Hohner 9550 Pearwood 2-Piece Soprano Recorder model 9520

I bought this pearwood recorder for myself at the same time I purchased the similar model by Hohner, in maple instead, which was my son's choice. I'll base my review on some comparisons between the two, because I assume that many reading this are seeking a recorder and may have both models in consideration. Straight out of the box, I thought his appeared prettier. This pearwood model is a VERY pretty color (I'm not saying it's not a pretty insturment--it is), but the finish is opaque and hides the wood underneath, which just kinda deletes the lovely wooded look it could have. Further, the finish on it seems like if it scratched or bumped on something, the marr would be obvious and more difficult to perfect a fix. Actually, mine did get a little scratch recently, and I attempted to cover it with a little furniture marker. The color came close-ish, and concealed it better than it looked as a raw scratch, but it's still scratched and looked scratched. The maple model does not have a finish like this, and scratches would be less obvious and simple to buff out. I know looks are not the most important thing, but if you prefer a more wood-ish look, or are out for something that can take a beating and still come out looking fairly pristine, the maple model might pull ahead. If you don't care, or are really in love with the cherry color, and know it will be treated carefully, then this part all matters less.As for sound, they do sound similar, and both much nicer than plastic, however, they do have their own voices. This pearwood model is a little bolder, more confident, while the maple has a sweeter, almost more ladylike sound. Neither is neccissarily "better," and both sound lovely; it all kinda depends on preference and intent.Both have a great response, feel comfortable in the hands, and hit notes easily and flawlessly. This one was very well constructed. I'm very happy with it, and think it's an absoloutly excellent price on Amazon (idetical models of both the pearwood and maplewood models wre a good bit more expensive at the local music store at forty-some dollars each).

The Hohner 9550 is an absolutely lovely instrument at a great price. I've played recorder for decades and own a dozen, even professional grade costing hundreds. Wooden recorders have a unique sound and clog less than other materials (resin or plastic). The Hohner has a beautiful dark, durable finish and the traditional pearwood sound. For the advanced player: the tuning is good and sound slightly on the 'bright' side for a pearwood instrument. I bought one to leave out and not have to worry about and find myself playing it most frequently and will use it for travel as well; its wonderful to be able to enjoy a nicely made wooden instrument at a price where you don't really have to worry about it.This would make a superb gift for a younger player, particularly since the look and finish are very elegant and, though many kids learn on plastic recorders, being given a wooden one feels more like a "real" instrument at that age. Hohner has created an outstanding instrument at a great price and brings a lot of enjoymen to playing!

I love this recorder! The tone is very pleasant compared to plastic ones for the same price. This is a really good recorder for the price and I was quite surprised with how nice it looks (just like the picture). It's great for a beginner or anyone who just wants a casual flute to play. The holes are placed like a standard recorder of this size and the bottom most hole is tilted towards the right which makes it very easy to play.

Even though this recorder was supposed to be the maple one, but after some disappointment there was still some excitement.This recorder shipped wrong after I ordered the maple one, but it is a decent recorder. The tone is pretty good, but it isn't much different from my old plastic one. Now I'm really into playing it, and the notes are still pretty easy to play. I would like it a lot if it came in a better case.

Lovely sound and great price. It was worth the shipping time.

This model is a beginning model for a serious student. It is solid, very well crafted and comfortable. Having seen other high-end recorders this model compares well for materials and sturdiness but is not technically as finessed. I still love it. It has a nice mellow sound and feels great to use. I am very glad I got it, well worth the cost, which I consider quite reasonable. If I ever feel that this recorder is limiting me I'll go to a performance model, but I am only playing to entertain myself so I expect this will be a lifetime instrument for me and I expect I'll use it several times per week for that period of time.

I have to take back my favorable review from before. After playing this for awhile I noticed that the sound breaks often on the higher register, and the headpiece seems to clog up very easily. I think the headpiece slot is too narrow and cramped on one side and there is some wood sharding inside the headpiece, which came this way new. I have now read similar complaints form other posters (which I should have read before -- I think all the glowing reports are either from shills or total beginner recorder players who mistake the fine finish for fine musical craftsmanship). What didn't this company turn out a precision instrument to begin with? And is it made in China or Germany -- it sure plays like it was made in China. Needless to say, I am very disappointed to spend thirty dollars on what doesn't even work properly and I will seek a refund. (By the way, I have played the recorder for fifty years and have a dozen plastic and wooden ones -- this is the only one clearly defective.)

This recorder has a nice design, more streamlined than the typical recorder. It plays in tune, and sounds as good as my more expensive plastic recorder. All the notes can be hit, and the smell and taste of the wood add to the experience. It is made in China not Germany but it is handsomely made. Would be excellent for people who want a wood recorder for period reenactments. Well worth the cost, I plan on buying another as a back up.

My daughter who plays a lot of instruments loved this one. It has a smooth nice sound

Un bel instrument à un prix très intéressant.

Schönes Instrument, mit einem angenehmen Klang. Gutes Preis-Leistungs-Verhältnis.Für diesen Preis ist die Flöte auf jeden Fall sehr zu Empfehlen. Einziges Manko, dass die Flöte ausschließlich in einer transparenten Kunststoffverpackung geliefert wird und keine anständige Instrumententasche dabei ist.

Niet gek hoor voor die prijs

Il flauto è davvero bello e di ottima fattura. Note limpide e pulite, fa anche la sua figura perché esteticamente è plto curato. Robusto e pregiato.