As it seems to be vaguely traditional for me to start a thread of this sort...here we go for 2009!

So, the Greenwich Early Music Festival marches towards us! Who is going, are you going for anything specific, when are you going, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc.

I'm pretty sure I am going. If so, it's a treble upgrade - I currently have a Kung Studio treble. While it's lovely, I'm ready for something less 'entry-level', and I've been advised to go for something 'more baroque'. So I just need to find out from my teacher exactly what that means
Of course, along with a planned-treble-purchase, there could be all manner of impulse buys (last time it was a boxwood tenor that I picked up and just couldn't let go).

Likely I'll be there on the Friday (day off work ), although there is a slim possibility of it being the Saturday. My teacher teaches at Trinity on a Saturday, I know he already has two other students lined up to help buy recorders for on that day! He may offer to help me out as well if he finds out I'm going - but I'm happy to go it alone...plus, if I go on a Saturday, likely my husband will come too - and I'll spend the day feeling like he's bored and I'm dragging him around, so that's no fun for anybody.

Hope you all have fun, it's a great event. Sadly it clashes with the Royal Northern Sax Day again, so I'm afraid I won't be there...

My plan is to be there on the Sunday.

With company

I'll be there on the Sunday with a group of pupils - or rather, I'll be bringing a group of pupils with me and will then leave them to do their own thing while I browse through all the music there!

Is that 'with company' or 'with supervision to make sure I don't buy anything Really Big this time'?

I might and it is a very uncertain might go on the Friday. I need to get to Birmingham that evening but could do with some retail therapy to cheer me up a little.

I strongly resemble that remark!


Er, how about

with company to do the recorder buying, so I get vicarious satisfaction without denting Misterjay's credit card so much?

Or with company to carry home the excesses of purchases I indulge in 'cos I won't be able to carry it all myself?

No, maybe the supervision's the real answer....

I might go on Sunday.
Shall I say around Lunch time or afternoon.

I have never been, so am excited to see the exhibition - just try to keep my wallet will not be opened!

I wish you all a very happy Festival.I have just got my Early Music shop newsletter and as usual am consumed with envy since I can't be there. I went to school in Greenwhich, walked my dogs in the park and sang gustily at our school Founders' Day in St Alfege's church. Have a super time all those who are going!

I intend to be company too...

I'm getting overexcited

I think I'll be going Friday, it seems likely anyway as no disasters on the work from. And if work intervenes, then I am definitely going Saturday (and husband has a work meeting, so I can be there for as long as I like as I won't be worried about him getting bored!)

I have been writing down various makes/models of treble, so I have the price ranges. I know what I'm trying out in terms of price range and likely instruments in that range - though also hope to be pleasantly surprised by other things that are there.

It's just all getting a bit Along with the thoughts of 'what if I end up with a significantly under-budget treble?'

I'm going on a bass-hunt
I'm going to catch a big one
I hope it'll be a beautiful day
and am only a bit scared ...

Uh-oh, crowds
Big flowing crowds
Can't go over them
Can't go under them
Will have to go through them
Push-shove-push-shove

Lemme through, I want a recorder! .

My husband has given me a looong list of harpsichord people I've to greet as well, and the other intention is to keep back enough funds to order a voice flute too... .
And I'd be hopeless at supervision of anyone else, so have arranged to be Supervised .

Can't help remembering your tenor-buying trip....Hope you find something equally satisfactory in the treble department.

I've now found that I only have two pupils in the local Festival on the Sunday, both at 10.00 (my others are on Friday evening). So I'll be able to go to Greenwich after that. I really thought I wouldn't be able to go this year.

Yay! Someone sensible to supervise anacrusis and me supervising each other in the business of buying instruments (or just looking in my case....honest...ish....)

You're bringing a case? How big?????

for andante-in-c being able to come along too .
Now since KJ's last acquisition was about great-bass-sized.....does that mean that there is a set to be completed? And since she has all the tiddly instruments, that would only leave one of those trees with a drinking straw attached .

See why I need help to carry things home?

Hmm... the flatpack Paetzold ones are a bit cheaper aren't they....

yes - but they do look like commercial heating ducting, remember..and I can vouch for them being exceedingly heavy to lug around too .

The hope is I will do the same thing - pick up lots as I wander round, and then at some point The One will just get in to my hands and not be let go. With any luck, my ludicrous overplanning won't have spoilt my chances
There are four makes/models in price range, and a fifth which is bit more money but if it's significantly better when I pick it up then the price range will extend up to meet it. And of course there will be others when I am there that will be in the price range but that I hadn't found online in my pre-planning stage. And the used instrument agency stall. And so on...!

I'll try not to leave with 'one of those trees with a drinking straw attached', I don't think I have space for one to live anywhere!

I have a borrowed flatpack one camping in my house - it lurks under other furniture when in its case, and when standing up it actually takes very little room . Or at least, has a very narrow footprint...

I'm afraid of more than one The Ones landing in my paws, or worse, of The One being impossibly beyond budget....
(note to self - examine price before picking anything up).

And you see this as an obstacle?

You could plant it outside and see if it grows...

Yes, I've been telling myself repeatedly that I mustn't pick up anything over a certain price - but there's always the risk of 'price range creep' because 'it's only a bit more expensive' and then the next one is 'only a bit more expensive than that' and so on...

The likely risks are that once I have found my treble, I will then realise I have a lovely tenor, and a lovely treble, so surely I need a lovely descant?
Or, I'll go the other way and think that what with having sop, descant, treble and tenor in wood, surely I must have a wooden bass? The latter being thoroughly uneccesary as when I played some bass this week, I realised it was the first time I'd played it in 2009

And while I might have a go on a Great Big Beastie or bigger, I know they are out of scope this time around really...

(If I keep posting something to this effect at least daily, perhaps by Friday it will be what I honestly truly believe)

Like this?


Being able to lug something like that around would be fantastic!

There is one a size down from that, but yes, that one would be good too.....

Reminds me of the story about the man who complained about how cramped his cottage was, and the local wise man suggested he fill it with goats for a week or two. After which he got to clear the goats out again, and discover just how big his cottage really was . So, Maizie, if you get one of the big trees with straws, then sell it on, you'll find you might have room for a sapling with a straw instead . We seem to find room to accommodate keyboard instruments as and when they appear on the scene....

So, KJ, which tree size is it to be? I reckon if I'm there, and andante-in-c, we could all make shift to help you lug it home?

I couldn't find a subsubcontra picture!

Good plan. At the moment my bedside is becoming crowded with read books, as all the shelves seem to be full up. So I think that there will soon have to be a book-cull from what is on the shelves so I can put stuff away...then I'll have a clear bedside which I can fill up with more books, or plant a tree-with-straw
(No, there is no more space for more bookshelves!)

To anyone who has been on different days (even if in different years): Is the Saturday significantly busier than the Friday?

Last night discussion made me realise that on a weekday (i.e. Friday) I now have limited train times both morning and evening (it's always been a morning thing, but the evening thing is relatively new). Overall, I think I could get about 4.5 hours at the festival on Friday. Logically, this should be enough time, but I'm wondering that I'll spend the whole time panicking about how much time I have/haven't got that my full attention won't be on recorder buying.
Whereas on a Saturday, there are no restrictions on time so I can be there all day if I want - plenty of time for doing whatever I want...but wondering if I will have to battle a much bigger crowd if I go on Saturday.

I've got the day off tomorrow and I'm going to Greenwich (trains permitting). If any forumites are going to be there and want to meet up send me a pm/e-mail and I'll sort out a meeting point.

For those going later in the weekend - have fun and try to stick to budget

Hurray! Have fun

Spoilsport

ok that probably is a case of 'do as I say not as I do'

I'm looking for a very very special instrument. My Mum died just under a month ago (hence my lower than normal number of postings) it was also my birthday a couple of days later. My Dad very apologetically gave me money for my birthday present and I want to put it towards an instrument to remember her by. Whilst she wasn't a musician she always gave me real encouragement in my playing.

Made my mind up to go Saturday now. Firstly, no time pressures; secondly, teacher is likely to be around; thirdly, Trinity Juniors (to whom teacher teaches recorder) are giving a recital so I think I have to go along to wave at teach
Fits in well with work too, since I can have Friday off as planned but still be reachable for any disasters.

CJB, I hope you find something lovely. I'm only able to buy something super now thanks to my late mother-in-law, my husband is getting himself a big treat too, so we will both have something to remember her by / thank her for.

As rabid as early music fans can be, I doubt all the instruments will go on the Friday . Sorry to hear about your loss, though it's great that you've found a personal way to remember her .

Hope all the Greenwichers have a great time .

They soooo better hadn't all go today.... I'm going on Sunday, so they have to save me a bass recorder. They will....won't they? *eyes up bag and debates packing a bigger one*

Had an odd text from eldest yesterday saying she'd just missed out on winning a Synth, Guitar and Electric Drum Kit. I was relieved, she was disappointed. Oher half stunned, his mantra "no more musical instruments". Not that anyone listens Did find the thought of that little lot coming to join us a bit scary as we don't have the room. Bad news is there is another chance today (rushes to disconnect the phone and hides her mobile).



I think I'd be too scared to take anyone along to this event....

Have a fantastic time and happy Recorder buying to you all.

Squeee! Again!!

Just browsing the Early Music Shop website - not at recorders but other things, to remind myself what is there. And I was ogling the gemshorns. Husband looked at it, and I said how I rather like them, having tootled one at the last festival...and he said 'well get one then!' In all seriousness. Because with the inheritance money due, and what he's going to be treating himself to, I've got to treat myself as well, apparently

So they might have no instruments left on Sunday, anacrusis - if so, you know it's because I bought everything

butbutbut..... I didn't want a gemshorn. How about you get those, and leave a nice bass for me?

OK, promise I won't buy any basses
Treble recorder - definite.
Treble gemshorn - maybe, if they've got one.
Descant recorder - possibility depending on what treble I end up with...

Didn't buy any basses. Even left the sub-contra there so katyjay could be tempted by it

Did come home with a Moeck Denner boxwood treble
And an alto gemshorn
And a little bit of music (honest! Only three books! And one of them was the sight-reading book!)

Did get quite attached to a Koblizcek Praetorius soprano on the 'used' table, but managed to leave it behind. Can save up for a nice new descant for next year's festival

I had a great time with katyjay and anacrusis, and we all came away with a new instrument. We were all tootling nicely on the Kung and Marsyas recorders when we gradually became aware that the chap with the suntan a few feet away was Piers Adams, fresh from Red Priest's US tour. We all rather self-consciously continued to blow our scales and long notes after that.

Well I didn't buy a contra.

The Kung specimen that was on display had already been sold to someone else just before I got there....

So I consoled myself by purchasing a beautiful Marsyas olivewood treble. And trying not to stare at Piers Adams standing just behind Andante-in-C.....

Well although I was the 1st to go I'm one of the last to report back in - I've been up in the Midlands for the weekend.

I had a good time on Friday. I came away with a small pile of trio music and a beautiful Kung descant in rosewood. I was very tempted by a Kung bass on the 2nd hand table but whilst it was a good price it was a little above my budget. I wasn't completely happy with the bottom few notes on it as they seemed a little stuffy (one of the things I like most about Kung recorders is their strident rich tone esp on the lower notes) so I left that one behind.

The descant completely met my wish list. Mum was always a complete sucker for beautiful pieces of wood. My specification for this instrument was something that looked as pretty as it sounded. The grain and colour of the wood is amazing and it sounds great. It nicely complements the other descants in my collection.

I hope everyone else is as happy with their purchases.

I got me a pearwood Kung superio knick bass recorder, and the three-way supervision between andante-in-c, katyjay and me worked excellently . It was most disconcerting to clock that the tall figure just by the display of Kungs was Piers - there was a lot of aghast whispering on my part when I realised I just played in his earshot (last time I'd encountered him at close quarters, I'd sung in his presence, so am making a habit of being embarrassing), but at least I'd not noticed him until the Kung and I had bonded successfully . I did try to wangle a discount on the grounds that the recorder looked as if someone had sat on it, but apparently the bend in the head end is normal for a knick bass . It is now sitting on the sofa looking so inviting, elegant keys and all, but I must ignore its pleas for now, cos it's had five minutes' playing already today .

What about the CONCERTS? I went to every one of Susan Sheppard's.

But it was the viol player Marianne Muller that absolutely bowled me over. It was SO beautiful. I'm going to ask my teacher if this stuff can be played on the cello (also a modern composition). I'm supposed to be in the market for a baroque bow (and cello when I get rich) but now I'm thinking...how hard is it to the play the viol, could I play one?!

I also put quite a lot of effort into trying to persuade a friend to buy a harpsicord or possibly a spinet (easier to fit into her flat). We looked at lots of instruments. I think that she's serious now, great for our playing together.

Neither of us dare buy anything without more knowledge than we have. Its a lot of money (even a baroque bow).

I only went to the Trinity Juniors one. I went in, settled down, was reading my programme for the festival, heard a familiar voice, turned around, and there was my teacher with colleagues, who sat the row in front of me. I said to him I had to come along and hear some of his students, he said I might regret it! But I did enjoy it. He asked me what I thought of it, I said it was 'good' and he, well, he voiced an alternative opinion. But I suppose it's like performing, as the teacher you hear all those mistakes, which the ignorant audience like me don't notice!

I'm glad we all got some good purchases made
Did run in to my teacher in the afternoon, briefly, although I had actually already made my purchase by that time But he had 10 mins so we went over the road (i.e. to Trinity) and had a quick tootle and he declared it very nice. He'd said before that lots of people have the Moeck Rottenburghs or Mollenhaeur Denners, and then when they upgrade he recommends to consider Von Heune. The VHs being out of my price range, so I didn't go there! He did ask if I'd tried any of the handmades while I'd been wandering and I said I didn't dare, and he said oh you should dare they are quite happy for people to try them, and I said no, it's not that I didn't dare in that sense, it's that I didn't dare in case I fell in love with something thoroughly unaffordable.
Saturday and Sunday were both long, tiring days for me. So by Sunday night I was exhausted, and perched on the edge of my bed, looking at this new recorder, thinking 'what the heck have I bought, I spent how much?!', thinking maybe I should have got a Rotty-or-equivalent and put the rest of the money in to the 'eventual upgrade fund'. Then I stopped looking at it and picked it up (but no blowing, due to being oiled), and I realised why I bought it. It is slightly narrower than my existing treble (Kung Studio), but feels so much lighter. I'm going to weigh them both when I get home out of curiousity!
I've made a big leap up, probably much bigger than 'necessary' but hey ho, at least I won't need to upgrade, well, ever (Next November, of course, there will be essential purchases to be made It's probably not right that I'm already considering how much I'll want to have saved...!)

I'd come down from Edinburgh, so had to set a very tight agenda and stick to it, no time for concerts. It was sooo hard not to be distracted by the bizarre and wonderful though, and I did pick up the most glorious (but prohibitively expensive) peashooter of an early recorder and wish I hadn't: the sound it made was utterly stunningly beautiful , and I knew I had to put it back again afterwards. There was networking to be done, chatting up recorder makers (Katyjay and I got to man Tim Cranmore's stand for a few minutes whilst he went for lunch - we didn't manage to make any sales, though) and I also had a list of harpsichord people to greet on behalf of my husband.
A selection of notable memories: choosing instruments with Piers around, meeting again the builder of some spinets which had been made from drawings my husband had done, a satinwood recorder - only to look at, the sound was a bit bleargh - , the exhorbitant peashooter's tone, a child making some rather flatulent sounds emerge from a chalumeau, and my favourite of a somewhat distinguished looking lady pfarping down a serpent .

Oh yes, I heard someone playing a serpent, what an astonishing sound to come from a lady who looked like she could be a friend of my mother! And that was the little serpent. She then sat down and proceeded to play the big serpent

And someone playing what sounded suspiciously like the opening of Rhapsody in Blue on (I think) a chalmeau, quite entertaining

Anacrusis was saved from the peashooter purchase by the fact that stall wasn't manned at the time (and unlike with Tim Cranmore, we weren't asked to keep an eye on it for the owner.....).

I must confess the peashooter made me a bit seasick though, as it was either a 440 pitch third flute (so lowest note A with all the holes covered) or a 415 pitch fourth flute (so lowest note Bb).

The voice flutes Anacrusis was eyeing up also gave me the wobblies, being 415 pitch with lowest note D, and looking very much like a tenor recorder but sounding all wrong.... She was kind enough to hide behind a screen to try them out so I couldn't see the fingerings but could still hear the notes.

Our day was a bit curtailed due to South West Trains having run out of track in the Feltham area and Greenwich having run out of space in the parking area

I was on a very tight time schedule as I had a lot of chores I needed to do at home before heading out and needed to get to Birmingham for dinner.

I'm glad to hear everyone is happy with their purchases.

Maizie: personally the only time I've regretted an instrument purchase was when I settled for the cheaper option. I'm sure you've purchased the right instrument.

Anacrusis: I'm jealous - I really want a Kung knick bass, I think they sound gorgeous.....one day.....when I win the lottery