Bass Recorders

A bass recorder provides the lower voice of a consort and, because of its large body, uses keys, an angled mouthpiece or a blowpipe. You must manage a larger volume of air and support the instrument steadily. When choosing, consider your reach to the keys, your seated playing position and your ability to read the bass part.

A direct head joint and a blowpipe change the response

With a blowpipe, the instrument sits lower, but you feel less direct contact with the windway. An angled head joint may be more ergonomic. The joints must be airtight, and the pipe must not come loose while you play.

The keys need accurately seated pads

The lowest notes reveal a leak immediately. Try the mechanism slowly and in a faster passage, and listen for noise. Never lift the large body by a single key.

The bass fits into the whole family

You will find other registers among recorders. The soprano recorder uses a related technique but has a different register, resistance and size; it does not prepare you for all the ergonomic demands of the bass.

Try the bass recorder while seated with support, play through the lowest notes and check whether the keys can be serviced.