Which is better: a wooden recorder or a plastic one? Why?

Question

I'm considering buying recorders for my three kids and myself plus one for my neighbor and each of her three kids, too. That's 8 recorders. I want to make sure I get ones that will last. Will the less-expensive plastic ones work as well as the wooden ones, or am I better off to buy the more expensive wooden ones? The total price of the plastic ones is $24, while 8 wooden ones will cost $48. Also, what about the plastic ones at the Dollar Store? Are those the same quality plastic as other plastic ones that go for about $3 a piece? I'm really clueless here.

Thanks in advance for your thoughtful advice.

Answer 1

Several points to consider.

1. Plastic is much easier to keep clean and free of germs. Wood maintains moisture from the air and particularly from playing the instrument, giving bacteria and germs a perfect environment. Consider it, hot breath, warm air perfect germ conditions.

2. You mention the Dollar Store. I would stay away from toys from discount outlets like the Dollar Store and Dollar Tree. It seems that a number of lead recalls have been from the very cheap toys sopld in these outlets. Considering the recorder will be put in the mouth I would stay away.

3. That said the higher quality ones will more likely be safe for the kids.

4. Wood has a nicer tone, I would recommend that if any of the children, after using the plastic ones for a while, shows a genuine interest in learning the instrument more than as a toy, buy them the wooden one. This will reinforce their commitment and responsibly in learning the instrument.

I hope this helps. Their is nothing better for a child than the gift of the arts.

Answer 2

I don't think you would want to buy a recorder from the dollar store. The tones from those ones are nasty.  You'll have a headache 1/2 hour after giving them to your kids.   Not to mention they are probably made in China and who knows whats in them.  

Buy quality at a music store instead.

Answer 3

There are advantages and disadvantages to both.

The wooden ones are made of natural materials, which is good in this day and age--the less plastic the better. They also have a distinctive sound over the plastic recorders, although a beginning recorder-player might not be able to take full advantage. A disadvantage is the care required for it--humidity makes the wood swell and especially with kids, it will "die" long before the plastic ones will.

The plastic ones will last for years and years and withstand a lot of abuse. Ideally, you'll have a plastic one that comes in parts and isn't just one piece of plastic--you need to be able to adjust the mouthpiece position as well as the part on the bottom for the pinky.