The recorder is a remarkable instrument in that it can produce a two octave chromatic scale with no keywork on most models. In order to achieve this, the instrument has a bore that is considerably wider near the top than it is at the bottom. A downside of this is the relative weakness of the lowest notes.
Attempts have been made in recent years to increase strength of these bottom notes.
The Mollenhauer Alto in F (treble recorder) succeeds in boosting the strength of the low notes without impairing the traditional recorder sound. There's a price to pay, of course and the rosewood model costs a hefty £837. Two keys replace the traditional right hand double hole.
Mollenhauer also produces the Edoly - a pearwood version of the Modern Alto with an electric pickup for amplification.
Going further along the redesigning path, the Eagle Alto recorder has a considerably wider bore, boosting the sound of the low notes (and higher ones) still further. There's a catch though. It sounds much more like a flute than a recorder, and costs around £1,900, which could buy you several flutes. Now here is the bit I don't like. The Eagle is made in two versions: the Solar (play with a good embouchure and posture) and the Lunar (play with all the errors commonly attributed to struggling beginners).
Traditionally designed recorders are still vastly more popular than the modern variants, but in view of the fact that the Mollenhauer Alto still sounds like a recorder, I would suggest this might be a better way to go.
Attempts have been made in recent years to increase strength of these bottom notes.
The Mollenhauer Alto in F (treble recorder) succeeds in boosting the strength of the low notes without impairing the traditional recorder sound. There's a price to pay, of course and the rosewood model costs a hefty £837. Two keys replace the traditional right hand double hole.
Mollenhauer also produces the Edoly - a pearwood version of the Modern Alto with an electric pickup for amplification.
Going further along the redesigning path, the Eagle Alto recorder has a considerably wider bore, boosting the sound of the low notes (and higher ones) still further. There's a catch though. It sounds much more like a flute than a recorder, and costs around £1,900, which could buy you several flutes. Now here is the bit I don't like. The Eagle is made in two versions: the Solar (play with a good embouchure and posture) and the Lunar (play with all the errors commonly attributed to struggling beginners).
Traditionally designed recorders are still vastly more popular than the modern variants, but in view of the fact that the Mollenhauer Alto still sounds like a recorder, I would suggest this might be a better way to go.
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