The Yamaha Ecodear Recorder is a Rottenburgh-style recorder with a Baroque system and an arched windway. The body is made of plant-based Ecodear plastic. Ecodear plastic is the world's first application of environmentally friendly, plant-based materials in a musical instrument.* The change in material results in a mellow, centered tone that is similar to that of wooden recorders, plus improved breath response and high-register control. The bright colors of the instrument and the case are chosen to resemble the vibrant colors of plants.
This instrument is sold with a swab stick, recorder cream, and a cloth case made of environmentally friendly, natural cotton. We include duponol with all recorder orders.
*According to research done by Yamaha in June 2014.
YRA-402B | ||
---|---|---|
Key | Soprano (C), Alto (F) | |
System | Baroque system | |
Windway | Arched windway | |
Toneholes | Double | |
Body Sections | 3 | |
Material | Plant-based plastic Ecodear | |
Others | Rottenburgh model | |
Accessories | Cotton case, Fingering chart, Recorder cream, Cleaning rod, Head joint/foot joint cap, Middle joint cap |
About Ecodear Plastic
"Ecodear" plastic is a plant-based material created by combining polylactic acid (PLA)* derived from plants with other materials through an original Toray polymer alloy process, achieving characteristics that are similar to conventional oil-based resins.
*Plant-based PLA Compound Resin: Plant-based PLA compound resin is produced from plant starch (corn is the main ingredient currently used) via a process that includes lactic acid fermentation and polymerization.
The "Ecodear" used in the YRS-401 and YRS-402B recorders is a compound of polylactic acid and ABS resin (3:7 ratio) that has about the same workability, durability, strength, and appearance as conventional ABS resin, while reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 20%.
CO2 emission for the production of 1,000,000 recorders is reduced by approximately 230 tons: equivalent to the CO2 that would be produced by a car traveling around the earth 25 times.**
**10 liters/100 km gas mileage.‚ The circumference of the earth is approximately 40,000 kilometers.
"Ecodear" is a safe material that has been used in home appliances, office equipment, and a variety of other items.
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 will 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.
Plant-based Plastic Recorders are certified as Yamaha Eco-Products, which is a certification established by Yamaha for products that meet the standards of 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."
Enjoy the performance by Kuricorder Quartet at Yamaha Toyooka Factory.
Shipping
Because of the delicate nature of our merchandise, we take great care to ensure that every order arrives safely. Every shipment is insured, and we typically require signature confirmation on wooden instruments.
In an effort to be environmentally responsible, we often reuse shipping materials. So don't be surprised if your package arrives looking a bit well-loved. However, we will never compromise on the safety of your instrument. If you have any requests or specifications, please indicate them in the comments section of your order or contact us directly.
We ship to all major countries. Shipments typically go out on the next business day after the order is placed. We do not ship on weekends. Customers are responsible for all import fees, taxes, etc.
Damaged or Missing Items
Shipments should be inspected for damage upon receipt. If there is a problem, save all packing materials and contact us promptly. The shipping company will need to inspect shipping materials in order to approve a claim. If a claim is denied because of missing shipping materials, we cannot offer any reimbursement or replacement.
If damage is due to a defect in material or workmanship, it may be covered by a manufacturers' warranty. See our warranty page for more information.
Special Orders
If you want an instrument that we don't currently have in the store, you can purchase it through a special order. For most special orders we require a partial deposit to get the order started. For some instruments we require the full balance at the outset. Once we receive the final product, we will contact you to pay the outstanding balance. When the full payment has been processed, we will ship the instrument. If you would like to make a special order, please contact us or place a special order on the product page.
Special Orders can be cancelled within the first week of placing the order. After the first week we will a cancellation fee of 10-20% of the price of the instrument.
Made to Order Instruments
Some of the instruments we carry are made to order. This means that the workshop will only begin crafting the instrument once an order has been placed. For this reason we require a partial deposit to begin an order or, in some cases, will ask for the full balance at the outset. Once we receive the final product, we will contact you to pay any outstanding balance. When the full payment has been processed, we will ship the instrument. If you would like to purchase a made to order instrument, please contact us.
Please note that, because made to order instruments are made per request, they take longer to craft and ship than other, ready-made instruments. If timing is an issue please let us know before you place your order. We will do our best to accommodate or we will direct you to an alternative option that can be shipped in time.
All sales on made to order instruments are considered final sales and are ineligible for return. If there is a quality issue or the instrument has been damaged, we will work with you to have the problem fixed.
Return Policy
Instruments can be returned within 30 days provided the instrument is still in like-new condition. If an instrument is returned damaged, stained, or smelling of cigarette smoke, mildew, etc. we cannot offer a full refund. If the instrument can be repaired, we will offer a refund less the cost of repairs. If an instrument is returned after the 30-day window, we can provide a partial refund or we can sell the instrument for you on consignment.
Order on made to order instruments are not eligible for returns or refunds. See above for more information.
Customers are responsible for all shipping costs.
How to Return
We ask that customers contact us before returning instruments. To make a return, pack up each item securely and mail it to our address.