Alexei Volkov
A plastic flute can refer to a few different instruments, including the song flute, the recorder, the ocarina, and the tonette. Song flutes are black plastic and non-tunable, and are often used in schools. The recorder is a woodwind instrument that has been mass-manufactured in plastic and is commonly used as a first musical instrument for children. Ocarinas can also be made of plastic, and tonettes are plastic instruments with closed ends that were invented in the 1930s and are no longer in production.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Plastic Flute, Tonette, Song Flute, Flutophone, Recorder, Ocarina |
| Material | Plastic |
| Cost | Under $10 USD |
| Sound | Flute-like, Pure |
| Ease of Use | Easy to play, suitable for beginners |
| Maintenance | Easy to clean with soap and warm water |
| Variations | One-piece, non-tunable; Two-piece, tunable |
| Colour | Black, Red, White |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic recorders
Yamaha offers a range of plastic recorders, including the Ecodear Plant-based Plastic Recorder, which is environmentally friendly and produces a mellow, centred tone similar to that of wooden recorders. The Ecodear plastic is made from polylactic acid derived from plants, resulting in a natural cotton colour and feel. Yamaha also offers a set of four different 300 Series recorders, which include sopranino, soprano, alto, and tenor models, catering to musicians' needs across the range.
Aulos is another popular brand for plastic recorders, with the Aulos Symphonies and Hakas models receiving praise for their sound quality. Aulos offers plastic recorders in various sizes, including sopranino, soprano, alto, tenor, and bass, making it a versatile option for musicians.
Bernolin resin recorders are also mentioned as a good option for intermediate or semi-professional players, offering a unique sound and aesthetic that stands out from mass-produced plastic recorders.
When purchasing a plastic recorder, it is important to consider the climate and conditions in which it will be used. Wooden recorders, for example, are not recommended for hot and humid climates as they can be damaged. Plastic recorders are a more durable option for travel and varying climate conditions, making them a convenient choice for musicians on the move.
Overall, plastic recorders provide a convenient, affordable, and lightweight alternative to their wooden counterparts, without compromising on sound quality and playability. They are a great option for beginners, advancing players, and musicians who need an instrument that can withstand different environments.
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Tonettes
The tonette's pleasant flute-like sound has been used for special novelty effects in radio, television, and film. Its pitch, as a closed pipe, is approximately half that of a recorder of comparable length. The tonette's pitch behaviour is more complex than that of a simple open or closed pipe, as it is a Helmholtz resonator. This means that its pitch depends on the ratio of the total area of open tone holes to the volume of the resonating cavity.
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Song flutes
The flutophone is another similar instrument, introduced in 1943 and sold 35 million units. It is made of attractive two-color plastic, with a white body and red decoration or a black body with white trim.
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Flutophones
Today, tonettes are no longer produced, but you can find flutophones on eBay or Amazon for under $10 USD, including a cloth carrying bag. Flutophones are perfect for those who want to learn a wind instrument and are looking for an affordable option. They are also a great choice for classrooms or music teachers who need durable and inexpensive instruments for their students.
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Precorders
The tonette is a synthetic recorder that was invented in the late 1930s by Ziegner Swanson. It is a vessel flute that produces sound as a Helmholtz resonator. Tonettes have closed ends and are made of plastic. They have a unique timbre due to their design, which is responsible for their distinct sound. The best-sounding tonettes are made of a hard, dense plastic with a shiny, smooth, reflective surface.
Tonettes are no longer in production, but they were once popular in schools. They are still sought after by musicians who appreciate their unique sound and nostalgic value. The song flute is often confused with the tonette due to their similar appearance, but there are some distinct differences between the two.
Song flutes were invented in the late 1930s by Elver J. Fitchhorn and are usually made of black plastic with a moulded fipple and raised finger holes. They are non-tunable and are known for their inferior sound quality compared to older models. Song flutes are still available for purchase, with newer models featuring a textured or matte finish.
Like the tonette and song flute, the flutophone is another plastic pre-band flute that was introduced in 1943 and has sold over 35 million units. It is a two-colour plastic instrument with an ornamental bell, usually featuring a white body with red decoration or a black body with white trim.
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Frequently asked questions
A plastic flute can be called a recorder, a song flute, a tonette, a Flutophone, or a pre-recorder.
Song flutes are black plastic flutes that are non-tunable. They were invented in the late 1930s by Elver J. Fitchhorn. They are often confused with tonettes due to their similar size and shape.
A tonette is a cheap, synthetic recorder made of plastic. It was invented in the late 1930s by Ziegner Swanson. It has a closed end and is a vessel flute that produces sound through resonance within a closed air chamber.
A Flutophone is a two-color plastic flute that was introduced in 1943. It is known for its attractive design, with a white body and red decoration or a black body with white trim.
