want to provide the ensemble’s foundation. It adds depth to higher voices and creates a rounded overall sound – especially in recorder orchestras and multi-part arrangements.
After playing, dry the inside of the recorder with a cleaning rod or swab. Wooden recorders may require additional care depending on the model. Avoid extreme temperature changes and store the instrument dry and protected.
Useful accessories include cleaning rods or swabs, a suitable case, optional care products for wood, fingering charts and learning materials. For ensembles, stands and secure transport solutions are practical.