I am quite new to recorders but, having experience in other instruments, people that now what they are doing say I am progressing really fast. This recorder is the newest addition to my consort (Tenor, Alto, Soprano and now Sopranino). I had never played sopranino before. The sound is high but not that piercing and fairly easy to play in tune. The response is great. The three piece construction is a plus compared to other similar instruments.