My New Mollenhauer Denner Tenor- most expensive recorder I own!

A few months ago I visited ‪@earlymusicshop2344‬ in Yorkshire to choose my new tenor recorder. Since then I've been getting it played in and impatiently waiting to show you! (We all like a good nosey at each other's instrument collections, don't we..?!)
When I was trying to decide on a tenor, I watched a ton of KZbin videos to listen to and see as many different instruments as possible. Hopefully this video might be useful to someone else doing the same!
The recorder is a Mollenhauer Denner in boxwood, with comfort keys.
The music is 'Since First I Saw Thy Face'- published in 'Music of Sundrie Kindes' in 1607 by Thomas Ford. I played from a SATB arrangement (I didn't play the baseline and I altered the alto line a bit...) which is available for free on IMSLP, here:
s9.imslp.org/files/imglnks/us...
As always, thanks for watching and happy playing :)
Find me on Instagram: @claythorpemusic

[@DusanPavlicek78]

The snoring dog is cute, I noticed him in the beginning of the video (also) and figured out he must be snooring, before you even mentioned it later 😊

[@gaynorandrews1684]

And I'm so envious you have a music shop close enough that sells more than..guitars..... everyone round here seems to want and prefer guitars..... you're doing so fabulously well you are really inspiring. Thanks

[@BurningtunaDC]

Guitars are great. Recorders are great as well. :)

[@TonyBittner-Collins]

@@BurningtunaDC I prefer baroque guitars to classical ones.

[@robinmarwick1982]

The Early Music Shop will, apparently, send you up to 3 (I think) instruments to try in your own home before buying.

[@terohyvarinen4358]

I play electric guitar and have recently begun to play recorders. They sound nice together, even if there is distortion in the guitar sound. (Yeah, I have a mystical ability to play a guitar and a recorder at the same time... it is called Garageband.) About the prices. That tenor recorder costs approximately as much as a decent guitar of any kind. I know you can buy a guitar for far less, but it is then another question how it sounds, how stable it is and what is left of it after (a) few years of active playing. Recorders aren't just tubes with holes, either. High quality wood does not grow in every forest. The wood must be seasoned, selected and whatnot. And finally, you just don't take your Makita drill and make a hole through the stick and some through the walls. Even if you have a CNC router, these things are not made en masses just like that.

[@fredskolnick1183]

Quite beautiful and enchanting! Thanks! I tried playing recorder in Grade School...I was awful, but you inspired me to try again.

[@cathy7382]

I've never played the Tenor recorder but I knew someone who did play in the Recorder Societie I used to play at

[@FrankDudgeon]

That tenor sounds lovely, and your quartet playing was enchanting. Congratulations on your new playing partner.

[@ClaythorpeMusic]

Thank you! I think we’ll be very happy together, haha.

[@robertcornelius3514]

Boxwood is a very nice wood.

[@christinemackinnon1925]

I also own this same recorder and I love it! Every time I see it waiting to be played I have a warm happy feeling of anticipation and am never disappointed. It continues to improve with use. Worth every cent!!

[@marklammas2465]

Excellent video, bonny lass. I have a Mollenhauer old second-hand bass in German fingering, and an Aulos 533EE in Baroque fingering. The high notes are excellent on the Mollenhauer. It remains to be seen which one I'll use more often.

[@CheukTheGreatestOfEverything]

You might want a new bass in Baroque fingering since altissimo registers can be extremely out of tune in German fingering

[@marklammas2465]

I've not found it out of tune so far. German fingering on basses can be very good for blues and jazz bending. I've just got the Aulos; had to fix it first, so I'll be comparing them shortly. I'm still working out the blues and jazz bends on the keyed Aulos. Baroque is usually best for baroque and classical material (surprise, surprise 😁)

[@davidbenefiel9289]

Thank you for featuring that comfort tenor. I'm going to bring this to the attention of one of my fellow players with stretch limits.

[@olgamarshall8965]

Wow love the sound. Beautiful.

[@classicalmusiclover7903]

I would have reccommended the more expensive Kung to you. I find the top notes easy on my Kung tenor (and you would too after some practise) and the low notes are stronger because it has the "long diapezon" design which means that as well as a strong low end, you can also play top C# without covering the end hole. Lastly, it has the keys the "right way around". Never mind, I hope you enjoy your Mollenhauer.

[@missannabeelee]

That's a beautiful instrument! 😍

[@yorkshirepuddin3615]

Your quartet playing sounds beautiful 💛

[@jbman413]

It is beautiful and sounds lovely.

[@MrGREYMATTERS]

A BEAUTIFUL piece, this, with some sparkle out of the sublimity!

[@mikegallegos7]

Nice, nice, very nice sounds. Thanks.

[@kharmaviv]

Such a Beautiful sounding instrument. 🎶 ❤

[@1cleandude]

Dang girl you sure learned the recorder quickly great job!🙏🙏🙏

[@Jim-iw1yd]

Sounds lovely, congratulations on your new memeber of your recorder family and wishing you many happy hours together.

[@ClaythorpeMusic]

Thank you, I’m sure we’ll be very happy together, haha.

[@pedrohbrinck]

So glad you bought such an amazing instrument. And you'll be able to explore all the notes from it in no time. And now I'll have more music you make to enjoy! Love it.

[@ClaythorpeMusic]

Haha, thanks! It is definitely good fun getting to know it.

[@themistermax]

Great timing, I happen to have a Moeck tenor with comfort keys on order now (from Thomann). Looking forward to its arrival. Enjoyed the video and hearing you play yours, sounds very nice.

[@mizmamajoe]

Lovely ! ❤😊👍🏻

[@AnnBurgess00]

How interesting! I bought this exact same model because I already had the sopranino, descant and treble in the same wood and range. But it wasn't for me because I soon realised that my discomfort comes from twisting my right hand wrist towards my thumb and carrying a weight rather than from stretching my fingers to reach the holes. I think the wrist problem is something that comes upon older people with arthritis. I never had such a problem when younger and I used to play a full length oboe without the slightest twinge. I sold the Denner and bought in its place the cherrywood knick Küng tenor you mentioned at the beginning. Apart from the rather unpleasant smell (not sure whether that is a Küng thing or a cherrywood thing - or whether it is a problem with mould in my instrument), I am delighted with the Küng. Cherrywood is really light yet surprisingly sonorous for its weight and I can play my new tenor for much longer. I loved your four part recorder choir!

[@ClaythorpeMusic]

I think it’s so important to get the chance to ‘try before you buy’ if possible. We’re all different and what is comfortable for one isn’t for someone else! That’s why I love the early music shop, they let me play for ages before I chose. I’m glad it wasn’t just me- I thought the cherry wood smelt strange too! I couldn’t believe how little it weighed!

[@charlotteshepherd4908]

It looks, and sounds like a lovely instrument. Thanks. ❤

[@ClaythorpeMusic]

Thank you- I’m very happy with it 😊

[@anthonyh3117]

Fantastic review! I was hugely impressed before you turned yourself into an ensemble! That was wonderful. Very jealous you're near the Early Music Shop. I buy by post, which isn't quite the same as the experience you enjoyed! I really like the instrument, too. I play the alto, but keep dropping out of practice. If I ever really get going I might invest in a more expensive instrument. Meanwhile, I'll try to keep going with my current models. Thanks again!

[@bachroque_6975]

I’m very happy for youuuuu💖💖💖

[@katrineroberts4084]

Your playing over yourself was beautiful.

[@BurningtunaDC]

Your quartet sounds AMAZING. You have motivated all of us to practice more. I might just look into the $2000 great bass now. (wakes up from his dream). Great video!

[@ClaythorpeMusic]

Thank you! I reckon this is the priciest recorder I’m every likely to own (outside of dreamland, of course, where the sub-contra basses live…)

[@ljlatorre1943]

An absolutely wonderful video. The quartet was amazing. I'm just glad your dog didn't fall asleep during the recording. You might consider a CPAP machine for that poor thing. Just kidding, I look forward to watching the rest of your videos.

[@judyhawkins6584]

Thank you so much for this, I've been playing a plastic tenor for a while, and debating upgrading.

[@FB-no4lr]

This is a beautiful recorder! I've recently gotten back into playing flute after 16 years without, got a £9k pro concert flute because I used to be a semi-pro violist before health stuff stopped me, so I'm trying to get back into woodwinds (If I have an orchestral instrument that can't make the sound it should, I'll be very upset!). I have the flute, and an intermediate piccolo, and super cheap alto and bass flutes... I had recorders the whole time but were very cheap $5 and $12 recorders from when I lived in the US... Just upgraded to the Haka soprano and alto from Aulos and a symphonic tenor. Hoping to record an arrangement of the sound of silence next week for flute and recorder choir... provided my alto and bass flute will cooperate! Enjoying your videos!

[@Limp_shallot]

What a beautifull instrument! I didn't know recorders could have keys. I like your videos, its the only channel I know about learning an instrument. I'm wondering, how's your flute playing going? I would love to see an update!😊

[@sarahspector5294]

Lovely quarter

[@daloki349]

7:00 like a lovely sunrise 🌅 Thanks

[@jeffslade1892]

Boxwood is probably a good choice. It is however a small tree and slow growing. So large long straight pieces are often difficult to obtain. I occasionally harvest our box tree for instrument parts, guitar bridge/saddle, even nuts. It can take a year or more to season the wood after which it becomes dimensionally stable, which is important for a musical instrument. It is very hard and dense, it may sink in water, and hard enough for a mallet head. Like ebony, it often requires metal working tools to shape it rather than woodworking tools, files rather than chisels. Unlike ebony it is not an oily wood. It's natural colour is white as seen at the fipple, the yellow will be the oil used on it. Thus it should give many, many years of use without deteriorating. For cleaning you might consider gun barrel rods and pull through patches, which being made in a variety of sizes and styles probably offer a better solution than the modified knitting needle you have there.

[@ClaythorpeMusic]

I used to do quite a lot of wood turning. Box was a joy to work with and could get a lovely finish on it- but pretty expensive to buy- I suppose because of the slow-growing nature. I like it for the recorder because it manages to feel reassuringly dense but yet doesn’t weigh too much. Good thought about gun cleaning rods- I’ll see if my Dad has any laying about 🙂

[@Elflamencojuan]

Lauren, I was wondering when you would showcase this. Very nice sound indeed. For anyone who is thinking of getting a Mollenhauer tenor, I have a Canta model in pearwood (the 2 key version) which sounds great and has similar characteristics of easy top end and weaker bottom end (although it is a bit cheaper). It sounds more mellow that the Yamaha plastic version but both have a great sound.

[@ClaythorpeMusic]

I got there eventually, haha! I tried the Canta out too- it seemed a good option at a reasonable price. A much softer sound than my Denner, which i would say is quite crisp and bright. Canta would be good for anyone wanting to blend well in an ensemble, I think. Wish I could have filmed all the recorders I tried out in the shop, but it would have taken far too long!! (And might have distracted me from decision making, ha!)

[@mirabilos]

That’s good to know because that’s about the upper end of my price range… I’ll wait for a chance to test-play it though because I need to figure out if I have the reach, I’m somewhat prejudiced against keys too. Huber has keyless comfort tenors. I’d love to at least have a look at them, though they cost quite a bit more… for a side hobby, that’d be too much.

[@deborahdorn4386]

Thank you so much for demonstrating this. I love your approach, I own a KÜNG tenor in cherry, which I love but whose reach is starting to be a challenge. I am always looking for an additional instrument.

[@ClaythorpeMusic]

Thank you! I tried a Küng Signor in cherry (if I remember rightly)- couldn’t believe how lightweight it was!

[@aldrinphillips5697]

I love how your snoring dog sounds toughness 😂😂😅😅 Also I love yr tenor recorder ..

[@TootlinGeoff]

I have the same model in Grenadilla (rosewood) I bought it a few years ago and I was surprisedhow much the price had risen. I bought it to replace a keyless Moeck Rottenberg (in boxwood!) Because my fingers were struggling with the stretch. The comfort keys made a huge difference and I can now play fast folk tunes on my tenor. Mine hasxalovely warm sound and there seems to be a little more headroom on the low notes. Maybe that's because it's well broken in but I noticed ithas a slightly larger bore than the Moeck which probably helps. An excellent choice and yours sounds great, btw. I definitely second your recommendation of the Mollenhauer comfort tenors.

[@stevecollier21]

How is the Comfort working out? I am an ex-clarinet player from a long time ago. As a pensioner, I am thinking of taking up the tenor recorder. Bevause of my history, it seems natural to want keys and thumb support. Do you see any disadvantages, e.g., not being able to bend notes for those keyed holes in Irish music? I'm thinking of the Canta Comfort tenor - a bit cheaper than yours 😢

[@stephielulu9096]

Very very nice! And there's me with my Mollenhauer Canta tenor for £260. She's ok, but I'd love a Kung Studio tenor 🥰

[@HollandHiking]

Wow looks and sounds good. You are correct, after some time you get a better grip on the low tones. I think keys are OK in many cases. At the moment I try to play some 21st century recorder music that stretches the use of the instrument. Having just holes gives the flexibility that you can slide with your fingers, cover holes partially to make quarter tones, doing glissandos and more fun stuff.

[@joehowden7885]

As in most things quality comes at a price but if you get years of enjoyment then it is well worth the investment. Dad.

[@hampurista]

In one of her former videos I immediately spotted this lovely recorder, and she told me it was a present from her family. I assume you have contributed as well. Isn't it brilliant, when a wonderful present is appreciated? And it is appreciated, as I see. Her progress is amazing and makes me jealous. You should be very proud of your daughter

[@ClaythorpeMusic]

And I live too far away for you to have to listen to the years of me practicing it. Cushty.

[@ClaythorpeMusic]

@@hampurista yes, it was from parents and husband and is very much appreciated ☺️ and thank you for the kind words!

[@deepsoulfulsounds]

Quality can definitely be heard!

[@ClaythorpeMusic]

I like to think so haha 😅

[@gaynorandrews1684]

Well.... WOW. it looks and sounds gorgeous. I know what you mean about quality. Your video of playing 4 group is really good too. Sadly for me I don't see me ever being able to stretch my fingers to play anything bigger than the soprano. But I am getting to grips with the higher notes now, and have got a book of scales to help me. Fab video. Thanks for posting..... btw. How long have you been playing the recorders now?

[@ClaythorpeMusic]

Thank you! Glad to hear you’re getting on well with your playing! I love practicing scales, they come in so handy for so many pieces! With the keys, I reckon this tenor is an easier reach than alto, just about. It’s more getting used to hole and key placement, rather than having to worry about stretching your fingers. I’m pretty sure I started playing on the last day of September 2020. Time has flown!

[@robertnoblitt518]

Thanks for this video. I'm considering a similar Mollenhauer or Kung tenor with keys, but probably with a bent neck. Is there a reason you chose the straight neck version?

[@DavidCNagy]

Lauren , Thank you for sharing your adventures in becoming a recorder player. I enjoyed your tenor quartet and beautiful harmonies! May I ask what app or software you use in recording those multiple overlaid tracks. And where might I find the sheet music for those 4 parts. Thanks again for your very interesting and informative videos, David Nagy

[@ClaythorpeMusic]

Hi David, so glad you're enjoying the videos, thanks! I sometimes use the Acapella app on my iPad to film multi-parts. It's quick and easy but the sound capture and editing capabilities aren't the best. So mostly I record sound into Garageband at the same time as filming the video. I edit both separately and then put them back together in iMovie. Nothing complicated at all as i'm technologically inept! Have a look in the video description- I think I left a link to the sheet music there :)

[@christinemackinnon1925]

I use a metal nail file instead of a screwdriver to adjust the thumb rest. The nail file end is thin enough to fit.

[@iamjimfan]

I would love to have a wooden recorder but I worry about the maintenance overhead (compare that to plastic recorder)

[@Grosvdywywa]

Wow

[@dharmainthenorth]

Hello, loving your videos! You're a year and a half ahead of me - I'm just getting into the ol' recorder now. One question I did have - is a tenor louder than a soprano?

[@ClaythorpeMusic]

Hey, thank you- sorry it’s taken me a while to reply to you! My husband agrees with me that the tenor sounds quieter than the soprano (and he has to listen to them both a lot, ha!). I think that even though the tenor is a larger instrument, it appears to make less noise because it is lower to listen too… if that makes sense? My wooden tenor sounds quieter than my plastic one, though, so maybe a lot depends on the individual instrument.

[@racum]

Salty price, but sweet sound!

[@ClaythorpeMusic]

Very good summary!!

[@paragraphthree]

Very nice, and encouraging. Roy Maybery

[@meredith18352]

I struggle to reach the holes on an alto recorder so comfort keys are completely essential on a tenor. I still can't believe this huge instrument only goes down to middle C. Lovely instrument

[@micebones7544]

More than once a music teacher would not believe me when I'd tell them: the alto and tenor recorders play where they're written on the staff. The soprano and sopranino recorders play an octave above where they're written (to avoid have a kabillion ledger lines). The bass and great bass also play an octave above where they're written. The lowest note on the standard F bass (an octave below the alto) is 4th line F in the bass clef, in actual pitch. The lowest note on a great bass recorder is actually an octave below middle C, the same as the bottom note on a viola. The ear accepts the recorder notes as 'lower' because of the lack of upper partials of overtones (the same as the very high recorders). The range of a tenor recorder is basically the same as that of a soprano singer..in theory classes we'd be told to not write lower than middle C for the soprano voice. Try this one: It's amazingly wonderful to take the 6 Telemann 'sonatas sans bass' and play them on 2 basses...wow, what a sound. Happy playing

[@mispanludensprinck5652]

I'd like to ask if there is an app for recording and merging the different voices together.

[@TheCatGoesRawrMusik]

I just wish they made a key to close the hole on the bottom some day cause I don´t know how to do that .-. See the E6

[@elyzsabethahne2116]

My ideal would be a Mollenhauer Denner alto recorder in pearwood (of course, though, I'd want to try it out first). Please, I was wondering, however, if extra keys could be added to a Yamaha 300-series plastic tenor recorder. I love this recorder, but the finger stretch--especially for the right hand index and middle fingers--is killing my hand (most unceremoniously, I might add)! Your tenor sounds HEAVENLY!

[@ClaythorpeMusic]

I love Mollenhauer’s Denner range, I have a pearwood soprano, which I’m very happy with. Whenever I get a wooden alto it will most probably be a Denner too. I do remember stumbling across a website of a recorder repair chap, who offered a custom key fitting service. I’ve been racking my brain but can’t remember the name, or find the site! If it comes back to me, I’ll let you know. I seem to remember prices started at around £80 per key… I think your best bet would be to email the instrument technician at The Early Music Shop (his contact details are on their website). He may be able to help, or point you to someone that can! Hope you can find a solution!

[@elyzsabethahne2116]

@@ClaythorpeMusic Thank you; very much appreciated!

[@Hightreewalker]

That's a really awesome instrument. Perhaps you should oil it to get even more decent low notes you can push further and be sure the corks are stiff and all the keys are closing absolutely 100%. Even a new instrumet may need some work.

[@NoHomerS]

I have that exact recorder and I can scream the low notes out of it without cracking. Even without warming it up, you can scream out the notes it you do it right.

[@mustamuri]

To day I orderid my first little piece of box wood ...for carving jewelry...but I found in germany blace that sell longer piece thad I can made sopranino and tiny garklein recorder...✨🧸✨

[@kelanth462]

How do they let you play different recorders with Covid about. Seems kind of sketchy unless their sanitation methods are pretty vigorous. Congrats on the new instrument. (I definitely turned a little bit green when I saw it.) But jealously and envy are immature emotions and I am NOT NOT NOT (stamps feet! holds breath!!) any of those. I'm saving up myself. A local music shop has a Yamaha tenor in rosewood ($1100 yikes!!) My B-Day in in July so maybe I can make the jump by then. Until then my YRT-304B will have to do. That's a little known eported secret of the tenors I guess. I can get to high "D" with no problem on tenor but try it on soprano and the neighborhood dogs go WILD!

[@ClaythorpeMusic]

I didn’t think I’d be able to actually play or touch any of the instruments when I got to the shop, but it turns out they’ve got themselves a magical cabinet… (ok, it’s a scientific cabinet!) Pop any recorders into it and they come out minutes later sanitised and ready to go! It was on the shop counter, so customers could see it in action. I got put in a side room on my own so I wasn’t breathing over anyone as I played too- was really impressed with how they had thought it all out. A rosewood tenor 😍 I tried a rosewood, it sounded (and looked!) sublime. I would have been very happy to have taken that one home… but I could only have one 🙄😆

[@nature9010]

congrats! i've been afraid to upgrade to a better recorder (i want a keyless moeck) but i'm so lazy about the care of my aulos robin (and all of my other instruments tbh) that i fear anything that's not plastic. Like, im scared i'll forget to clean or oil it or something and it'll immediately be ruined :( i guess i'll just have to keep fantasizing about the sound of a wood tenor until i can get that sorted lol

[@ClaythorpeMusic]

Thank you! I really babied my first wooden soprano recorder… but over time you kind of relax and realise that you don’t need to pamper them too much, haha. I remember seeing a video ages ago on KZbin somewhere of a pro recorder player who keeps all of the parts of his many wooden recorders thrown randomly into a drawer… never cleans or oils them and he reckons they still play fine 😅 (can’t remember who it was, but if I can find the video again I’ll drop a link)

[@mrspoon6321]

A friend of mines contrabassoon ( also molenhower) was 40 grand …..

[@robinmarwick1982]

Did you happen to try the Moek Flauto Rondo with comfort keys? I'd be interested in your thoughts if so. It's quite a bit cheaper but in my price bracket. Great video thanks...

[@ClaythorpeMusic]

Hi Robin, I did indeed try the Flauto Rondo. It felt comfortable and lightweight. For me, I thought the sound wasn’t as defined as some of the others I tried. That’s not to say it sounded muffled, and I’m not saying it’s a bad thing either- it just wasn’t the sound I was looking for. And of course it’ll respond a little differently depending on who’s playing! Liked the keys. I thought it felt well made- a good all rounder would be my summary! Happy tenor-hunting :)

[@robinmarwick1982]

@@ClaythorpeMusic Thanks its really helpful to hear another players opinion. I loved the sound of your tenor but the £1000+ is a bit too far out of my price range. Thanks again.

[@enaphaid5213]

Hi, I've you ever tried the Marsyas tenor keyless ? thanks.

[@535Salomon]

If my keyless Aulos Tenor is lovely... I can't imagine this Denner recorder 🥰

[@ClaythorpeMusic]

My first recorder was an Aulos Robin soprano, I think that’s the same line as their tenor. I was playing it yesterday and thinking how nice it sounds, bet their tenor is lovely too!

[@535Salomon]

@@ClaythorpeMusic have you ever considered... getting a baroque flute?;) it will be a pretty interesting addition to your collection :D

[@503Mike]

Love the channel. Do you have a pet? Pretty sure I heard maybe a dog in the background a couple of times during the video. My dog likes to groan and huff and puff dramatically when I start to practice. Figured I’m not alone!

[@ClaythorpeMusic]

Thank you! And yes, that would be Rupert the chihuahua x jack russell x warthog… you are not alone! He’s flat on his back snoring right now.

[@samanthathompson9812]

Comfort keys are tempting. Every time I try tenor I get tendinitis.

[@HAIS-hr3lz]

It sounds really nice and never mind the price. Compare your decent recorder to my new accordion. Oi, recorders every time! Enjoy!!

[@MaoRatto]

5:37 I believe KEYWORK SHOULD BE ON A RECORDER AND HELP EXTEND THE RANGE! I think they need to try experimenting with different fundamentals.

[@JESL_TheOnlyOne]

That's $1500. Not unusual. Brand new Gibson electric guitars are double that. Sounds like it's worth every penny. I have a pretty nice pear wood soprano, my only wooden recorder. I definitely should play it more (along with a recently acquired twelve string guitar, six other guitars, mandolin, hand drums...ah, nuts...). Wood is just such a nice sound.

[@ClaythorpeMusic]

I’m glad I’m not the only one who thinks it was worth it! And next time I’m teetering on the brink of adding yet another recorder to my collection, I’ll think about all of your stringed-things and go for it! One can never have too many instruments.

[@JESL_TheOnlyOne]

@@ClaythorpeMusic No. No, indeed.

[@JESL_TheOnlyOne]

@@ClaythorpeMusic I have a T-shirt: 'It's Not Hoarding If It's Guitars'

[@nevertoolate2736]

The more keys you have the harder glissando may be. I imagine trying go glissando on a petzold recorder is very hard.

[@ClaythorpeMusic]

That's very true! And mine are clumsy enough without keys, haha!

[@theghostofsw6276]

Is this instrument in 440Hz? Thanks.

[@luckybarrel7829]

Woah, this is cool, but I'd be afraid to play on this expensive a recorder, but then that's cause I'm dirt poor. Are there maple wood varieties? Are those cheaper? I've heard boxwood is hard to grow without knots forming in its wood and sometimes recorder makers realize there's a knot during the construction process, so a lot of recorders get thrown out. That's what increases the price of boxwood. As for the keys, I think recorder players prefer keyless ones since the holes are more responsive in comparison to the keys. Also you can use extended techniques like rolling your finger on the tone hole etc and produce more variation in sound or produce more microtonal notes that you can't if there's a key in place, finger vibrato is a little more responsive, etc. But if your fingers don't reach the holes in the first place, then you can't do it without keys in the first place, so...

[@ClaythorpeMusic]

I was so nervous when I got my first wooden soprano, I didn’t want to do anything to damage it, but that meant I wasn’t taking full advantage of the instrument, I suppose! I just tell myself there’s no point in having the wooden instruments if I’m not going to try to make the most of them, and that’s how I get round the fear of damaging them! I’m never likely to own another recorder on the same level of this tenor, though, so I do get very protective over it, haha. Box is slow growing, so more expensive, but I loved the bright, clear top notes that I couldn’t not choose it. There are definitely other cheaper woods available, that are just as good ‘quality’. I suppose it comes down to personal choice of what sort of sound the instrument makes. I don’t think this model comes in maple but I’m sure there must be a maple tenor out there! Yes, the keys aren’t as good for precise control, I agree. But they make general playing much more agreeable to me, so I’m all for the keys, haha.

[@luckybarrel7829]

@@ClaythorpeMusic Totally understand!

[@ogcontraband]

Wholly cow, big spender! I heard a snoring cat. You even curled your hair for this I knew it was serious :D

[@ClaythorpeMusic]

Haha, luckily for me, this was a very lovely combined birthday/Christmas gift from my combined family/husband! The snoring cat is a snoring dog- though he is smaller than an average cat; and the hair was just having a good curl day, for once- I can’t take any credit 😆

[@steve3150]

Is that your dog snoring in the background ?

[@Grosvdywywa]

when you answer my question from one of the previous videos

[@ClaythorpeMusic]

Sorry, it takes me a while to work through the comments! Have I answered the one you mean yet, or have I missed it? I don’t get notifications about all comments, for some reason!

[@Grosvdywywa]

@@ClaythorpeMusic I easily understand that a lot of people write to you so I will paste my message: maybe you have some nice websites or apps with flute lessons. .i used to have a nice application where the lessons were organized in a great coherence from the easiest ones, but I don't have it anymore and without the lessons arranged right, I don't know what to do, you will advise something mam I mean that, for example, there are many lessons for the guitar and the movies have ..titles Lesson One, Two etc. at the beginning of the course, there are basics on how to hold the guitar, and in the last lesson, every aspect is explained here. with the flutes you show your progress. The ,, team recorder ,, explains various issues but does not lead by the hand as in these films for .beginner guitarists. in Tin whistle Jet yet another way because the movies entitled "your first lesson" look like the flute blows here these holes are clogged, and then there is no second lesson where there is a mega simple song only odrsxu you enter the world of a thousand songs and no you know which is .for someone who wants to play the first song in advance thanks for the reply

[@ruthhopeful1405]

1:20 "I am gonna be the proud owner of yet another stick with a piece of fabric attached to its end " :D hilarious

[@bridgettemiller3552]

How much? Good god girl, im jealous though the price is something a housewife cannot afford, I'd give my left eye for a second hand one too 🤣

[@ClaythorpeMusic]

Haha, I know- I’ve owned cars that cost less! I think it is by far the priciest recorder I’m ever likely to own- I’d better look after it! 😅

[@destroyer5816]

you can get e recorder for 2.75 and you paid what? i know its better but why when you can get at least 2 saxophones with that or 700 or 2000 (for pros 5000) exstra for an oboe and you get a recorder :,(

[@lucindayu2541]

Never put it back, Just in case

[@Fru1tpunch]

who is snoring in the back

[@scott-robertshenkman4130]

Her dog

[@baroquer]

Sounds like a snoring PUG 😂

[@loiseaunoir1021]

I hope your doggy won't chew on it

[@JeanClaudePeeters]

An ordinary Fender Strat costs as much. And you can barely buy a decent Martin or Taylor for that money. Not 'expensive' at all... for a top quality instrument.

[@ClaythorpeMusic]

I agree! And it really is well made, for that money.

[@jackydinning9559]

Use a sewing machine screwdriver

[@randomguy-dy3uy]

Who’s farting in the background?

[@ClaythorpeMusic]

Ha, that's my dog snoring like a warthog.

[@dulcimoo]

So inexpensive (really).

[@DanielHay]

Nice. I posted your link to the Facebook Group "Recorder Players".

[@ClaythorpeMusic]

Thank you! I don’t really use Facebook, but may have to come on over to check out the group 🙂