What is Ecodear material?

Ecodear is a plant-based plastic developed by Yamaha to be more environmentally friendly than standard resins. It is designed to offer acoustic properties similar to natural wood.

What fingering system does the YRA402B use?

It uses the Baroque fingering system. This system is the standard for most modern recorders and is preferred for its accurate intonation.

What are the benefits of an arched windway?

An arched windway provides more air resistance when playing. This gives the performer better control over the tone and allows for more expressive, virtuosic playing styles.

Does the YRA402B come with any accessories?

Yes, the recorder is supplied with a dedicated carry bag for protection. It also includes a fingering chart to assist players in learning the notes.

How does the tone of the YRA402B compare to other recorders?

The tone is described as mellow and centred. It is specifically voiced to resemble the sound of traditional Rottenburgh recorders.

Is this recorder suitable for beginners?

Yes, it is designed for a quick and fun learning experience. However, its arched windway also makes it suitable for intermediate players looking for more control.

What is the typical price range for this model?

The typical price for the Yamaha YRA402B is approximately £28.00. This makes it an affordable option for students and environmentally conscious musicians.

In what key is the YRA402B pitched?

As an alto recorder, the YRA402B is pitched in the key of F. This distinguishes it from descant or soprano recorders which are typically in C.

How does the Ecodear material affect the sound?

The material helps produce a distinct and clear tone. It is denser than some other plastics, contributing to the instrument's 'centred' sound profile.

Can the YRA402B be used for professional performance?

While it is a plastic-based instrument, its arched windway and accurate tuning allow for high-level student and ensemble performances. It is designed to facilitate virtuosic playing.

Is the YRA402B easy to maintain?

Yes, being a plant-based plastic instrument, it is more resistant to humidity and temperature changes than wood. It should be cleaned regularly with the included accessories.

What is the primary aesthetic of this recorder?

The instrument has a natural appearance due to the Ecodear material. It is designed to look and feel like a high-quality woodwind instrument.

Gear article

Yamaha YRA402B Alto Recorder

The Yamaha YRA402B is an alto recorder constructed from Ecodear, a proprietary plant-based material designed to be environmentally friendly. It features an arched windway and a Baroque fingering system, offering a mellow, centred tone reminiscent of traditional woodwind instruments.

See live prices

Background and Material Innovation

The YRA402B represents a shift in Yamaha's manufacturing approach toward environmental sustainability. The instrument is crafted from 'Ecodear', a plant-based material that serves as a renewable alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics. Beyond its ecological benefits, the density and properties of Ecodear are intended to mimic the acoustic response of natural wood more closely than standard ABS resins.

Design and Mechanics

The recorder utilizes the Baroque fingering system, a configuration perfected over centuries that remains the standard for professional and educational woodwind study due to its accurate tuning across the chromatic scale. A significant design feature is the arched windway. Unlike straight windways found on entry-level models, the arched design provides increased breath resistance. This allows the player greater control over air pressure, facilitating nuanced dynamics and more virtuosic performance techniques.

Tonal Characteristics

Yamaha has engineered the YRA402B to produce a mellow and centred tone. The sound profile is specifically designed to resemble the famous Rottenburgh recorders, which are known for their rich, woody timbres. The combination of the Ecodear material and the arched windway results in a clear and distinct tone that remains stable throughout the instrument's range.

Intended User and Application

This instrument is positioned for players who are progressing beyond the absolute beginner stage and require an instrument that supports advanced technique. The inclusion of a carry bag and a fingering chart makes it accessible for immediate use, while the added resistance of the arched windway suits students and hobbyists who wish to develop better breath control and expressive playing.

Market Comparison

Within the woodwind market, the YRA402B sits alongside other educational instruments like the Percussion Plus PP993 Descant recorder, though the YRA402B offers a more complex tonal palette due to its alto voicing and unique material. While Yamaha also produces mouthpieces for other woodwinds, such as the 6C Eb Clarinet Mouthpiece, the YRA402B remains a self-contained acoustic solution for those specialising in early music or school-based woodwind curriculums.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is Ecodear material?: Ecodear is a plant-based plastic developed by Yamaha to be more environmentally friendly than standard resins. It is designed to offer acoustic properties similar to natural wood.
What fingering system does the YRA402B use?: It uses the Baroque fingering system. This system is the standard for most modern recorders and is preferred for its accurate intonation.
What are the benefits of an arched windway?: An arched windway provides more air resistance when playing. This gives the performer better control over the tone and allows for more expressive, virtuosic playing styles.
Does the YRA402B come with any accessories?: Yes, the recorder is supplied with a dedicated carry bag for protection. It also includes a fingering chart to assist players in learning the notes.
How does the tone of the YRA402B compare to other recorders?: The tone is described as mellow and centred. It is specifically voiced to resemble the sound of traditional Rottenburgh recorders.
Is this recorder suitable for beginners?: Yes, it is designed for a quick and fun learning experience. However, its arched windway also makes it suitable for intermediate players looking for more control.
What is the typical price range for this model?: The typical price for the Yamaha YRA402B is approximately £28.00. This makes it an affordable option for students and environmentally conscious musicians.
In what key is the YRA402B pitched?: As an alto recorder, the YRA402B is pitched in the key of F. This distinguishes it from descant or soprano recorders which are typically in C.
How does the Ecodear material affect the sound?: The material helps produce a distinct and clear tone. It is denser than some other plastics, contributing to the instrument's 'centred' sound profile.
Can the YRA402B be used for professional performance?: While it is a plastic-based instrument, its arched windway and accurate tuning allow for high-level student and ensemble performances. It is designed to facilitate virtuosic playing.
Is the YRA402B easy to maintain?: Yes, being a plant-based plastic instrument, it is more resistant to humidity and temperature changes than wood. It should be cleaned regularly with the included accessories.
What is the primary aesthetic of this recorder?: The instrument has a natural appearance due to the Ecodear material. It is designed to look and feel like a high-quality woodwind instrument.