I have the whole 300 series Yamaha recorders and I have to say that they are all wonderful instruments, but the alto YRA-302 is my personal favorite. Like the whole line of instruments, it has very on point intonation, great tone, and is really easy to maintain. I prefer the alto most for its easy playability, its more reedy and full tone in comparison with the higher instruments, and just because the range is more relevant to tunes you might encounter. The tone really does have somewhat of a reedy quality to the the point where I have been asked if the instrument is a clarinet. It is also very easy to express on this instrument as it can facilitate some pretty heavy vibrato before blowing over at all. Like all recorders it comes apart for portability and convenience, and in one self contained package Yamaha provides the pouch, grease, and a cleaning rod. Only complaint is that it lacks a little cloth to put on the rod but that can be easily be improvised by any cloth material available. For the price you are likely to find a better instrument, and for four times the price you are very unlikely finding a recorder with as precise intonation and a tone that noticeably surpasses this instrument. I originally had my doubts about the seriousness of buying an instrument made from PVC resin, but this instrument certainly changed my automatic predisposition to wood and metal materials. If you play any winds or are looking to get into playing a wind instrument, this instrument is of high enough quality to further your interest or even play in public. I have used these to support my primarily guitar and voice driven recordings in rather effective and moving sort of way.

I own this model(as well as the YRA-312B rosewood and have ordered the YRA-314B ebony), and it plays and sounds beautifully. It has a wonderful reedy quality to the sound, is easy to reach to cover the holes, and is very easy to maintain! The wooden ones require much more care, but the sound and ease of use of this one makes it great for anyone interested in trying it. It is not Yamaha's beginner alto model but all in the 300 series are quality recorders to play in public recorder ensembles and solos. Give it a try!

I have the entire Yamaha 300 series - sopranino, soprano, alto, tenor and bass. They are as good as any wooden recorders I have ever played. I've just completed my second CD using these recorders in consort. I HIGHLY recommend these recorders for their intonation and reedy tone quality.

This is much better than any of the lower priced wood altos, for much less cost. And very nearly as good as high priced wood altos, without the drawbacks of wood. Excellent intonation, but does not speak as easily as Yamaha's YRA-24B. A perfect alto for anyone who has learned the basics of playing, up to the semi-professional player.