Question: Tenor Recorders

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Corgicrazed
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Question: Tenor Recorders

Post by Corgicrazed »

Just wondering, does the Tenor Recorder require a certain height for one to be able to play it?
I think I might just be able to make it, but then again I'm pretty short so I was thinking it might be a stretch. :D
If I ever did get one I wouldn't want to fall in love with it only to find I can't stretch my fingers to play it. Any info on this topic will be very helpful. Thanks again and please help. :-?
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JackCampin
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Re: Question: Tenor Recorders

Post by JackCampin »

They vary a lot in finger spacing, but they all have better ergonomics than low D whistles. If you've never played one before you probably will find it intimidating at first but you get familiar with soon enough.

If you can't try one out in person, you're best dealing with a specialist shop like Saunders or von Huene where you can talk to a human.

Two counter-intuitive angles:

- a keyless tenor is often easier for small hands than a keyed one

- the position that takes the weight most comfortably is often with the recorder almost horizontal in front of you: http://imagecache2.allposters.com/image ... osters.jpg
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Re: Question: Tenor Recorders

Post by MTGuru »

Corgi, where in California are you located? PM me if you prefer.

What Jack said. Also, thumb rests / neck straps / thumb straps are commonly used by many tenor players. By taking some of the burden of supporting the instrument off the fingers, they allow a bit more flexibility and relaxation of finger positioning, and make adjusting to the larger size easier. As opposed to low whistle, where the use of supports is the exception not the rule.
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Re: Question: Tenor Recorders

Post by plunk111 »

I play a bass recorder (and alto and soprano, but no tenor). The finger stretch on the bass is better than on a low D whistle, mostly due to keys. If you get a tenor with keys, you will have no problem at all.
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Re: Question: Tenor Recorders

Post by Kypfer »

Over the last few weeks my hands have finally "learnt" how to hold my Moeck Tuju tenor so it doesn't "complain" when I put six fingers down ... so yes, hands do adjust if you work at it, and I'm no spring chicken. All I've got to do now is to teach my right-hand pinky to lift the key gently, so it doesn't "clack" when it opens :)
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Re: Question: Tenor Recorders

Post by James_Alto »

Corgicrazed wrote:Just wondering, does the Tenor Recorder require a certain height for one to be able to play it?
Not at all. I'm only 5ft 3" and play the bass recorder.


Sitting down that is :lol:

Isn't a bocal such a useful thing?! I prefer the bass recorder sound over the tenor. Tenor wise - you are looking at around 25" long - the finger stretch is probably 'harder' than bass recorders, which usually use a keyed third ring finger (left hand); a keyed right index finger and a keyed pinky finger, operating the F and F# keys. The key placement makes it really ergonomic - unless you have an offset tenor keyed recorder, then you will actually stretch 'more' on a tenor, than on a bass recorder.

The weight and positioning of the bass recorder is often met with complaints - from 11 year olds :lol:

Designs do vary - and can be more or less ergonomic. If you're put off from using a bass recorder, because you think the fingering/height is an issue, try one out and see what you think. The advantages of the tenor involve reading the same treble clef, but the fixed mouthpiece position has never appealed to me. I hold my bass recorder diagonally across using the bocal. No strings or strap attached. It's not the weight that stops me from playing. It's the amount of condensation build up in the bocal mouthpiece and cap.

Imho, the bass recorder and bocal offers better ergonomics than a tenor or direct blow bass recorder. I really hate the knick bass recorders. I strain holding it in a rather bizarre fixed forward position. With the bocal, you can actually swing it around in 2/4 time as you play :)
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Re: Question: Tenor Recorders

Post by JackCampin »

Just came across this one, a tenor designed for very small hands:

Image

It's the Mollenhauer 5416C "Comfort Tenor". I got the info from Lazar's site.

Since the spacing is achieved by keys rather than funny hole placements or offset drilling, there shouldn't be any acoustic compromises.
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Re: Question: Tenor Recorders

Post by James_Alto »

That's lovely. I saw that one, and you would need to have a pixie hands or smaller to struggle with those keys :)

Trust Mollenhauer to come up with a fantastic range of recorders!
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Re: Question: Tenor Recorders

Post by Corgicrazed »

That's a beauty! Is is pearwood?
That's from Lazar's Early Music right? I have always liked Lazar's site. He's got some great stuff. :D
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Re: Question: Tenor Recorders

Post by JackCampin »

Lazar also lists a version made of zapatero boxwood. A bit more expensive, but if it was me that's what I'd go for.
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Re: Question: Tenor Recorders

Post by killthemessenger »

That's the Mollenhauer Denner tenor - I have it in rosewood, but keyless. It took a while, but my hands got used to it. Certainly - as others have said - easier to finger than a low whistle. The comfort (fully keyed) version is quite expensive and I'd consider a keyless Coolsma or Takeyama at that sort of price range if I were you.

If you want to try a keyed tenor, you can't go wrong with the Yamaha plastic tenor - exceptional value for money and a really fine instrument. Some shops can even have extra keys fitted (I don't know if Bill Lazar does that or not).
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Re: Question: Tenor Recorders

Post by Tim2723 »

I believe Susato will add their version of keys to an Aulos or Yamaha tenor.

EDIT: Yes, I just double checked. It's $30 per key extra plus shipping.
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