"small grip" tenor recorder
Cindy Share
with small hands ? I'm looking for one that is not too expensive (not
custom made) as I am an amateur who plays for fun. It doesn't matter to
me if it is plastic or wood, as long as the sound blends well in an SATB
consort with 2+ players to a part.
I currently have a Yamaha plastic (1-key) tenor which strains the muscles
on the side of my hand when I try to keep all the holes closed (G or
lower). I had a professional look at my hand position to see if I could
make any improvements there and was told that my hands are just to small
for that instrument.
I also play soprano and alto recorder and am beginning to learn bass (a
smaller grip than the tenor! I just need to learn to read the clef). So
the tenor would not be so difficult for me to pick up if I can find one
that I can physically play.
Thanks in advance.
The von Huene Workshop
> Does anyone know of any makers of tenor recorders (A=440) for players
> with small hands ?
Well, Cindy, there aren't any ideal answers. Aulos makes a keyless tenor
that is marketed as being for players with small hands. The stretch is much
smaller that the Yamaha, and the sound is better than adequate, although
not as nice as the Yamaha YRT302B. The keyless Aulos costs about $80.00
(I'm not quite sure, because I don't usually stock them.)
There is also a Roessler knick-tenor (bent neck like the Yamaha bass),
which has a key for the third finger of the left hand and first finger of
the right in addition to double keys for the low c and c-sharp, so that the
stretch is considerably reduced. They are not inexpensive, especially with
the strong Deutsche mark at the moment (about $600.00) and they are
pretty decent. They joint between the head and body is brass, and can
become loose in the winter and too tight in the summer, but the stretch is
manageable by even quite small hands.
--
-------------------------------------------------------------
Eric Haas
von Huene Workshop, Inc. (tel) (617) 277-8690
65 Boylston Street (fax) (617) 277-7217
Ken Moore
vonh...@world.std.com "The von Huene Workshop" writes:
>There is also a Roessler knick-tenor (bent neck like the Yamaha bass),
>which has a key for the third finger of the left hand and first finger of
>the right in addition to double keys for the low c and c-sharp, so that the
>stretch is considerably reduced. They are not inexpensive, especially with
>the strong Deutsche mark at the moment (about $600.00) and they are
>pretty decent. They joint between the head and body is brass, and can
>become loose in the winter and too tight in the summer, but the stretch is
>manageable by even quite small hands.
I own a Roessler knick-tenor and can confirm that they are a good
proposition for people with small hands. Mine has rather a strong
sound, with a bit of an edge to it. The brass joints were very stiff
when I first got it: indeed, I got it cheap because the previous owner
found it difficult to assemble and take apart. Also it was built
slightly flat, so I carefully cut away the top shoulder on the main
portion to shorten it. I don't know how much they vary, but I suggest
you try before you buy (unless you are prepared to do the same
carpentry), or arrange for an approval period with return at your sole
discretion. A final (minor) problem is that one of the (push-fit) pins
is now too slack, and needs a dab of glue to stop it from working its
way out.
Despite all these little niggles, I greatly enjoy owning and playing
this instrument, second only to my Adege alto.
--
Ken Moore (K...@hpsl.demon.co.uk)