Aulos 503B Symphony Soprano / Descant Recorder

A typical well designed descant recorder with a slightly softer tone then the cheaper model in the Aulos range, A great intermediate recorder.

It makes the noises it is meant to make but it is hard to truly like. It is, after all, a recorder.

Clear notes, elegant design, easy fingering. Excellent purchase.

Lovely recorder

I'm pleased with the tone of this recorder, especially in the higher register, and it's relatively easy to get the high notes to speak. But unfortunately it's let down by a low D that is seriously out of tune, and I'd expect better from an Aulos at this price.

Feels great. Very pleased.

Having great fun and the recorder seems to decide when I have done enough as it reduces its output to squeaks.

You will find lots of bits of cheap moulded plastic out there, masquerading as recorders. If you are a serious recorder player, then you don't need this review. But if you are a parent, perhaps looking to buy your child their first recorder, then do them a favour, don't saddle them with something cheap and horrible which will never play properly. If you can, squeeze a little extra from the budget and get them an Aulos. It will be beautifully built and reward the player with the chance to play in tune and with a full round tone. An instrument priced for beginners which will carry the gifted child a long way.