Which recorder should I buy?

For a first recorder that matches Piper’s beginner lessons, look for a soprano (descant) in C with Baroque, also called English, fingering. Check the exact model number before buying. A Yamaha YRS-24B and a YRS-23 use different fingering systems despite looking similar.

Prepared by Piper’s Songbook. Specifications and US retailer prices checked 9 October 2026. This is a researched comparison. These instruments have not been personally tested with Piper’s microphone.

Already have a recorder? Check yours before buying another. Once you have one, play your first B, A and G phrase with our free notes and diagrams.

Soprano or alto for an adult beginner?

A soprano is the small, higher recorder many people remember from school. It matches the C-recorder notes and fingerings taught on this site. An alto, also called a treble, has a lower sound and uses an F-recorder chart. The choice depends on the music and the lessons you want, rather than your age alone.

The American Recorder Society’s beginner advice often points adults toward alto. If you prefer that sound or have an alto teacher, follow their instrument advice. Piper’s current beginner route and this site’s diagrams are for C soprano, so they do not replace an alto method.

A tenor in C uses the same written fingerings as soprano at a lower sounding pitch. Piper has a Tenor setting, but check the setting before listening practice. It is a larger instrument; ask a teacher or retailer about reach before choosing one. Alto and bass listening are not currently supported by the app.

Baroque, English and German fingering

Baroque and English name the same fingering system. German is a different system. This guide’s new-purchase shortlist uses Baroque/English so it matches the main diagrams on this site.

Yamaha’s fingering-system guide explains the difference. Read the product specification and the maker’s chart instead of relying on colour or the presence of two small holes at the bottom. Model letters are manufacturer-specific; a “B” in one brand’s name is not a universal Baroque guarantee.

Piper also offers a German fingering setting for C soprano. If you already own a German instrument, select the matching setting. B, A and G have the same fingerings in both systems, so you can try the first phrase without buying a replacement.

Three specific models to compare

These are specification matches for the C soprano Baroque/English route. The prices below are dated examples, not delivery quotes. Availability, tax and shipping can change.

Yamaha YRS-24BY / YRS-24B: a small first purchase

Yamaha identifies YRS-24B as Baroque and YRS-23 as German. Its 20-series models use a straight windway. Check that the retailer’s exact variant says Baroque.

Sweetwater’s YRS-24BY listing showed $7.99 when checked. It is the lowest-priced example in this shortlist. That makes it worth comparing if you want to start without committing much to the instrument.

Yamaha YRS-302B: compare before spending more

Yamaha’s same soprano specifications identify the 302B family as Baroque, with an arched windway. This guide makes no claim that paying more will improve your first lesson or the app’s microphone detection.

Sweetwater’s YRS-302B listing showed $27.99. Check the exact suffix, included accessories and current retailer price before choosing it.

Aulos Haka 703B: check the final delivered cost

Aulos specifies Haka 703B as English fingering and 702B as German. The 703B is an ABS-resin soprano with a curved windway.

Rhythm Band’s Haka listing showed $20.99 for the brown model. Check the shipping charge for your destination. Compare the full checkout total in your country, not just the item price.

These are plain retailer links. Piper does not currently earn an affiliate commission from them, sell these instruments or take your order.

Before you press Buy

Confirm soprano/descant in C and the exact fingering system. Ask the retailer if the variant is unclear.
Read the delivered cost, including tax and shipping, and check stock and destination restrictions.
Check the return policy for this particular instrument. Sweetwater lists recorders among non-returnable items; do not assume a shop’s general return promise covers one.
Check the maker’s care instructions and included case or cleaning accessories. Follow those instructions rather than a generic cleaning recipe.
If you have hand-reach concerns or a teacher’s requirement, ask before ordering. A cheaper instrument that fits your lessons is more useful than the wrong recorder.

Sweetwater describes continental-US shipping with exclusions. We cannot promise a delivery date or free shipping for your order.

Already own one? Start there

Look for the maker and model on the recorder or its packaging. Confirm soprano in C and compare the maker’s chart with our recorder fingering chart. If yours is German, use the app’s German setting; the note pages show alternate fingerings where they differ.

Try Hot Cross Buns before buying an upgrade. It needs B, A and G, all in the left hand. If you have an alto, use an alto chart and suitable lessons instead of following these soprano diagrams.

A recorder with lessons or an app

An instrument and a clear first lesson can make it easier to begin. Piper’s free Android introduction includes Hot Cross Buns, First Gig, note recall and the fingering chart. The full songbook adds more lessons and song practice through monthly, yearly or lifetime access; Google Play shows the terms and price for your account.

Piper does not currently offer a physical starter kit for sale. There is no instrument order, shipping service or included premium-access promise on this page. You can choose a recorder from a retailer and start with the free lesson separately.

The app recognises notes on your phone and gives a specific fingering hint when it can judge the sound. This website provides notes, diagrams and tune playback; it does not listen to or assess your playing. The Android app and its actual terms are on Google Play.