7. Choosing a Suitable Instrument
The most important consideration when buying a new recorder is yourself choosing the one that will suit you best, both in terms of caring for it and also how and where it will be played. A more delicate sounding (less dense) instrument will be perfectly suitable for home use and ensemble playing, while a heavier instrument is probably a better choice for solo playing and public performance. Recorders made from darker (denser) woods will be heavier to hold, and this should also be borne in mind when choosing. Make sure the recorder comes with a protective case, which can be a lined soft wallet style, padded roll-up bag or hard box, and dont forget that Thomann offer a 30 day money back guarantee, which means you can make sure that the instrument is right for you in the comfort of your own home.
Finally, remember that spending more doesnt always mean getting a better instrument. Of course, price is a factor; to a large extent, you get what you pay for - the denser woods naturally cost more, and smaller or private makers are often more expensive due to time involved, demand for their instruments, and the ratio of factory to handmade workmanship. Its worth bearing in mind though that while American-based company Von Huene make some of the most expensive recorders around, they are also responsible for the design of the more affordable Moeck Rottenburgh model.
