Speaking of PVC piping, my first keyless flute was made out of PVC. I found it on Ebay for $35 (by Doug Tipple). Tone was good, and the intonation was spot on. I call it my "left handed sewer flute" in honor of Peter Shickele/PDQ Bach's instrument of that name, even though it's not left handed. I now have a lovely rosewood flute, but had to do a bit of searching before I found one that was worth the logarithmic difference in price.

My husband and I also have a collection of recorders in plastic, maple, and pearwoodboxwood and blackwood. The plastic ones hold their own against the maple, and compare well with the pear. The blackwood is in another category...but then, given what I paid for it 20 years ago, it should be! However, it has to be carefully humidified and cossetted, and since I'm not playing recorder regularly at the moment, I play my plastic one.

So follow your ears and the dictates of your climate.