YRB302II Bass Recorder

Excellent instrument for a beginner. Good solid tone but demands good breath control in the lower register. Well it is a recorder ie wind instrument so part of the learning curve. It is supplied with a support strap but the instrument is light enough not to need it.

Many years ago I struggled with the bass recorder in a school group and even though I was by then an accomplished player of other instruments, I just couldn't seem to get the hang of that bass. In retrospect, of course, I came to realize that in this case the instrument was partly to blame - it leaked, it whistled and buzzed - in short it had been very badly maintained over many years and it was well past its best. Anyway, for many years I've wondered what it would be like to play a 'decent' bass recorder and after getting some advice from those who know about these things I opted for the Yamaha. In all honesty I'm amazed how easy this instrument is to play and how well it sounds. Ok, I know I'm not new to the instrument and I'm proficient on the tenor recorder, but for what this instrument costs, to have no leaks, whistles and buzzes and to get good tone all the way down to a bottom F from the first time of playing, represents high quality and superb value for money. Also this instrument comes with a superb canvas case. I know it's been criticized in other reviews but I found that if I re-packed the parts of the instrument in exactly the way I first found them they fitted in snugly and securely with some room to spare for odds and ends. On the whole I have to say I'm very pleased with this instrument - I'm impressed with its quality and with its value and I have no hesitation in recommending it highly.

Mostly I like the Yamaha bass recorder, but should perhaps mention two issues. Firstly, even after using the supplied grease to the head to mid section joint, it is impossible to detach without gently "warming" the area. No problem with the foot to mid section. Asked in Yamaha store how to remedy, but as it is resin it is difficult. Didn't know the answer, but maybe (guesswork) a little, but obviously very careful, abrasion. I have not tried this out yet. A fellow player has also recently acquired the same instrument and experiencing a similar problem. Secondly, while the tone on most notes is very good, I find it somewhat thin on low B. Overall, I still think my purchase was good value for the price.

The mellow timbre of the bass recorder was what I wanted. I thought because I struggled with the lowliest notes on the Yamaha alto that I’d find it tricky. But I find it easier to play the low notes and other notes on it because of the keys. It means I can concentrate on breath control and diagnosing problems with breath is easier because I know I’ve closed the hole with the key (it has less holes that require closing with the fingers). My hands are average for an adult female. I don’t have reach issues and have been able to practise for hours each day with only a slight ache in my right wrist. In other words the instrument is fairy light considering its size. I’m glad I took a chance on this bigger and more expensive recorder than the other sizes. To my ear the intonation sounds good although I am yet to play the highest notes. I disagree with other review regarding the bag. It fits in the bag snuggly but is easy to put in and take out and is well protected.

An excellent instrument which responds well over the full 2 octave range. I've found no drawbacks yet. The carrying case could have been better designed though. It's all a bit crowded in there compared to some I've had. Very good value for the money, it's worth comparing offers....the price being asked can vary by more than £50 for exactly the same instrument.

Great sounding instrument and intonation. Obviously well built and definitely worth the money compared to more expensive wooden alternatives. It comes with a nice case too. I love it

Love this bass recorder. Great tone. Low notes really resonate. Now it's my favourite recorder, above the descant and treble.

This recorder plays well. It is excellent value for money as well. I would recommend it.

Muy buena flauta dulce a muy buen precio. Tono hermoso y limpio y de buena calidad. Recomendado.

This is my first experience with a bass recorder, which I decided to try because it has the same fingering as the alto. The Yamaha bass is fairly easy to play, with keys for low F and F# and a couple of other keys in the middle of the horn to make things simple. The low notes take some learning (slooow air), but I"m getting there. My only glitch so far is that the upper joint has gotten stuck and won't come loose. New users should use plenty of the cork grease when assembling this thing.

Die Flöte ist leicht zu spielen, hat einen schönen Klang - trotz Plastik. Ich habe 30 Jahre eine Flöte aus Holz gespielt, die leider nicht mehr zu reparieren ist. Die Yamaha-Flöte spricht schneller und besser bei den hohen Tönen an als meine "alte" Flöte.

Ottimo strumento per principianti

The case is exceptionally lovely for a lower priced instrument. The bass is much easier to play than I predicted.