301BL Descant Recorder, Blue

Okay, so, unlike most other reviewers, this recorder wasn't lovingly gifted to a young child for their first musical ventures. Oh no. This recorder went to my almost 60 year old dad as part of his birthday presents. We found a horrifically annoying song on social media featuring his name and a recorder shortly before his birthday, and it became his favourite way to annoy his colleagues. Constantly, he was playing it over their radios and speakers. How could I resist buying him his very own recorder to bless their ears with a live rendition? Never before have I seen him smile so much on his birthday. The colour is simply obnoxious, totally luminous. Sound-wise, it didn't seem too bad - none of that squeaky wailing from a lot of cheap recorders, but certainly bad enough to make all of us cringe (though that may just be his inexperience). Either way, the gift went down a treat and I have no choice but to give it 5 stars for the sheer amount of joy it bought to my dad, who is usually the biggest grizzly-guts imaginable on his special day.

Bought for my six year old daughter, this is a good recorder for a beginner. I own higher end brands of different sizes, but the prospect of a small child chewing on a more expensive recorder while learning was something I didn't want to witness. Saying that, she's not chewed this one yet. I think this is mostly due to it being a very pretty colour and coming in a decent protective bag. She also loves threading sheets of folded toilet paper through the cleaning needle and shoving it up each section. I do feel I've bought her something good. I would recommend this for use by adults and children. The recorder is in three bits, so it's not one of the cheaper models where you can't adjust the right hand little finger hole for stubby little fingers. It's very nice to handle and play and the holes are easily felt and covered by little fingers. We aren't experiencing any kind of screeching sounds that you sometimes get from cheap plastic rubbish. These recorders are worth the money and they sound good enough when played nicely. The notes are pitched correctly and the instrument as a whole is a decent weight. Again, you don't feel like you've bought something naff. Don't be fooled by the bright colours. Of course the tone will not match a more expensive recorder, but these are well worth a try.

Daughter loves it, definitely good for beginners, light weight and colourful, cleaning tool and sleeve is a handy touch too. I only deduct a star as the strain on the ears isn’t fun.

Well presented. Comes with a sleeve, plastic stick, use information and basic musical instructions. Value was fair, kids loved it. It was bought for a 2 year old as an annoying joke to the parents! Worked a treat! Adults and kids enjoyed this on Christmas Day!

Lovely quality Great sound

Brought for my 6 year old daughter she loves it and great quality and easy to play

It started ok and my 8 year old daughter was happy with it, but after a few months it started to sound progressively worse and the parts started to become loose. I’m sure there are better options for the money. I also wouldn’t suggest getting pink again as it looks like another sort of toy.

My grandson, aged 7, has been learning the recorder at school and was beginning to do very well, so bought him a good one. Granddaughter, feeling left out, just had to have one, so I bought this pink one for her to 'play with'. Perfect choice and good value for what it is.