Hello, I've played all the recorder "voices" at one time or another and for "large hands" I think the tenor is the best one to learn initially. On the recorder, the easiest scale is that of the key note. On the tenor and soprano this scale is C major (no sharps or flats). On the alto, bass and sopranino the "key note scale" is F major (B flat).
My experience with working with children at least, is that for most beginners, scales with sharps or flats in their key signatures are confusing and/or intimidating. And somehow the C major scale just seems to be a "natural" place to start--especially if you ever played the piano. Since you need a larger instrument, the tenor recorder fits the bill.
To begin, I would recommend a nice resin Yamaha (
http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-3-Piece-C-Tenor-Recorder-Brown/dp/B0002EB5UI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1249266178&sr=1-2). I have several black ones which I keep around for family and friends so we can play together and they seem to be consistently easy to play right out of the case/box. They're not terribly sensitive to the weather/humidity--which is nice. The main drawback is that they don't absorb moisture and if you're playing for an extended period of time they can get pretty sloppy with spit.
I also have several wood tenors (maple, pear, rosewood) and the wood ones--especially if they're cheap--tend to be temperamental unless you play them consistently. Always try a wooden tenor out before you buy. See if you can play the key note (all holes covered) without too much difficulty. If you can't, more than likely it will be one of those temperamental types and as a first instrument, it could be discouraging. Also, be sure it comes with double holes for low D & D#; double keys for low C & C#. Even with large hands a tenor can be difficult to play if you don't have the double keys.
Hope that helps. Let me know how it goes.
<Added>PS I see that you actually bought a Yamaha--didn't notice the post script. How are you doing? I would imagine you're past the "squeaky stage" by now. ;)
