The tuning is actually tricky on this one, it'll play from a solid B to a solid C depending on how much pressure you use, so it's better suited to a solo player and not a band setup where your bandmates'll kill you. I really love the soft aspect of Alder, it has a warmer tone to it, more appropriate to meditational style of play, but this baby'll rip and tear it up if that's where you want to go. This is a very lightweight instrument, much like an agave but with the better support of hardwood.It has impressive volume for its small bell, and good all around abilities.