Customer Reviews

Hohner 9522 2 Piece Maple Soprano Baroque Recorder

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm a professional concert flutist and I had a need for a recorder for a production of Sweeney Todd. I had one of the really cheap Yamahas (24S model), and I upgraded to the 300 series. In fact I just got a combo of 4 that had the Sopranino all the way to Tenor. Anyway. I came across this Hohner recorder in a music shop and they had 3 of the Maple one (this one) and three of the Pearwood model. I tried them all out and I liked the maple better than the pearwood. So, I bought it and had the conductor listen. He felt that the tone was too sweet and too pretty for the show and chose the Plastic 300 series Yamaha. Fair enough.

What I'm trying to say is that it's a good deal. The conductor thought the sound was too nice, and honestly, it is quite an upgrade from any of the other plastic recorders I've played. It's definitely not a top of the line recorder because I did find some clarity issues with upper register notes, but that's fine. For roughly $30, this is a heck of a deal. It has a sweet, pure sound that is deliciously warm. I will never be a Pro level recorder player. Nor do I want to be. But, this recorder is definitely a good instrument in my opinion. Wood does have a learning curve to it. Plastic generally has a faster and easier response, but the tone quality simply doesn't compare.

If you're debating between this recorder or a plastic model (Aulos or Yamaha for example) in the same price range, think about what you will use it for. If you are willing to take a little longer to get the best out of it, get this one. If this is for a child, get the plastic ones. Wood WILL break, and the light oil finish on these simply doesn't offer any additional protection.

If I were given the opportunity to buy it again, I wood. Get it. Wood? Haha ;)

After some years of playing plastic recorders, I finally tried wood, in part because of the reasonable price of this made-in-China German recorder. It has the sweetest timber of any soprano recorder I have played (not as sweet as alto recorders, of course); the tactile sensation of playing wood is quite different (softer) than plastic; low C and high A are not too difficult to hit consistently; and (apparently like all wood recorders) condensation/spittle is a minor problem compared to plastic recorders (that block up very easily). This comes with only the lightest oil finish. I used olive oil and not the recommended linseed oil (I want edible oils for anything that goes in my mouth). Although Hohner says not to use oil on the cork seal (used to attach the 2 parts), the olive oil does not seem to bother it. I have also used the vegetable joint grease from Aulos without problem. After oiling inside and out a few times, condensation has no effect on the wood. If you have a narrower rod than the one supplied (which is identical with Aulos rods for soprano recorders) and something like gun-cleaning patches, this recorder can be cleaned without breaking it down. Hohner does not include joint grease or a thumb rest. That is unfortunate, but you can rectify the omissions by ordering from Aulos (the soprano thumb rest is a tight fit but will work OK). I cannot deduct stars for that because this is such a bargain at the price. I should advise that the recorder I received is called the B9560 by Hohner (the Hohner website has no model 9522--once again US vendors changing barcodes and model numbers for who knows what reason).

This Hohner maple recorder is surprisingly nice. I like it better than their more expensive "Concert" pearwood model, which has a louder, albeit duller quality to it. The tone on this one is more open, and lighter. Like all Hohners,it hits the higher notes quite easily.
I would definitely recommend this recorder to anyone looking for something that sounds nice and wants something in wood. I have some expensive recorders, and to tell you the truth, I like this one the best. Good for children and adults, and adults shouldn't think just because this is a "student" model (basic shape, design) that it's inferior. It sounds just lovely!

The plastic recorder originally bought for my granddaughter always 'screeched" and I could barely stand to listen for more than a few seconds. This beautiful wooden recorder is well worth the little bit of extra money - it is a pleasure to hold (the wood is like satin) and has a much nicer sound. I read the other reviewers comments before buying it and was glad to make such a good purchase. I would recommend buying the 'fuzzy' rods (also bought at Amazon) for drying it out after playing. My 7 year old granddaughter understands that drying is important and likes that she can do this herself.

I have decided to take up the recorder after many years away from playing anything. I had used a plastic recorder the previous few months and was pleased with that, but I am definitely glad I spent a little bit more to get this recorder. I was going to save $8 and get the all pear one, but someone reviewing with knowledge recommended this one. If you have played even a little bit and wish to continue playing recorder, it will be a wise choice. I can play longer without the moisture obscuring the sound of plastic and making it temp unplayable. It is easier to hit low C and high A! I don't have a great ear but it does actually sound better! Cleaning ain't that big of a deal and it comes with everything you need. Someone mentioned it being smelly. LOL There is a very minimal wood smell that I enjoy. I wish it smelled stronger. I had to put my nose to it and it is fast loosing even that minimal scent. Can't believe I didn't get this sooner.

I've been playing the soprano recorder for many years. Lost mine and decided to buy a new one. This had excellent reviews and i went for it. It's definitely not as nice as the one i lost. The pitch is a bit sharp, needs to be more mellow, not so sharp. Overall i'd say good for the price, and for those who are basically starting out with the recorder.

Product has good tone and plays well. For sonmeone who nothing about musical instruments, recorders are very easy to learn how to play. The Hohner 9522 is well constructed from very nice maple.

This Honor looks nice but sounds almost exactly like my cheaper plastic soprano. I guess you have to spend a whole lot more to get a wooden one that beats the good plastic ones.