Best Tenor Recorders of 2025
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Tenor recorders are a popular choice for intermediate and advanced players looking for a deeper, richer sound. They are larger than soprano and alto recorders, with a longer body and wider bore. This results in a warmer and more resonant sound, making them ideal for playing solo or in ensembles. Tenor recorders are typically made of wood, such as maple or pearwood, and come in a variety of finishes. They also feature a curved windway, which helps to produce a more focused tone. Overall, tenor recorders are a versatile and rewarding instrument for those looking to expand their musical horizons.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
#TOP 1
9.8
#TOP 2
9.7
#TOP 3
9.5
Top 8 Tenor Recorders
Yamaha Tenor Recorder in Key of C
The Yamaha YRT-304B Tenor Recorder is a 3-piece instrument made of durable ABS plastic that produces a rich sound in the key of C. Its arched windway design provides experienced players with excellent control. Ideal for those who want to play or learn tenor recorder.
Aulos 211A Tenor Recorder
The Aulos 211A Robin Tenor Recorder is a great option for beginners and intermediate players. It has a beautiful, clear and gentle tone that is perfect for younger students. Made from ABS plastic, its curved windway design enhances intonation while its overall design is ideal for smaller hands. This recorder comes with a cleaning rod, joint grease, leatherette bag, and fingering chart.
Aulos C-Tenor Recorder Symphony 511B
The Aulos C-Tenor Recorder Symphony 511B is a 3-piece recorder made of durable ABS resin material. It features a curved wind tunnel and baroque fingering with double hole and double flap. The recorder is available in an elegant ivory and dark brown color scheme.
Woodi Tenor Recorder WRT-248B
The Woodi Tenor Recorder WRT-248B is a professional-grade recorder with a twin-color design (matte black and ivory) and 3-piece construction. It features Baroque-English fingering and an arched windway, as well as double holes for low D and D#, and double keys for low C and C#. It comes in the key of C and includes a white waterproof carry bag, fingering chart, cleaning rod, and recorder cream. The recorder is approximately 22.5" long.
Harmony H30T C Tenor Recorder
The Harmony H30T C Tenor Recorder is a 3-piece instrument that comes with Baroque-English fingering. It includes a durable bag for storage, a fingering chart, and a cleaning rod. This recorder is perfect for musicians who are looking for a high-quality, reliable instrument to play.
AULOS Symphony Tenor Recorder 511B(E)
The AULOS Tenor Recorder is a high-quality instrument that offers a wide range of expression, allowing you to produce soft to powerful sounds effortlessly. With its British (Baroque) sound range from c1 to d3, arched windway shape, and foot recessed bell, this recorder provides versatility in your music. The double key feature enhances playability, making it easier to achieve different notes. Additionally, the included accessories like the case, one-touch finger, cleaning rod, and grease ensure you have everything you need to maintain and play your recorder effectively.
SMARTWOODI Recorder Set RS-605B
The Woodi Recorder Set includes six recorders in different sizes, all featuring Baroque-English fingering and an arched windway for optimal sound. The set comes in a leatherette carry bag for easy transport. With a variety of recorders like bass, tenor, alto, soprano, sopranino, and garklein, you can enjoy playing different tunes. The package also includes a fingering chart, neck strap, cleaning rod, and recorder cream, providing you with everything you need to keep your instruments clean and well-maintained.
Woodi USA SMARTWOODI Recorder Set of 6 RS-605BW
Introducing the Woodi USA SMARTWOODI Recorder Set of 6 RS-605BW, a professional standard twin color recorder set perfect for musicians of all levels. This set includes one each of the Bass, Tenor, Alto, Soprano, Sopranino, and Garklein recorders, all featuring baroque-English fingering and an arched windway (except for the sopranino). The set comes with a leather carry bag, fingering chart, neck strap, cleaning rod, and recorder cream. With this recorder set, you can effortlessly switch between different recorders to create a variety of tones and melodies. The leather carry bag ensures easy transportation and storage, while the included accessories provide convenience and maintenance for your instruments. Elevate your musical performances with the Woodi USA SMARTWOODI Recorder Set.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is tenor recorder hard to play?
Playing the tenor recorder can be challenging for some players, particularly when reaching the smaller finger holes of the right hand. Finger hole positions can vary between different makers and models, adding to the difficulty. However, with practice and familiarity, players can overcome these challenges and become proficient in playing the tenor recorder.
2. What is the tenor recorder used for?
The tenor recorder is commonly used by those who already play the soprano recorder but prefer a warmer and deeper sound. It allows players to explore a different tonal range and adds variety to their repertoire.
3. Are wooden recorders better than plastic ones?
Wooden recorders are generally considered superior to plastic ones in terms of sound quality and overall usage, provided that you purchase a quality instrument. However, plastic recorders offer better value for money, ease of maintenance, and are less prone to damage. Choosing between wood and plastic depends on personal preference and specific needs when buying a recorder.
4. Is it easy to learn tenor recorder?
Learning to play the tenor recorder is relatively easy if you are already familiar with the soprano recorder. The fingerings and notation are identical. In the past, players with small hands might have experienced some discomfort due to the larger hand span required. However, modern tenor recorders with knick and comfort designs have addressed this issue, making it accessible for players of all hand sizes.
5. Can you play tenor if you play alto?
If you are accustomed to playing the alto recorder, transitioning to the tenor recorder is relatively smooth. The fingerings are the same, and high notes on the tenor are easier to achieve for alto players. Playing the tenor recorder will not have a negative impact on your ability to play the alto recorder in the long term, and it can be a rewarding experience to be proficient in both instruments.
During our tenor recorder research, we found 24 tenor recorder products and shortlisted 8 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,581 customer reviews through our big data system to write the tenor recorders list. We found that most customers choose tenor recorders with an average price of $29.64.
The tenor recorders are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of tenor recorders, including YAMAHA, Aulos, Woodi USA, Harmony. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 453 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Nicole Kim has been a music teacher and a private piano instructor for six years now. She is a very talented musician who plays piano to a high standard and won several awards in international piano competitions. Lately, she has been sharing her music expertise online, giving incredible tips on how to select the right musical instruments.