Having become a regular at the Scottish Recorder Orchestra I have been playing a lot of bass recorders, as the conductor wants as many low instruments as possible for balance. So far I have been borrowing, and will be playing the contra in one or two pieces (Schnabel Sinfonietta being one) which belongs to the SRP and is a Paetzold square bass.

I am looking at the standard bass as my next priority (for orchestra and other things). Have people any experiences with different types, and if there is much difference between them? My immediate thought was to go for the plastic Yamaha, but there is also Dolmetsch. I considered going straight to wooden basses as well, maybe Kung Classica or Superio though I don't really know the different ones.

I have a Kung Superio and am very happy with it generally - and I know a lot of other people who feel the same. For plastics, either the Yamaha or the Dolmetsch Nova are good.

I have a new Mollenhauer Canta knick bass which I am very pleased with. It suited my hand shape better than the Kung. I also play a Yamaha which is fine except for the need to play an alternative fingering for top C#, which I could never remember when sightreading.

I have a Kung Superio in cherry and I just love its sound. It has become my favourite recorder even though the holes are not quite where my fingers are and it it took some effort to sort that out.

Ina

Did you have your fingers moved?

W

I would second the recommendation of Kung basses - they have a most attractive and well-rounded sound that blends well. I think the bass is only available in the Superio range - the Classica range having been superseded. It has a big, strong sound and very capable.

The Mollenhauer is a good bit cheaper and lacks the presence and upper harmonics found in the Kung, but it's still a very good instrument.

Another good choice is the Yamaha YRB-61 wooden bass - most attractively made and priced, and with a true baroque voicing with plenty of character and presence, if not as full as the Kung.

Playing bass recorder can be very addictive!

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Did you have your fingers moved?

W
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Naaaa - a serious talk to the holes with the right air of authority......

Ina