HOHNER B9550 BARROCA

Most of the reviews of this recorder are positive, and that's fair. It's cheap for a wooden recorder, and it has a sweet, though not ultra loud sound. Some people may be glad of that! The wood round the holes - in particular the thumb hole - is probably going to wear in time, and that will eventually limit the production of pinched notes in the upper register. At that time either discard the instrument, or perhaps by then 3D printing will have come of age so it should be possible to put in an insert to strengthen the hole. Some of the higher notes are hard to achieve or perhaps impossible - for example the D on leger lines above the stave. The notes C down to G above the stave are probably going to work, but may need practice. Compared with plastic recorders several of the holes are drilled in at an angle, which should give it an advantage.Regarding tuning it's quite good, though players may have to learn to adjust the tuning either by adjusting the blowing pressure, or by using carefully positioned fingers. It takes practice to do that, and this is common to many recorders. It is tuned to a standard A - probably nominally A=442 - which most players should find acceptable.Probably experienced and professional players would prefer to play more expensive wooden instruments, but equally I think many of them would actually be able to make this instrument sound good - up to the limitations in the top end.This type of instrument is not like a piano or electronic keyboard where the pitch of the notes is more or less fixed, so the pitch of each note can vary depending on the player. Players need to understand this. For students a good teacher should be able to help.For responsive high notes without breaking the bank the Aulos Haka recorders (plastic) are good - but more expensive - over twice the price of this wooden one.For a significantly louder sound the Adri's Dream recorders from Mollenhauer are good, and the base model in red plastic is affordable, though not available on Amazon yet. However, those models are based on earlier designs of recorder, and have more limitations in the range above the stage.For really good wooden soprano recorders I suspect one has to pay over £100 for models from Moeck or Mollenhauer.

I really enjoy this instrument - it sounds and feels great. It's a two piece recorder and comes with a cleaning tool. Get yourself a good method book and be on your musical journey. I love playing this recorder in an ensemble setting. Very happy with this purchase.

I recently picked up the treble, and in an attempt to encourage my children to participate, I bought this lovely little recorder. It's so nice, I prefer it to my treble! Lovely smooth sound, tuned well, feels rustic compared to plastic - for this alone I'd recommend it as an ideal choice for a child or adult. Now bear in mind I am no expert and have nothing to compare it with - that said, it's cheap, attractive (I really like the two piece), mellow sound, it's a winner for me!

Beautifully made, excellent tone, worth the money. I hope my granddaughter likes it, I bought it for her Christmas present. I think it's lovely.

The varnish chipped off after very little playing. It’s also very hard to hit high notes on it…I gave up !!….years later playing a friends plastic aulos and then purchasing a Yamaha ecodear did I find instruments that are much easier to play and sound better. My favourite being Yamaha ecodear which I now also have in the treble/alto as once I moved onto these instruments my playing went from strength to strength and I now belong to a medieval recorder ensemble. I gave the hohner recorder to my 5 year old grandson to play with.

I'm delighted with everything about this instrument. I've been a technically challanged muscian all my life and thought I'd take up the recorder for various non professional reasons. I didn't want to spend a fortune but did want an instrument I could be pleased to own. This does seem to be it. It is beautiful, smooth wood and has a lovely tone. The instructions give both the German and Baroque fingering.

Better sound than plastic one and ok for beginners and price but for someone who is more advanced I would recommend something better. Still - good product for the price and of course needs practice :)

I am really enjoying playing my recorder the tone is lovely, it has taken a little time for it to get warm and used to moisture. This is normal instrutions are very clear. I think this would be good for an older child that is serious about making music or an adult like me .