Alto Plant-based Plastic Recorders
Bodies are made of plant-based TERRAMAC® plastic, achieving a mellow, centered tone, similar to that of wood recorders.
Product Information
Features
Materials that are gentle on the environment
Bodies are made of biomass material TERRAMAC®.
Improved instrument performance
The change in material has resulted in a mellow, centered tone that is similar to that of wood recorders, plus improved breath response and high-register control.
Newly adopted plant-like colors
Bright colors chosen to elicit the image of plants such as corn and others have been used in the recorders and cases for the first time.
TERRAMAC® plant-derived plastic
TERRAMAC® is an environmentally friendly, biomass material created from plant-derived polymers made by using proprietary technology from Unitika Ltd. to combine polylactic acid (PLA)* with other materials and then improve and mold the result. Yamaha uses TERRAMAC® in recorders, retaining the same durability, strength, and appearance as conventional ABS resin, while reducing CO2 emissions. Yamaha is contributing to the development of a more sustainable society by working to prevent global warming and reduce consumption of chemical resources at the same time as we manufacture high-quality musical instruments.
* The PLA that makes up the basis of TERRAMAC® is generated from sugar derived from plants. It produces less CO2 than other plastics when burnt, and since the plants it is made from absorb CO2 from the atmosphere as they grow, it reduces the CO2 emissions that are thought to cause global warming. PLA has a heat of combustion of one-half to one-third that of petroleum-based plastics, and because it does not contain chlorine, does not emit toxic gases such as dioxin or hydrogen chloride when incinerated.
Why is plant-based plastic gentle on the environment?
1. Reduced CO2 emissions. Plants grow by absorbing CO2 that would otherwise add to the global warming problem. Even though plant-based plastic results in the same CO2 emissions as other materials during manufacture, use, and disposal, the total amount of CO2 produced is reduced by the amount absorbed during growth. 2. Reduced use of oil. Oil is the main raw material used in plastics, but reserves are limited and may be depleted in the not-so-distant future. By replacing a portion of the raw material requirements with plant-based materials the total amount of oil used can be reduced, thereby prolonging the availability of fossil resources.
Certified Yamaha Eco-Product
This product is certified as a Yamaha Eco-Product by the Yamaha Group, which is a standard established by the Yamaha Group for products that make major contributions towards realizing its Product Environmental Quality Objectives.
Artist Comment: Kuricorder Quartet
“The ‘pop’ colors are great! The weight is right for a musical instrument, and the tone is seriously musical too. The resistance is comfortable, and you can play hard. Notes in the high register are particularly easy to produce. Note definition is good and tonguing is easy. The notes have a well-defined center. This soprano recorder plays beautifully. There is very little variation from instrument to instrument, so these will be great for recording unison parts. The fact that just changing the material has resulted in such a noticeable improvement highlights the depth of the recorder as a musical instrument. The improvement in the rate of development of children who start with these recorders is likely to be significant."
Kuricorder Quartet with Plant-based Plastic Recorders
Enjoy the performance by Kuricorder Quartet at Yamaha Toyooka Factory.
German and Baroque fingering systems
Yamaha offers a choice of either “German” or “Baroque” fingering systems on many models to accommodate local preferences and traditions.German system: YRS-401Baroque system: YRS-402B, YRA-48B/402B
The colors and finishes shown may vary from those on the actual products.
