Suzuki A-25F 25-Key Andes Recorder-Keyboard with Mouthpiece and Strap

Well constructed compact quirky instrument. This thing is LOUD so if you're a parent who appreciates your sanity, maybe don't buy this for your kid.This thing basically sounds like a bunch of recorders. The pitch fluctuates a little with breath support, but the resistance to your air stream varies depending on how many keys you press at a time. As such, the pitch tends to be in the ballpark but unlike the melodica, probably won't nail the dead center of a tuner every time. A dedicated instrumentalist may be able to learn how to tame this thing a bit more so it sounds like a proper concert instrument, but that's not why I got this. The tuning issues are part of the charm. If you want an instrument that's fun, quirky, and kind of whismical, this is that.I just wish there was a version of this thing that played an octave lower.

This is basically a series of pitch pipes attached to a piano style keyboard. It sounds somewhere between a whistle flute (like a tin whistle w/o a whole lot of chuff or maybe a soprano recorder) and pan pipes. If you play a melodica you will take to this instrument pretty easily, but there are some subtle differences in the technique needed to play this well. I notice that the tonal quality of notes do change with air pressure--whereas with my two melodicas (each of different manufacture) air pressure really only noticeably affects volume. So you could be playing a run of notes and hit something that sounds too shrill if there's too much pressure or kind of sour if not enough. It takes a bit more practice to keep your tones consistent. That said, it can be kind of neat to be able to do tonal affects.I wish that this had a few more keys. With a tin whistle it's not a problem to play a tune and then do an octave higher on the next go around, but you can only do that with this if you are playing in C natural. If it even had just one more key, the high F#, I could play many of my favorite tunes in G or D. Although, really I just play all the tunes in the mid range but shift keys to change it up a little--it's not like I play in a group or anything.Although the pipes are cased in ABS plastic, the tangents are aluminum. I don't know what the pipes are actually made of. It seems to be solidly built for what it is and the key action is excellent. It is really easy to do glissando effects, the action is so smooth and sensitive. It comes with a standard distance hose like you find on most melodicas and a nice crook mouthpiece that is mostly metal. This allows you to see the keyboard rather well when playing. The other accessory is the neck strap. It is basically a cord with a bracket that slides over a metal button on the back of the instrument. I would advise people to use that at your own risk (or rather, at the risk of damage to your $279 instrument) because the bracket seems to easily come undone. Unfortunately, this thing does not come with a case. I found a nice, inexpensive laptop/briefcase that fits the Andes 25F really well (with room for a couple of music books even).This is a fun, interesting thing to play. I think if I weren't unexpectedly flush with cash at the time I bought this, though, I would have passed on it. I don't regret getting it at all though.

Very cute little keyboard with ghostly noises. I bought it as a gift for my boyfriend and he's obsessed with it, though says there's a pretty steep learning curve on how to blow into it to produce the cleanest sound. Background on keyboards and wind instruments would probably both help but super adorable and pretty either way!

Not a keyboard player myself, but picked one of these up to have another toy for the arsenal. Very cool, incredibly high range makes for really piercing, whistle-like lines. Can't go wrong, so long as you know its range. Nice!!

Very interesting insturment by far that I have ever come across. Shipping was fast and arrived in great condition. Anyone who is a fan of recorders or melodicas will enjoy this. Very easy to play right out of the box. Found it to be in tune and it sound is very similar to pan pipes.

Amazing instrument and very good seller (Paint Box). SUZUKI - I LOVE YOU)))

my kids play ukulele together at street fairs and farmers markets. we bought this to give a little more fun variety to their little "act". it has a very pleasant sound and my nine year old has mastered a few songs already. plastic, but solid feeling. Seems a bit overpriced :/ wish it came with a bag. I am happy with its sound...more flute like than accordian :) if it makes my kids play more music and less video games, then it is worth every penny!

the most amazing instrument with the exact keys and notes of a soprano recorder.It brings all the potential for classical as well as all sorts of music into a simple potential for anyone to play.Another amazing suzuki product.

Sounded fine on Christmas morning, but by lunch time one of the notes had gone off key. The general quality of the plastic mouldings is good, but I think the instrument is aimed at kids; Japanese kids. I suspect the reason that Suzuki don't market this instrument in Europe is that it is not a legitimate instrument, but merely a fancy recorder or whistle for young people.Great shame as there is appeal in the instrument, just lacks quality.To make things worse, this Japanese supplier called "Japan hatumi shop.Are you worried about buying original Japanese items from countries other than Japan? we will send you with care. " stated a price of £142 which I paid, however about 3 weeks later I received letter from a courier asking for a further £42 to pay incomng VAT (inc £13 admin fee.) I was then stuck as the seller said if I was unhappy I could return the product, yet I could only receive the product by paying the unexpected £42. Because it was getting too close to Christmas (was a present) I paid the extra money and received the product.So it cost me £184 in total and it doesn't work properly. I first asked for a replacement but as time went by with no response I have now asked for a full refund of £184.I've asked for help from Amazon and the seller but not sure there has been any progress as yet.Nick

La meliodion Andes 25 si presenta in una scatola molto carina, con il manico in plastica estraibile, come certi giocattoli per bambini. Lo strumento è avvolto nel pluriball, insieme a una piccola tracolla regolabile e a due imboccature: un tubo metallico ricurvo e corto, e un tubo flessibile in plastica, lungo, del tutto identico agli altri tubi delle classiche melodiche. I tasti rispondono bene alla pressione, e le molle interne sono ottime. Sul fondo è presente una valvolina per la condensa. L'aspetto è quello di un giocattolo di plastica, ma il suono è soave ma tagliente, come i flauti delle Ande Essendo che al posto delle ance ci sono piccoli flauti all'interno, l'intonazione cambia a seconda della quantità di fiato che si usa, quindi bisogna imparare a dosare bene il respiro e la spinta dei polmoni, cosa non troppo necessaria per il resto delle melodiche, in quanto la spinta polmonare serve più che altro per una ragione espressiva. Purtroppo manca la borsa per il trasporto, cosa non buona, dovrò procurarmene una che vada bene. Sono però molto sicuro che sarò molto ispirato da questo strumentino. Spero di essere stato utile.Aggiornamento: dopo cinque giorni ho fatto il reso: avendo provato qualche volta in più a eseguire qualche brano, mi sono reso conto che lo strumento non valeva il prezzo speso: la risposta dei tastie irumore delle piccole molle, il materiale della scocca, plasticosissimo proprio come una pianolina per bambini, in più la tracolla era pressochè in"tile, lo strumento valesì e no 50 euro, non i 176 spesi. Il prezzo è dato anche dal fatto che non ne producono molti durante lânno, quindi devono per forza alzare l'asticella... acquisterò nei prossimi mesi la suzuki pro 37 v3, strumento meraviglioso, degno del suo prezzo.

Que dire de ce drôle de Melodion.Effectivement, c'est original. très.Pas évident de jouer juste avec, mais je pense qu'on peut en tirer quelque chose de mélodique en gérant correctement son souffle.Pour le reste, je prie pour que mes enfants en bas-âge ne tombent jamais dessus (sic) parce que ça peut vraiment très vite se révéler une vrai scie; idéal pour jouer dans le métro et avoir tout le wagon pour soi en 25 secondes.bon, je ne mets que 4 étoiles parce que quand même, import japon ou pas, le tarif est délirant pour ce que ça offre.

Strumento divertente e utile nella musica folk.Un po' difficile mantenere l'intonazione perché a seconda dell'intensità del soffio il suono cresce o cala, ma con un po' di allenamento si riesce ad utilizzarlo appieno.

It took a while but when it finally arrived, I couldn't have been more pleased. I've been playing piano professionally for years and always get a great response any time I bring my Melodica out for solos. I can only imagine the response this little beauty will get! Looks and feels like a decent quality instrument. Does exactly what I'd expect. Recommended to anyone looking to expand their arsenal with something a little out of the ordinary.