Question 1

The 300 series have been known for condensation issues that affect perfomance over time, until cleaned. Has anyone found this to be a problem?

Accepted Answer

I have 3 plastic alto recorders.  All 3 appear to have different size windways in the tip of the mouthpiece.  The size of the windway opening appears to affect the volume and time you can play the recorder without condensation being an issue.  From smallest to largest size of windway opening are Yamaha YRA-402B, Yamaha YRA-302Bii and Aulos 709BW. 
This recorder (Yamaha YRA-402B) tends to clog the quickest and have the lowest sound volume.  On the other hand, it is the easiest to hit the highest notes (due to fast air speed due to the narrow windway opening).
The Yamaha YRA-302Bii plays slightly longer than the 402B before clogging, but is more difficult to hit the highest note.
My favorite plastic alto recorder is the Aulos 709BW.  I use this recorder exclusively in performance.  It never clogs.  It has the largest windway and therefore the greatest volume.  It has a more reedy sound and blends better with the church choir.

Question 2

Damaged foot joint

Accepted Answer

Return it for replacement

Question 3

I'm looking for an alto with more comfortable distance between the lower holes than my Zen-on. What is the spacing of this?

Accepted Answer

I have never played a Zen-on so cannot compare the two.  i have tiny hands (span 18 cm) and a good deal of arthritis, and only manage reaching the bottom hole on the 402B with a great deal of overlap of my ring finger.  the centre of the ring and little finger holes are 3 cm apart when the joint is fully closed.

Question 4

Does this come with case and cleaning rod as pictured?

Accepted Answer

Mine came with a green canvas zippered case, recorder joint cream, a cleaning rod and a fingering chart.

ASIN	B01IRRI0I6
Best Sellers Rank	#10,559 in Musical Instruments ( See Top 100 in Musical Instruments ) #41 in Recorders (Musical Instruments)
Brand Name	Yamaha
Color	Brown, White
Customer Reviews	4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars (281)
Finish Type	Polished
Global Trade Identification Number	00889025102308
Included Components	Cloth bag, fingering chart, cleaning rod, recorder cream
Instrument Key	F
Item Dimensions	18.5 x 1.75 x 1.75 inches
Item Type Name	Recorder
Item Weight	0.29 Kilograms
Manufacturer	Yamaha
Manufacturer Part Number	YRA-402B
Material Type	Plastic
Model Name	YRA-402B
Model Number	YRA-402B
Sound Profile	Mellow
Style	Classic
UPC	889025102308
Unit Count	1.0 Count
Warranty Description	1 year warranty against manufacturer defects.

YRA-402B Alto Recorder, Ecodear plastic, Key of F, Brown, White

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