Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the proper use, care, and maintenance of your Yamaha YRA-402B Alto Recorder. The YRA-402B is a 3-piece alto recorder in the key of F, featuring traditional baroque fingering and constructed from plant-based Ecodear plastic, which contributes to a rich, mellow tone.
Components
The Yamaha YRA-402B Alto Recorder consists of three main parts and includes accessories for maintenance:
- Head Joint: The top section containing the mouthpiece and windway.
- Body: The middle section with most of the tone holes.
- Foot Joint: The bottom section with the remaining tone holes.
- Accessories: Includes a canvas carry case, cleaning rod, and recorder cream (grease).
Image: The Yamaha YRA-402B Alto Recorder disassembled into three parts, alongside its green canvas carrying case, cleaning rod, and a small container of recorder cream.
Setup
Follow these steps to properly assemble your recorder:
- Carefully remove all three sections (head joint, body, foot joint) from the carrying case.
- Apply a small amount of the provided recorder cream to the joints of the body section. This lubricates the joints, making assembly smoother and preventing damage.
- Gently twist the head joint onto the body section. Ensure the holes on the head joint align with the holes on the body.
- Attach the foot joint to the bottom of the body section, twisting gently. The hole on the foot joint should align with the other holes for proper fingering.
- Verify that all sections are securely connected and aligned.
Image: The fully assembled Yamaha YRA-402B Alto Recorder, ready for playing.
Operating the Recorder
Holding Position
- Hold the recorder with your left hand at the top (head joint) and your right hand at the bottom (foot joint).
- Your left thumb covers the thumb hole on the back.
- Your left index, middle, and ring fingers cover the top three holes on the front.
- Your right index, middle, and ring fingers cover the next three holes.
- Your right pinky finger covers the double hole at the very bottom.
Producing Sound
- Place the mouthpiece gently between your lips.
- Blow a steady, gentle stream of air into the recorder. Avoid blowing too hard, as this can produce a harsh or squeaky sound.
- Cover the tone holes completely with the pads of your fingers to produce clear notes. Even a small gap can affect the sound.
Baroque Fingering
The YRA-402B uses Baroque fingering. Refer to a standard Baroque fingering chart for specific notes. For example, to play a low F, cover all holes with your left hand and the top three holes with your right hand, leaving the bottom double hole open.
Maintenance
Regular cleaning and care will extend the life and maintain the sound quality of your recorder:
- After Each Use: Disassemble the recorder into its three parts. Use the cleaning rod with a soft cloth (or the provided cleaning cloth) to gently wipe the inside of each section to remove moisture.
- Joint Care: Periodically reapply a small amount of recorder cream to the joints to keep them lubricated and prevent them from sticking or becoming too loose.
- Storage: Store the disassembled or assembled recorder in its canvas carrying case to protect it from dust and physical damage. Avoid extreme temperatures or humidity.
- Cleaning the Windway: If the sound becomes airy or unclear, the windway may be clogged. Use a thin, soft material (like a pipe cleaner) to carefully clean the windway, being careful not to scratch the plastic.
Image: Side view of the Yamaha YRA-402B Alto Recorder, highlighting the smooth finish and joint sections.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Airy or unclear sound | Moisture in the windway; improper finger placement. | Clean the windway with a cleaning rod and cloth. Ensure all holes are completely covered. |
| Squeaky sound | Blowing too hard; incomplete hole coverage. | Use a softer breath. Ensure all holes are completely covered. |
| Joints are stiff or difficult to assemble/disassemble | Lack of lubrication; dirt accumulation. | Apply recorder cream to the joints. Clean any debris from the joint areas. |
Specifications
- Model: YRA-402B
- Instrument Type: Alto Recorder
- Key: F
- Fingering: Baroque
- Construction: 3-piece
- Body Material: Ecodear Plastic (plant-based)
- Dimensions: Approximately 18.5 x 1.75 x 1.75 inches
- Weight: Approximately 10.2 ounces
- Features: Arched windway for enhanced control, rich mellow tone.
Image: Rear view of the Yamaha YRA-402B Alto Recorder, showing the thumb hole and the overall design.
Warranty and Support
For warranty information, product support, or to inquire about replacement parts, please visit the official Yamaha website or contact their customer service department. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase.
You can find more information and support at the Yamaha Store on Amazon.
