Choosing a Recorder for a Beginner: What to Look For

There are lots of recorders available to buy, but they are certainly not all made to the same standard.

I remember starting to learn the recorder myself on an instrument that would constantly fall apart and produced very little sound. It certainly didn’t make learning the instrument any easier!

Fortunately, you don’t need to spend a fortune to find a good beginner recorder.

What is the best recorder for a child?

For young children, I generally recommend a good-quality plastic recorder rather than a cheap wooden one.

A plastic recorder has several advantages for beginners. It is durable, easy to look after and, importantly for younger children, it can be washed when necessary. This makes it a practical choice for children who are just starting to learn.

The recorder I recommend also has a thumb plate, which can make it easier for smaller hands to hold the instrument comfortably while learning the correct technique.

Most importantly, it isn’t simply a cheap instrument. It has a clear, pleasant sound and good intonation, making it much easier for a beginner to learn the correct notes and develop good playing habits.

In fact, a well-made plastic recorder can be a much better choice than some considerably more expensive instruments.

Don’t assume that more expensive means better

When buying a first recorder, it’s tempting to assume that a wooden instrument must be better because it costs more. That’s not necessarily the case.

For a beginner, particularly a young child, playability, intonation, durability and ease of care are far more important than simply choosing the most expensive recorder available.

A good-quality plastic recorder is an inexpensive and reliable way to get started, and if the student continues playing, there will be plenty of opportunities to explore different instruments later.

If you’re buying a recorder for a child who is about to start lessons, I’d be very happy to advise you on which instrument would be most suitable.

The AULOS 205A is an excellent choice for a beginner recorder, particularly for children who are just starting to learn. It is a well-made plastic soprano recorder that offers a clear, reliable tone and good intonation without the fragility and maintenance requirements of a wooden instrument. Its comfortable design also makes it suitable for smaller hands, while the durable construction means it can cope well with the demands of everyday use. For a first recorder, it offers a very good balance of quality, playability, durability and affordability.