Has anyone had direct experience with these bass recorders from Thomann:

http://www.thomann.de/gb/thomann_trb31b_bass_blockfloete.htm

I know cheap instruments are not always good value in the long run, but I'm very tempted by one.
I'm a double bassist, but I've been looking for another intsrument within the bass register to augment my sonic palette (I play in a post classical/post rock improv group).
Having a few nice refrains to hand and being able to drone on a note would be invaluable

However I've never played a wood wind instrument before.
Would I be biting off more than I could chew?

Thanks for any tips and ponters etc

Thomas

I am almost 100% certain that they are made by Woodnote. Assuming that is the case, you'll find them indistinguishable from a very big name. There is a very good reason for that. These recorders are also made in other colours and the price varies according to the colour.

Bass recorder is actually not very low - the music is written an octave lower than it actually sounds. At sounding pitch, it only goes down to the F below middle C.

Liz

I'm wondering if you'd really get enough volume out of one to provide the support needed for your group? My bass recorder lets me blow down it fairly hard, except at the lower extreme end, but still I'd not feel at all guilty playing it late at night....

Thanks both for your replies.

In regards to the range of the bass recorder I didn't know it wasn't especially low. Thanks for telling me. That isn't really too much of a worry though especially as they look so odd/cool (delete as applicable)

In regards to volume, I was aware they are quiet instruments and I would definitely be using it as a different voice rather than as a replacement to my doublebass. We are an entirely acoustic ensemble and mostly play very quietly so i don't think it will be an issue.

Finally yes i had heard they were made by the same factory as the ones sold branded by a certain large japanese company. It was this that made me think 80 odd quid including postage might be quite a good deal!

Cheers
Tom

Elida in the UK sell the Woodnote bass (it's where mine came from and I'm v.happy with it) - then you don't get European postage rates added on to it (plus, you get to pester Liz if anything goes wrong with it!)
AND it comes in a super-cool all black version, though I went for the classic black'n'white.

Wow those matt black bass recorders look great!


Sadly my adventure into that world will have to wait as I've got to get some new strings for my doublebass.


When I do get the recorder It will be from Elida.

Thanks all.

Ouch! That's pricey!

Dear 'ThomasStone'

The Thomann bass recorder is very good. It is hard to get used to as it is in bass clef (which when I first got mine I did nto realise- Why is the recorder in bass clef- it would have been so much better in treble).

The F/ F# key can sometimes be hard to get out- I tend to press the pads together a bit to get them softer and you need to be careful with the angle in which you play. A lot of trial and error works well at the start until you get comfortable.

I am a bassoonist and love playing some of my solo pieces on this instrument. It is fairly easy to play once you get the tonguing right and learn how to use the air pressure for the different octaves.

Sometimes it gets a little clogged up which is especially hard for high notes but just get a cloth, cover the hole at the front and blow to clear.

A very good price from Thomann and sounds just the same as the yamaha.

Nikki