First thing on the list was to try the recorders out with my boys and see how they enjoyed them, and they were absolutely thrilled.
We received some green and orange recorders, although I believe they are also available in red, pink and blue, and the spot effect on vibrant colours makes them really appealing.  My boys (aged 2 and 3) couldn’t be separated from their recorders, they went on all manner of trips with us, and are a firm winner.

 

I use a variety of different recorders within the Music For Baby classes, and I tend to class these all as toy recorders, something to provide the experience of blowing, and familiarise very little ones with the look and feel of the instrument, but not for playing melodies on. Generally toy recorders look like recorders, but do not have the correct number of holes or the pitch of them is quite random, so when you want to learn the recorder as an instrument you would need to progress onto something else.  Not so on these Tidlo by John Crane recorders.  I had a good play on the recorders myself to test them out.  The are a two piece recorder, and the top is fitted nicely with some cork so I was able to adjust the intonation slightly.  Of all the recorders we were sent they all played approximately a major scale, and were all correctly at concert pitch.  While some had slight intonation issues if playing in a key other than C major, and I was unable to play in higher registers they were certainly adequate to be used as a first instrument rather than just a toy.

 

One of the outings the recorders came on was a children’s concert we took our sons too.  As well as wanting to sit in the midst of the orchestra with their recorders (before the concert began!) my eldest son chose to play his recorder throughout the concert.  As these recorders are wooden they have a soft mellow sound, and are pleasurable to listen to even when played by an infant unlike some of the loud harsh plastic toy recorders that are available.  My son thankfully understood that he needed to play so very softly, but he sat there so proudly joining in, and being part of the concert.

 

We also took the recorders to another musician friend of mine and tried some simple duets.  Her daughter is now at school and beginning to learn the recorder, so a different age group to my sons, and a different level of playing.  She was also absolutely delighted with her new instrument, and loved listening to her mummy and myself performing for her.

 

In conclusion I think that Tidlo recorders by John Crane Toys are a fun, funky range of instruments that are beyond the level of a toy instrument.  They look fabulous, are an improvement on other toy recorders in terms of musical accuracy, and they are at an extremely reasonable price point.

 

Toot Toot, well done Tidlo by John Crane, we love our recorders!

 

COMPETITION

We also have 3 of these fabulous recorders to give away.  All you need to do is visit the Toot Toot status on our Facebook page, and leave a comment saying toot toot I’d love a John Crane recorder.