Plastic Treble (Alto) Recorder Comparison: Aulos Haka and Yamaha 312

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  • Опубліковано 13 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 93

  • @robertnoblitt518
    @robertnoblitt518 9 місяців тому +4

    I'm finally learning to play alto recorder and bought a Yamaha yra-312b. Based on your review I prefer the sweeter sound of the Yamaha. Plus the Yamaha is less expensive and its simulated wood grain is very attractive.

  • @juliansanders6324
    @juliansanders6324 4 роки тому +10

    Your films are always helpful and unpretentious. Thank you.

  • @paulcaswell2813
    @paulcaswell2813 2 роки тому +16

    I have to say the Haka has something quite unique for a plastic instrument: character. Whilst obviously not a wooden, it is certainly light years ahead of any other plastic in my view. I will add that the Haka is in effect a late 17th-century instrument, whereas the Yamaha is a mid 18th-century one. Different periods of the recorder's development.

    • @arwenacoustic795
      @arwenacoustic795  2 роки тому +5

      Useful info for everyone. Thank you Paul!

    • @Springer5
      @Springer5 Рік тому +1

      Very interesting about the different periods. Thanks for sharing.

  • @Springer5
    @Springer5 Рік тому +8

    Thanks for the comparison. Very interesting. I own the Aulos Haka. I've never played the Yamaha so it was good to hear a direct comparison.
    My thoughts... the Haka has more attack and presence to its sound (more lively and"bold") whereas the Yamaha is sweeter and softer.
    My Haka also exhibits that odd discordant harmonic on the low B which is a shame. Nothing seems to get rid of it, unfortunately.
    I don't know how true it is but people tell me the Yamaha clogs really quickly. My Haka is excellent in that regard and that is a deal maker for me on that basis alone.
    Ultimately they both sound great in their own ways though, especially when you play them. Best wishes.

  • @elainemagson213
    @elainemagson213 4 роки тому +10

    So interesting and fair. I lean towards the Haka. But I agree that each is better for certain aspects and composers. You play with such sensitivity! So glad to have found this channel.

  • @communityband1
    @communityband1 4 роки тому +15

    I unfortunately don't have my Yamaha alto anymore, but my recollection is that it was slightly easier to play than the Aulos. I really do like the sound of the Aulos more though. I'm generally drawn to recorders with rich overtones that create that extra color.

    • @arwenacoustic795
      @arwenacoustic795  Рік тому +1

      Interesting, I think the Haka is slightly more forgiving overall, but perhaps if you are not used to it the top notes could seem difficult.

  • @grahamhill5954
    @grahamhill5954 2 роки тому +9

    Thanks for your thoughts and observations between these resin recorders and designs.
    I've seen many comparisons between Yamaha and Aulos recorders. Like you said, it all depends on the music you're playing, which best compliments the music. I prefer the Aulos Symphony 509B over the Haka in the Aulos range as I feel it's more versatile, and a better all rounder.
    It's the same within the Yamaha alto range, I have several, the best sound and top of their range are the YRA-402B and the YRA-48B ECODEAR plant based resin recorders. I think the 402B has the edge over the Aulos Haka, but I like the 48B with an ever so slightly mellow sound too. Out of the Yamaha '30s' range I have the YRA-314B and the YRA-38B.
    The 38B is my main go to recorder for practice. It's such a nice solid feel, good sound and excellent tuning. It's only weak spot is low F/F# which takes softer blowing.
    Two points to mention in the Yamaha alto range are that the 402B and the 48B ECODEAR plant based environmentally friendly resin recorders do have a very distinctive sound compared to standard resin recorders.
    The second point is that most of the Yamaha resin ranges are based on a Rottenburgh design. (The Aulos Haka recorders are based on a Richard Haka design).
    This is except for the YRA-28B, YRA-38B and the YRA-48B recorders, which are Yamaha's own design based on their many years of historical manufacturing expertise.
    So you were not only comparing Yamaha and Aulos recorders, you were also comparing historical designs. The Yamaha Rottenburgh and the Aulos Richard Haka designs.

    • @arwenacoustic795
      @arwenacoustic795  2 роки тому +2

      Hi Graham, very true. I've surprised myself over the years as my favourites have changed!

  • @Jesuswinsbirdofmichigan
    @Jesuswinsbirdofmichigan 2 роки тому +3

    1st time viewing your channel and very impressive work, nice back & forth immediate sound comparison makes this video a number of steps above some offerings. Very pertinent and nice personal presence also, so thanks from Michigan, Sept. 19/2022

  • @ScottGoriup
    @ScottGoriup 4 роки тому +5

    thanks you always give really good comparison videos

  • @ZvikaDror
    @ZvikaDror 2 роки тому +3

    So... I did end up buying both, and the Ecodear set, and there are differences in feel, accuracy and tone, which are in my opinion - all Pros :)
    Thank you for doing this side-by-side comparison, it is educating and very inspiring! Merry Christmas and great year 2023 with music and friends!

  • @Michajeru
    @Michajeru 4 роки тому +10

    I have been wondering about the differences between these two recorders. Your demonstration is certainly helpful. I agree with your conclusions and my preference would be for the Yamaha as it has a sweeter and more refined sound to my ears albeit somewhat problematic in the very high notes. In any case they are both excellent choices for a plastic resin factory made recorder.

    • @arwenacoustic795
      @arwenacoustic795  4 роки тому +7

      I agree with you, and yes both excellent choices. Perhaps the Yamaha isn't really problematic on the very top notes though, just the top F#. Bell stopped top F# is in tune on both recorders, I just want people to be careful not to knock their front teeth if they try a bell stopped note. For a quick note the out of tune top F# is fine. If you are slurring from top E to top F# there is another fingering you may use. Luckily we don't need top F# too often!

  • @marshallee
    @marshallee 5 місяців тому +1

    Thank you for this comparison. I bought the Yamaha over the Aulos. Some people say the Aulos sounds better but for me is just personal preference because bought brands are very reliable. The Yamaha has a sweeter and more clear and refined sound and I prefer that, the Aulos is more rich and complex maybe because it has more overtones.

  • @rengen8736
    @rengen8736 2 роки тому +4

    Aulos Haka has a more spacious sound and a more beautiful timbre. Yamaha has a more centered sound. I have a delicate ear, as I am a musician with a conservatory education. By the way, just ordered Aulos Haka 709BW. Thanks for the feedback! :)

  • @marg3653
    @marg3653 4 роки тому +8

    I have both type of recorders.I find the yamaha tends to clog up quickly on cold nights.with the aulos not a problem. I prefer the sound of the yamaha, very mellow. Both are great recorders.

    • @marg3653
      @marg3653 4 роки тому +2

      A good balance review. Thank you.

    • @arwenacoustic795
      @arwenacoustic795  2 роки тому

      @@marg3653 Thank you Marg and Happy New Year!

  • @johnbell7278
    @johnbell7278 4 роки тому +10

    Fascinating and a great review. I've been playing both these recorders a lot over the last two years and have formed strong opinions. To me the Yamaha is clean, easy to blow and accurate throughout the whole range - but very, very dead. I grew to dislike it a lot and gave my instrument away to a beginner as I think it's great in that context. The Aulos Haka is far and away my favourite plastic - closest to a living wood. I now use it every day for scales and general warming up. I can hear all of this in the review. Just goes to show that opinions vary so much. I think I'll go back to the Yamaha and try to understand what it was I didn't like.

    • @honeychurchgipsy6
      @honeychurchgipsy6 4 роки тому +4

      John Bell - I'm so glad I scrolled down and found your comment. I am currently trying to decide on a plastic recorder for practising so I don't wear out my Moeck Rottenburgh.
      I gave away my old Aulos (the cheapest model they do) to a neighbour who wanted to learn to play and so need to replace it.
      I am not a strong blower so worry that the Aulos might require too much breath - although it will improve my breath control - lol!! When Arwen really played the Aulos strongly it came alive in a way that the Yamaha - though sweet sounding - did not: it has more presence and seems to sound more wood like with greater overtones which i like.
      Also, presumably, due to those stronger/more stable low notes, a player can use more dynamic range with the Aulos??
      I play a lot of Telemann at the moment, but also love Handel and Vivaldi, and think the Aulos would be best for this type of Baroque music. What about 20th century stuff like Arnold and Berkeley: do you ever play this sort of music on the Aulos???
      Maybe the Yamaha is better suited to folk music?? Love to know what you think.

    • @johnbell7278
      @johnbell7278 3 роки тому +3

      @@honeychurchgipsy6
      Missed this, so my reply is probably only of historical interest... Sorry.
      I still like the Aulos Haka and find it's good for individual practise and also in ensemble. There are a couple of minor intonation issues, but basically it's pretty good. I think it's excellent for baroque. I'm not sure about 20C music but it has good volume and breadth of sound that should be a plus with this. But try others - I have an Angel 121A which is remarkably good for the price and which I suspect would be fine for 20C music. You asked about dynamic range - I do think that the Aulos is somewhat better in this regard than the Yamaha, but really I haven't found any plastic recorder which can match even a moderate specced wooden recorder from one of the well known makers. If anything I think this is the biggest difference between plastic and wood.

    • @honeychurchgipsy6
      @honeychurchgipsy6 3 роки тому +1

      @@johnbell7278 - thanks for your reply John: I went with the Yamaha in the end and love it but it does clog up pretty quickly!!
      I'm thinking of getting the Aulos Haka soprano though as I really like the way they sound and only have a basic Aulos soprano for practice at the moment.
      I agree with you about the dynamics of wood versus plastic. Often I will only play my plastic recorders due to time issues (less time spent cleaning etc) and then, when I get out my Rottenburgh and play it I think - wow - just wow - you sound amazing - it's almost as if we forget how beautiful they sound!!
      I did this last night - hadn't played my little Palisander Rottie soprano for so long - I decided to butcher the Sammartini concerto lol!! Got that second part off pretty well though!!!

    • @sophierever
      @sophierever 2 роки тому

      @@honeychurchgipsy6 de

    • @honeychurchgipsy6
      @honeychurchgipsy6 2 роки тому

      @@sophierever - eh?

  • @manuelfranciscoflores
    @manuelfranciscoflores Рік тому +1

    thanks now I know which one I will buy next time

  • @irishpiperchris
    @irishpiperchris Рік тому +3

    I just ordered a Haka alto so I am delighted with your review.

  • @playrecorder5175
    @playrecorder5175 4 роки тому +4

    Yeah, I get that same sound splitting thing with my Aulos alto on some notes, but overall, I really like the sound of it. I think maybe the Yamaha is better suited for ensemble work. I think its tuning may be more consistent as well.

    • @veriorama
      @veriorama 3 роки тому

      I just bought aulos 509b and that splitting tone bothers me a lot. Is there a work around or I have to buy another recorder? Yamaha is more focused but the clogging problem is important too.

  • @celticmusic5129
    @celticmusic5129 2 роки тому +1

    thank you for your work and time to share your knowledge. I learn alto recorder by miself, your videos help me to better understand the instrument and technique, greting from Spain!!!

  • @rrf.717
    @rrf.717 4 роки тому +3

    Had both
    YAMAHA is my cuppa

  • @robertnoblitt518
    @robertnoblitt518 Рік тому +3

    Thanks for this very helpful video! I have an Aulos Haka soprano which I grew to dislike for its tone quality which I felt was too edgy and harsh. In your demonstration of the Aulos alto, I hear a harshness that is similar to what I disliked in the soprano. To me, the Yamaha alto and soprano recorders have a sweeter, more pleasant tone than the Aulos.

    • @arwenacoustic795
      @arwenacoustic795  Рік тому +2

      Perception of sound is so interesting! I do not hear edgy and harsh but rather more soft and rounded with overtones.

    • @robertnoblitt518
      @robertnoblitt518 9 місяців тому +1

      ​@@arwenacoustic795With more use I have completely changed my mind about the Haka soprano. It's now my favorite plastic soprano.

  • @nathleflutiste
    @nathleflutiste 3 роки тому +1

    Very nice review, it was really nice watching it, thanks for sharing.

  • @1cleandude
    @1cleandude 2 роки тому +2

    Great review!🙏

  • @erasmocosmo1404
    @erasmocosmo1404 4 роки тому +1

    Good evening, illustrious Miss Arwen Accustic, first of all, and it is a pleasure to hear your beautiful talent! And reverence your beautiful wonderful instrumental song! Thank you from the heart🕊🌟. 07/01/21 Erasmo cosmo, Brasil🕊. Thank ( Obrigada)

  • @LarryShone
    @LarryShone 4 роки тому +3

    Interesting test. Both are very capable. I have the Yamaha 312 and I find the low notes ridiculously sensitive to over blowing, yet you manage to blow hard and still get a note! I haven't tried the high F#, I don't know the fingering for that note

    • @arwenacoustic795
      @arwenacoustic795  3 роки тому +1

      If I've been playing wooden recorders a lot I always find the yamaha frustrating as have to lower the breath pressure but the Haka is less different to play than a wooden recorder, well in my opinion anyway. The aulos robin is nice too.

  • @NickGKiefer
    @NickGKiefer 4 роки тому +2

    I love the recorder. I believe that Yamaha is the exact one I play.

  • @thearm95
    @thearm95 4 місяці тому

    Beginner, with my new Yamaha YRA302B, love it but am starting to experience the clogging with my practice sessions getting longer. A thought... for those who like the Yamaha plastic, perhaps buy another identical instrument (as they're so cheap) so when one clogs just go straight to the other. Or perhaps better, I should get an Aulos to experience the two different instruments.

  • @garywest3763
    @garywest3763 4 роки тому +1

    Thank you for this Comparison and that Lovely piece you played. I have been on a recorder journey to get all the Plastic recorders in both Yamaha and Aulos, from Sopranino to Bass, and everything in between, have 4 Altos 3 are Yamaha's in the Wood exteriors Rose and ebony and plastic, 3 Tenors 1 Yamaha, 1 Aulos A211A and 1 Aulos A511B, and the Aulos Bass A533B I Dont yet have the Yamaha Bass as of yet. I like them all But really love All the Aulos series.

    • @arwenacoustic795
      @arwenacoustic795  3 роки тому +2

      Have you got the yamaha bass now!?

    • @sp1704
      @sp1704 10 місяців тому

      You sound like me! I ordered the alto aulos bellcanto first, then the haka, and then the same Yamaha from the video, as well as the ecodear. I am also trying the Aulos symphony soprano, so of course I'm tempted to add the Symphony alto and tenor as well. For low end, I started with the Yamaha tenor. Curious to hear how it's going for you!

  • @krishtchin4324
    @krishtchin4324 2 роки тому +1

    5:48, 5:58 direct comparison between the recorders.

  • @Clarionetist
    @Clarionetist 4 роки тому +2

    I prefer the Aulos Haka and use it most of the time. I use the following fingering for high F#, which I find to be a little better in tune than your fingering: T' 1 2 3' 4 5 - 7, with 3' indicating hole 3 is partly open. If you can try this fingering let me know what you think.

    • @arwenacoustic795
      @arwenacoustic795  3 роки тому

      Oh! I tested them with a ridiculously sensitive tuner and they are exactly the same pitch for me. I think maybe I am only opening a tiny amount of tone-hole to keep it flatter perhaps.

  • @jeaninekolasa8113
    @jeaninekolasa8113 3 роки тому +1

    lovely playing. I really understand how the feel of the matte would be less pleasant, glad you mentioned that! (':

    • @arwenacoustic795
      @arwenacoustic795  3 роки тому

      I've got used to the matt now, I bought it second-hand and washed it up well, it probably accentuated the matt effect when it was so clean as it feels less noticeable now!

  • @bellydancenut
    @bellydancenut 3 роки тому +3

    I found this video very interesting. There were moments where I thought the Yamaha had won for me and then other moments where the Haka had won. I think it certainly depends on the piece or pieces one would want to play as to which is the better recorder :-)

    • @arwenacoustic795
      @arwenacoustic795  3 роки тому +1

      Yes, I agree with it depending on the piece and I also find the Haka is easier to go to if you usually play something wooden.

  • @Amos_Adams
    @Amos_Adams 4 роки тому +1

    Thank you for these helpful videos.

  • @lynnrixson1094
    @lynnrixson1094 4 роки тому +1

    Just found your channel ! Love it. Please keep the information coming. Really interesting- thank you. 😊. I have a Aulos Tenor. Can’t afford a wooden one !

  • @pedrohbrinck
    @pedrohbrinck 4 роки тому +1

    Thank you for the comparison. Do still have them? Subscribed to your channel. Hope everything is fine considering the pandemic. I wish you very healthy and peaceful end of 2020. Hopefully you can go back posting more.

  • @kayanadventures7366
    @kayanadventures7366 3 роки тому +2

    What piece is this please? 6:45

    • @arwenacoustic795
      @arwenacoustic795  3 роки тому +2

      This one :) www.flutetunes.com/tunes/handel-recorder-sonata-in-c-major-i-larghetto.pdf

    • @kayanadventures7366
      @kayanadventures7366 3 роки тому

      @@arwenacoustic795 Thank you so much I found it beautiful but didn't know the piece :)

  • @suvadipguha2112
    @suvadipguha2112 Рік тому +1

    what model Haka you playing? fantastic playing..
    can you suggest which to buy
    Aulos 709BE or Yamaha yra312b

    • @arwenacoustic795
      @arwenacoustic795  Рік тому

      Either model is great and I think there is only one model of Haka isn't there?

    • @JeanClaudePeeters-c3q
      @JeanClaudePeeters-c3q Місяць тому +1

      @@arwenacoustic795 There are actually two: the 709B (plain brown, shiny) and the 709BW which has the woodgrain.

  • @mongedagain
    @mongedagain 3 роки тому +1

    thank you very much for this very informative and helpful video. can you tell me what the tunes you played were as they were very nice and i would like to learn them. thank you and keep safe

    • @arwenacoustic795
      @arwenacoustic795  3 роки тому +2

      This one is at 6.45 www.flutetunes.com/tunes/handel-recorder-sonata-in-c-major-i-larghetto.pdf

  • @raphaelchen2223
    @raphaelchen2223 4 роки тому +4

    You might want to cover the bottom hole with your knee when you play the hugh F#. It is challenging but it might be literally correct.

    • @arwenacoustic795
      @arwenacoustic795  4 роки тому +1

      Yes, the bell stopped notes are in tune on these two recorders :)

  • @davidgonzalez368
    @davidgonzalez368 4 роки тому +1

    Thank you so much for this thorough comparison of the two instruments. I love your videos! Have you ever tried the Zen On Bressan?

  • @jeanbousquetos8262
    @jeanbousquetos8262 3 роки тому +1

    Merci de France ( Lyon )

  • @DouglasBrooksDavies
    @DouglasBrooksDavies 4 роки тому +1

    It really does depend which piece you’re playing....But I’ve a recommendation for a treble that will solve your F# problem 😆😆😆😆

  • @edeka3
    @edeka3 Рік тому

    Any comparison to the Zen On Bressan?

    • @arwenacoustic795
      @arwenacoustic795  Рік тому +1

      I haven't tried on of those yet!

    • @edeka3
      @edeka3 Рік тому

      @@arwenacoustic795 i bought a used one for 15€ and think the sound is by far the most superb among the plastic altos and might even compare to a good wooden one!

  • @wanderlolopes6145
    @wanderlolopes6145 4 роки тому +1

    gostei mais da aulos

  • @baroquer
    @baroquer 2 роки тому +4

    YAMAHA = mellow, but more focused and rounded sound (my favourite ABS alto, for years...but not anymore :)
    HAKA = a bit longer (and narrower), a bit louder, pleasantly resonant, easy high-register, attractive over-tones, and sonically very close to a wooden instrument. It requires relatively demanding/skillful dynamics/blowing technique, and therefore, not quite ideal for beginners, IMO
    My personal claim: *HAKA is the best (factory-made) ABS resin Alto recorder on the market today*

    • @arwenacoustic795
      @arwenacoustic795  2 роки тому +1

      Interesting to hear your perceptions of the sound :)

    • @sukrudellal208
      @sukrudellal208 Рік тому

      Do you think it is superior to Zen-on 1500 bressan?

  • @kensoshibata
    @kensoshibata 4 роки тому

    どこの国のオバハンか知らんがクソ真面目そうな人やんな。