Flute player and woodwind teacher here. Never had one-to-one lessons on the recorder and am therefore fairly self taught. Despite it being my second instrument I have spent most of my career trying to push recorder as a serious instrument in all my schools. I even put myself through my Grade 8 on my plastic Yamahas because I was feeling guilty about not having a single exam to my name! Knew wooden recorders needed more care and basically chickened out of the responsibility. Anyway, I've recntly been diagnosed with arthritis and I'm already finding the clarinet and saxophone a struggle. So far the Flute and recorders are still fine (although I'll probably not play the tenor much now) so I've decided to return to more serious playing while I still can. Instead of treating myself to a soprano saxophone I've instead just bought a wooden treble (Moeck, pearwood with a double key for the F/F#) . Been following the cautious playing in instructions but I knew you'd have a video with more details so have just come here for a look. A big thank you for clearing up a few things. Really looking forward to developing my relationship with my new baby! 😃
20 years ago, in middle age, I decided to learn the recorder. If a grade 3 child can learn it, it can't be hard. So in complete ignorance I bought an Adler wooden Tenor and some teach yourself books. And I did. After playing for a while it misbehaved. I discovered that water in the fipple was the cause. I found that a certain cardboard dried the liquid out, but that was not a cure. I wondered about some sort of sealer but industrial emphysema intervened. So did now this episode. Coming across your channel has inspired me to try playing again.
THANK YOU for doing this!!!! I'm the only one in my family who is interested in recorders, and playing them (though I'm entirely self taught and have never played WITH anyone else). So my grandmother gifted me one soprano Original Herwiga Chor, PROBABLY from the 1930s or 40s, and one alto Moeck from the 1960s! Considering how old they are, they're in pretty great condition! But yeah, they haven't been played (except for played WITH by us when we were kids....) in God knows how many decades, so... They....definitely need to be played in again. Thanks for giving me tips and tricks for doing that! And for taking as good care of these veteran recorders as I can!
I have recently taken up recorder and I am subscribed to you. I really like how much effort you take to make these detailed vids and still reply to genuine questions! You are a gem! Love from India 🇮🇳
Dear Sarah, only recently discovered yout videos. I have been playing for the most part of my life and others consider me a very advanced amateur, but that is all beside the point. You raised my interest with the short topic about the anti-condensation. I would like to mention that IF one decides to use it, one should know the following. Mosture clogging of the windway is actually soley because moisture accumulates on the ceiling of the windway. Many think it is the bottom (block) but that is really not true. I therefor used to turn the sound part of the recorder so that the ceiling becomes the bottom and then flush the windway with the soapy-solution. AND then , most inportant, ket it dry for 24 hours in the same position ! I only did this with a recorder that was clogging very very badly, despite carefull cleaning with alcohol etc. Problably due to a piece of wood containing some stuborn contaminents. But the key is that it is the ceiling ! Enjoying you video very much ! Keep up the good work (going to buy a voic-flute at pitch 415 in coming march in Schwelm)
holding the recorder head under the arm is how I warm up and maintain my piccolo during rehearsals and concerts! It was nice to see my technique used by you!
Yet another enlightening video, Sarah! I would like to add a note about preventative maintenance that reduces how often an instrument will need cleaning and revoicing. Before playing a good wood recorder, it's a good idea to rinse one's mouth (with water), and floss. Otherwise, bits of food will enter the windway and cement themselves to the top of the block and the roof of the head joint. I have seen this, and it's gross! Worse, the fossilized food will affect the instrument's voicing and cause the instrument to clog more easily. Cleaning the windway is possible, but it's a job best left to a professional! Or are you going to teach Team Recorder how to do this next week, when you show us how to remove the block! :)
Excellent! As someone who's just about to order their first wooden recorder after three years of learning on plastic, I've been hoping for a video like this. Thanks, Sarah!
Good luck - what are you getting - size and make/model? I bought a Moeck Rottenburgh soprano in Pallisander a bout 18 months ago and was terrified every time i played it, but now I feel comfortable playing it and love it to bits!
honeychurchgipsy6 I'm going to order a Mollenhauer Denner alto in boxwood, as soon as Saunders Recorders in Bristol have them back in stock. I imagine I'll be as nervous as you were when I first start playing it!
Tried warming mine up by sticking it in my jeans and ended up spending the rest of the evening having to explain to people that, while I really WAS excited to see them, I in truth just had a recorder in my pocket.
Dear Sarah! I'm glad that I found your channel and learned lots of things from you. Sadly I started playing recorder to forget about my break up, but I hold my head high and really enjoy music with recorder. I had an old Yamaha soprano with german fingering. As you recommended I switched to baroque(best decision ever!). P.S.: I really respect you for making these videos. They are full of work and passion. Personally I don't like your style while performing, but as a teacher you are the best in my eyes. :)
Regarding sucking vs blowing. I generally prefer closing off the bottom of the headjoint and blowing through the labium. That way, less moisture enters the instrument. I will suck if I'm in the middle of a piece and there's too much moisture collected. It's super quick and solves the problem instantly. Thanks so much for this very informative video!
Hi Sarah, I am loving your feeds. I used to play over 30 years ago & had a lightbulb moment one day & decided to get my poor old recorder out. I am loving it! Thanks for all your info, I am feeling very inspired and now realise how lucky I am to have learnt this as a kid & now I have another 20 or so years to improve. Thanks for inspiring me!
i feel so stupid now cuz i've done so many things wrong with my recorders until right now... but i just got a recorder care kit cuz i've been having some troubles with my tenor and i'll do my best frm now on! thank you so much for the tips
Thanks again, Sarah! I tend to blow when practicing at home, and suck when I play with my recorder guild. I suck when playing with the group because I don't have to take my hands off the recorder and am ready for the next note.
Welcome back Sarah! Hope you're rested and had a great break! Very good (useful) tips here - as always! - and FUN.I then to suck - because I didn't know I could try blowing... And I also use a "for recorder only" eyeglasses cleaning Cloth to clean inside my recorder (easy to wash, lint free, very soft), but I certainly have socks in need of a second job!
You have a weird way of explaining things, but you're right. Here's a story for you. I found a wooden Sop .in the $5 tray in an Opp Shop. He was dried out & in a sorry state, but some Sweet Almond Oil on a pull-through brought him back (learnt that from Clarinet). With some TLC he has a new life. Turns out that he was made by an Australian, Fred Morgan (1940-1969) who is well thought of in Recorder circles. You are teaching what we missed out on as kids. Those idiot teachers were doing their best, but they couldn't play. Now, thanks to you, we can have another go at it. Thank you.
I am german and i like to listen to your Videos. The one about lipstic and recorderplaying .and also the Information how to practice .the recordertyps are so nice.sometimes i miss a Word. But you expression in a great was. Go on.
thank you for all the information!My grandfather has an old recorder,and he askd if i could play it in,but that whas around the time that whas around the time that i knew around all my pieps and sqeeks...
Thanks so much for these videos. I'm just getting serious about playing (found an ensemble after a lifetime of playing the odd thing by ear on my childhood recorder and not really knowing how to go further) and I need all the info I can get!
Hi, Sarah! Your videos inspired me to learn the recorder and I'm checking this one so I can play in my first recorder, which I just got today! Thank you for what you do, lots of love from Romania!
So happy to have discovered this channel! I haven't played the recorder in years, but I just got out my Aesthe alto, which I probably haven't played since my kids were small. ("Dad!! Stop!") Add to that a timely acquisition of an reasonably priced Moeck Rottenburgh, and I think I will be breaking in recorders for a while. Love your channel!
Thank you for this video! I just bought a new (to me) wooden recorder. It's a very old used one, but I think I will play it in as if it were brand new...can't be too careful!
I love your videos! And I don't even play the recorder... (Normally I play the viola and violin and I LOVE playing baroque music.) By watching your videos I've realized why the Swedish name of the recorder is blockflöjt (block flute). The recorder you are using in this video is so beautiful, witch kind of wood is it made of?
Hi Sarah, I would love to see a video on how to amplify your recorder/whistle to play in a band with loud guitars, drums etc. Do you have any tips? What kind of equipment would you use?
A video on micing up your instruments is coming soon! It will be a collaboration with a fantastic colleague of mine who did her masters in recorder and live electronics. Stay tuned!
I felt so fake warming up my cheap plastic yamaha because I felt it made it sound better but it's nice learning it wasn't useless&it's actually good to do so :D
Hi Sarah: Thanks so much for doing these videos. You're so loveable. The world's a better place with you in it. My question is about a particular articulation. Both Erik Bosgraaf and Kristine West use it and it's flabbergasting. It sounds like flutter tonguing in-sync with extremely fast passages (i.e. one tongue movement per each note). A perfect example can be found in a TH-cam video of Kristine West performing Psalm 9. The articulation I'm hoping to understand is in the final section (Modo 5). Can you help me to comprehend this technique. It seems to be beyond 'd,dl' and any other articulations I've come across. Thanks so much, Gary Grieve, Toronto, Canada
My recorder-teacher always told us to suck the moisture out or to blow it out. -> She thought both ways were okay. When I was smaller i personally was "Team Sucker", the older I got I became more of a "Team Blower" person :D
Thanks! This is not about the current topic, but it's the latest tutorial, so.... When I practise, how do I handle practising 3 recorders -- soprano, alto and tenor? Right now I'm concentrating on alto because 1. I like it and 2. I don't know it as well. Usually when I practise soprano, I go back and forth between it and tenor. But I have no idea, really. Hope the singing lessons are going well! My teacher is all about "Less breath, more space" -- for your resonance. Another teacher's idea for taking in your breath: "crotch to cranium." PS...I have now changed to a blower, from a sucker. lol
Hi Sarah, I've just joined a music group at the homeless shelter I work for. I've decided to take up the recorder to learn some simple tunes. I've bought a Yamaha alto based on one of your videos. I can't read music can you recommend finger charts to get me started?🙏
If cotton thread is employed to secure a joint is cork grease necessary still? I should also ask if solely using cotton thread should cork grease be placed on it?
I wonder if the change of the amount of moisture in the wood could be measured by weight, and how high the precision of the scale should be for this. This could be an interesting scientific project, to record the weight throughout the playing-in period, and illustrate the results on a graph. I can already see some challenges with the air humidity having a major effect on the results, though.
Sarah according Henry George Farmer of Oxfor history of music. Recorder was first played by the Kurds Even now variations of recorder type instruments are played by them
Great to see another great video on your cool channel! I've got a question about clogging in wooden recorders. Does it happen only if the block cannot absorb more water? And how long can a non-expensive mass-produced recorder ( i mean sth like Moeck Rottenburgh alto or Mollenhauer Canta alto) be played without singnificant clogging problems? (Of course after being played in)
Hi Patrick, in my experience the price of the recorder doesn't affect the tendency to clog - almost all blocks are made of cedar wood (I think) so should react the same way. All recorders have a slightly different length of time they can be played before needing to dry our and rest - normally up to about 2 hours? Your explanation of why recorders clog does make sense. It can also happen if the blockis cold (causing condensation to quickly form) or is oil has accidentally gotten onto the block.
Regarding the, uh, "blowing and sucking debate", I'm used to blowing because it seems to work better, and I come from whistle, where the fipple is normally made of a material less sensitive than wood. It never occurred to me that I could damage a wooden instrument in this way, and now I have to do some soul searching!
These videos are so useful, thank you, Sarah! I thought I had learned it from you but I obviously picked it up somewhere else, that the best way to clear condensation is to remove the head joint, cover up the joint hole at one end and blow sharply through the labium. The air will push the moisture up through the mouthpiece which can then be wiped away. Maybe it's in one of the books you recommend? What do you think about that way? Also, is there any chance you might consider at some point doing a video on how to position your fingers over the double holes at the bottom and how to do trills and semiquavers between them, please? I seem to have been getting conflicting advice about it. I'm especially confused with the keys at the bottom of my Mollenhauer Dream Edition tenor: it may be the arthritis but I just don't seem to be able to find a way of navigating those bottom keys that is comfortable and makes the lowest notes actually play properly. Thanks!
Hi Sarah, loving these videos videos! I've just acquired a 1970s Dolmetsch alto with a bell key, it's been a bit of an ambition of mine to get a wooden recorder and to have a Dolmetsch is quite special to me, as it was seeing them when I was 12 that made me realise the recorder was a proper instrument 😃. Anyway, I think it hasn't been played in a long time so I'm going to play it in slowly. I read somewhere not to play too high notes during the playing in - how high is too high? I've been keeping it below G, basically no pinched notes at all, but that's restricting what I can find to play... And also, I hadn't thought through that the bell key stops me putting it on the stand to dry so I've had to put it upside down! I might get brave and try cleaning it myself after seeing your tutorial, or I might wait till I have some birthday money and get it properly cleaned and revoiced.
A bell key? You mean, a key that covers the bell so you don't have to cover it with your knee to change the pitch? That's awesome. I saw a photo of a historic model once, but never a 20th or 21st century one.
Thank you! I badly needed this excellent information. I am playing an older instrument that was not played for at least twenty five years, and it did seem to play in, as you described. I thought the initial condensation was due to my own inexperience with an actual wood woodwind (as opposed to the flute), but the recorder itself did seem to improve alongside my skills. Do ivory mouthpieces require any different care?
Nice video, thanks! But the question I have: how to clean lipstick stains off a recorder, were not answered here -- and I even noticed your recorder has a lipstick stain. Is there a safe way to do this?
Is there a difference between joint grease for wooden recorders and for plastic recorders? Where can you buy joint grease for plastic recorders? (in amsterdam or on internet)
I just got a first new wooden recorder. I am learning about playing in, but I also read that "it is common for recorders to need re-voicing after it is played in". What does that mean? Should I budget ahead for "revoicing" fees?
Great video! I knew some of these, but there were so many bits of information that I didn't know. And now I know what to do with all those orphan socks I have lying around. :D
what about recorder maintenance? do you have to continue playing a wooden recorder daily to preserve the tone? if not what minimum frequency of playing is required? (weekly, bi-weekly?)
At last! A use for the socks whose mate has mysteriously disappeared! Also, here in the US we have no idea what washing up liquid is -- we call it dishwashing liquid.
Hey Sarah, thanks so much for the information. This was informative (and funny). Regarding the dangers of the two methods of unclogging recorders, I'm a skeptic. I'm not sure the blowing method creates enough air pressure to cause any considerable damage to the instrument. Has this been empirically tested? So far, I haven't found any tests about this. As for the sucking method, I imagine the temperature variation between room temperature and the instrument should be a factor. But once again, has anyone tested how high would the temperature variation would need to be in order to truly negatively impact the recorder? I wish these method would be tested scientifically.
Thank you so much. Very useful information. I also warm up the head joint by placing it inside my pants, at the belt line. That frees up your hands. But I have a question, how do you warm up multiple head joints before you play in an ensemble where you may have at least 4 instruments sitting on a stand? And since we take turns playing one size recorder versus the other, while you are playing one recorder the rest of them get cold and there is no time to warm them up individually.
While playing, I would warm up the next recorder you need by sitting with the legs crossed (one leg over the other at the knee) and keep the recorder under the upper knee to warm it. In case of gasps of shock at crossing one's legs whilst paying - if you sit upright it doesn't harm much :) Or in your pocket can also work. Just try and warm the next one you need as you go!
SARAH CUÁL ES LA MEJOR POSICIÓN EN QUE DEBEMOS COLOCAR LA FLAUTA AL TOCAR? a 45 GRADOS? A 90 GRADOS COMO BRUGGEN O VAN HAUWE O EN FORMA PARALELA AL SUELO COMO MICHALA PETRI? GRACIAS!
Hi Sarah, I'm interested to see that you recommend leaving a recorder out of its case until it's completely dry. Roughly how long are you talking about? I've read other recommendations that they should go back in the case after just half an hour; I presume you're meaning longer than this?
I play old instruments and never had problems. I am indeed a bit careful at first. I especially like both my Fehr and vanderveen altos from the 50s. Its so much easier to get certain notes and the sound is warmer than most of the modern recorders that i tried.
Blowing or sucking to clear up moisture clogs? All jokes aside, I can buy another recorder head joint. It's much harder to replace lost work hours and practice downtime from pneumonia.
I spray distilled water into my plastic Yamaha recorder to clean it. Distilled water is a better solvent than tap water, and it leaves no residue. Plus, I own a distilled-water distiller.
Hi Sarah, i have a question about plastic tenor recorders. Recently gotten into playing tenors but for the life of me, i don't know how to remove the pads for the highest note so that i can give the recorder a full submersion. I believe there are springs and stuff that's holding the pads together and i'm a bit hesitant in submerging it fully.
Sarah hope u had a great break glad you’re back but are hobby lobby plastic recorders I got it at hobby lobby for sale for 74 cents good deal but is it a good one though Sarah let me know ok
Hello Sarah. I know that this has almost nothing to do with the wooden recorders. But I would like to know something, about the plastic recorders: What can I do if I don't have cream for the joints of the recorder? I ask because I can't buy that cream now, and I don't want to play without it. (Sorry if my English is written incorrectly, I speak Spanish) Hope that this will be read by someone...
hello, thanks for these great videos! one silly question: are there "home" materials one can use to grease a wood or a plastic recorder? E.g. vaseline, oil, ...? I would expect that a plastic recorder would be tolerant to different grease like olive oil etc... Is this so? What is cork grease made of? Is it different for plastic and wood recorders?
I recently bought a vintage boxwood alto Mollenhauer recorder. I'm having difficulty getting the low register notes to sound. Does this mean it needs cleaing and oiling or does it require professional servicing?
If it is a wooden one it could be the cork that keeps the parts together that might be dry and make the parts not fit properly against eachother and have you tried to adjust the part for the pinkiefinger so you can cover the holes for it properly as well
About the sock method: I have a plastic yamaha recorder (yrs 314) and got the stick for cleaning, but if I put a sock over the stick, it doesn't fit into the recorder anymore. What can I do about this?
maria vega good question,I also wanted to ask this and if I need to play in a plastic instrument n how? I also bought a Yamaha yra-302b. if you know more about playing in, pls let me know. thank you n have a nice weekend 😁
Dear Sarah I just got a new recorder from eBay it’s says it’s student owned and the student names still on the recorder box is that mean is that a good purchase for a recorder if it’s used and owned by a student but I bought a quick recorder from hobby lobby was that a good recorder to start with the one from hobby lobby and also is the eBay recorder I bought good as well too please let me know ok sarah
hello sarah!! what a nice video! i have to ask you a question because i'm french and i'm not sure about one thing : my mother just offer to me a new alto wood flute. i'm gonna play a little every day like you say on yout video, but should I grease it now? how many time should I wait for the first greasing? thank you to your help sarah and sorry for my bad english!! :)
Maybe oil it after a few weeks? And then keep feeling the wood inside - if it's dry after another few weeks, then you can oil it again. After that, about every 6 months should be fine. Good luck!
Do you need to follow the same hustle for a plastic recorder ? I bought a 10 dollar yamaha soprano recorder yesterday! The shop keeper did not give me a cleaning stick with it and on top of that advised me to not disassemble the recorder for cleaning as it could easily break in the process. So I have these questions I am dying to know: 1) is it necessary to wipe dry you PLASTIC recorder everyday? 2) is it maybe enough if i disassemble it and soak it in hot water and vinegar every 2-3 weeks? 3)Can a 10$ plastic recorder really break that easily? How should I handle its two parts to prevent any damage?
I also just bought a plastic YAMAHA so I'm definitely not an expert but this is the info I've gathered so far: - Avoid playing in super cold rooms if you can (to limit condensation) - You don't have to clean a plastic recorder every single day, but at least wipe it off with one of those little sticks to remove saliva, otherwise it's gonna get gross pretty fast - Leave it standing when you're done playing - Ideally, if you're playing every day, try to wash your recorder once a week with gentle soap and lukewarm water, then don't leave the joints laying down flat while they're drying. And no it shouldn't break if you separate the joints! :)
@@NeilaSanD thanks for the reply!! I will get the stick after all. Also if anyone knows some alternative ways to safely leave a recorder in a vertical position to dry .... Otherwise I will also have to look for a recorder stand
If you're playing in a recorder that's not been played for a few years, would you recommend oiling it first, or playing it in and then oiling it? I'm wondering whether oiling it when it's dry from lack of use would prevent it taking up the moisture it needs?
ive been using cleaning sticks with tissue for my recorders and flutes. with socks and clothes, they stink very easily so i find it more convenient to use tissue. Probably not as absorbing but it’s still ok
Take recorder apart Put it in warm sudsy water and let it soak. Rinse off thoroughly. Let dry for several hours. Grease and put together. It's really easy!
You are seriously a gem in the music community.
WE MUST PROTECT HER AT ALL COSTS
vacuumlover1 YESSIR
Flute player and woodwind teacher here. Never had one-to-one lessons on the recorder and am therefore fairly self taught. Despite it being my second instrument I have spent most of my career trying to push recorder as a serious instrument in all my schools. I even put myself through my Grade 8 on my plastic Yamahas because I was feeling guilty about not having a single exam to my name! Knew wooden recorders needed more care and basically chickened out of the responsibility.
Anyway, I've recntly been diagnosed with arthritis and I'm already finding the clarinet and saxophone a struggle. So far the Flute and recorders are still fine (although I'll probably not play the tenor much now) so I've decided to return to more serious playing while I still can. Instead of treating myself to a soprano saxophone I've instead just bought a wooden treble (Moeck, pearwood with a double key for the F/F#) . Been following the cautious playing in instructions but I knew you'd have a video with more details so have just come here for a look. A big thank you for clearing up a few things. Really looking forward to developing my relationship with my new baby! 😃
20 years ago, in middle age, I decided to learn the recorder. If a grade 3 child can learn it, it can't be hard. So in complete ignorance I bought an Adler wooden Tenor and some teach yourself books. And I did. After playing for a while it misbehaved. I discovered that water in the fipple was the cause. I found that a certain cardboard dried the liquid out, but that was not a cure. I wondered about some sort of sealer but industrial emphysema intervened. So did now this episode.
Coming across your channel has inspired me to try playing again.
THANK YOU for doing this!!!! I'm the only one in my family who is interested in recorders, and playing them (though I'm entirely self taught and have never played WITH anyone else). So my grandmother gifted me one soprano Original Herwiga Chor, PROBABLY from the 1930s or 40s, and one alto Moeck from the 1960s! Considering how old they are, they're in pretty great condition! But yeah, they haven't been played (except for played WITH by us when we were kids....) in God knows how many decades, so... They....definitely need to be played in again. Thanks for giving me tips and tricks for doing that! And for taking as good care of these veteran recorders as I can!
I have recently taken up recorder and I am subscribed to you. I really like how much effort you take to make these detailed vids and still reply to genuine questions! You are a gem! Love from India 🇮🇳
You’re very welcome! ❤️
Dear Sarah, only recently discovered yout videos. I have been playing for the most part of my life and others consider me a very advanced amateur, but that is all beside the point. You raised my interest with the short topic about the anti-condensation. I would like to mention that IF one decides to use it, one should know the following. Mosture clogging of the windway is actually soley because moisture accumulates on the ceiling of the windway. Many think it is the bottom (block) but that is really not true. I therefor used to turn the sound part of the recorder so that the ceiling becomes the bottom and then flush the windway with the soapy-solution. AND then , most inportant, ket it dry for 24 hours in the same position ! I only did this with a recorder that was clogging very very badly, despite carefull cleaning with alcohol etc. Problably due to a piece of wood containing some stuborn contaminents.
But the key is that it is the ceiling !
Enjoying you video very much ! Keep up the good work (going to buy a voic-flute at pitch 415 in coming march in Schwelm)
holding the recorder head under the arm is how I warm up and maintain my piccolo during rehearsals and concerts! It was nice to see my technique used by you!
And my oboe when first putting it together.
You’re the only one on TH-cam I found that showed me how to use the anti-clogging solution! 👏🏽👍🏽
😁
Yet another enlightening video, Sarah! I would like to add a note about preventative maintenance that reduces how often an instrument will need cleaning and revoicing.
Before playing a good wood recorder, it's a good idea to rinse one's mouth (with water), and floss. Otherwise, bits of food will enter the windway and cement themselves to the top of the block and the roof of the head joint. I have seen this, and it's gross! Worse, the fossilized food will affect the instrument's voicing and cause the instrument to clog more easily.
Cleaning the windway is possible, but it's a job best left to a professional! Or are you going to teach Team Recorder how to do this next week, when you show us how to remove the block! :)
Excellent advice!
Excellent! As someone who's just about to order their first wooden recorder after three years of learning on plastic, I've been hoping for a video like this. Thanks, Sarah!
Good luck - what are you getting - size and make/model? I bought a Moeck Rottenburgh soprano in Pallisander a bout 18 months ago and was terrified every time i played it, but now I feel comfortable playing it and love it to bits!
honeychurchgipsy6 I'm going to order a Mollenhauer Denner alto in boxwood, as soon as Saunders Recorders in Bristol have them back in stock. I imagine I'll be as nervous as you were when I first start playing it!
Tried warming mine up by sticking it in my jeans and ended up spending the rest of the evening having to explain to people that, while I really WAS excited to see them, I in truth just had a recorder in my pocket.
Dear Sarah!
I'm glad that I found your channel and learned lots of things from you. Sadly I started playing recorder to forget about my break up, but I hold my head high and really enjoy music with recorder. I had an old Yamaha soprano with german fingering. As you recommended I switched to baroque(best decision ever!).
P.S.: I really respect you for making these videos. They are full of work and passion. Personally I don't like your style while performing, but as a teacher you are the best in my eyes. :)
Regarding sucking vs blowing. I generally prefer closing off the bottom of the headjoint and blowing through the labium. That way, less moisture enters the instrument. I will suck if I'm in the middle of a piece and there's too much moisture collected. It's super quick and solves the problem instantly. Thanks so much for this very informative video!
Hi Sarah, I am loving your feeds. I used to play over 30 years ago & had a lightbulb moment one day & decided to get my poor old recorder out. I am loving it! Thanks for all your info, I am feeling very inspired and now realise how lucky I am to have learnt this as a kid & now I have another 20 or so years to improve. Thanks for inspiring me!
Thank you so much for teaching my daughter how to take care of her recorder!
Thank you Sarah, I have just bought my first Wooden recorder; a Moeck Rottenburgh Alto in Pear and your tips are great
Dental floss with wax is great for tightening loose joints
Thank you for these video materials. They serve me well. One of the few channels that can convince me that youtube makes sense anyway
i feel so stupid now cuz i've done so many things wrong with my recorders until right now... but i just got a recorder care kit cuz i've been having some troubles with my tenor and i'll do my best frm now on! thank you so much for the tips
❤️
Thank you very much for giving us the benefit of your vast knowledge. You are an incredible teacher.
Thanks again, Sarah! I tend to blow when practicing at home, and suck when I play with my recorder guild. I suck when playing with the group because I don't have to take my hands off the recorder and am ready for the next note.
Welcome back Sarah! Hope you're rested and had a great break! Very good (useful) tips here - as always! - and FUN.I then to suck - because I didn't know I could try blowing...
And I also use a "for recorder only" eyeglasses cleaning Cloth to clean inside my recorder (easy to wash, lint free, very soft), but I certainly have socks in need of a second job!
You have a weird way of explaining things, but you're right. Here's a story for you. I found a wooden Sop .in the $5 tray in an Opp Shop. He was dried out & in a sorry state, but some Sweet Almond Oil on a pull-through brought him back (learnt that from Clarinet). With some TLC he has a new life. Turns out that he was made by an Australian, Fred Morgan (1940-1969) who is well thought of in Recorder circles. You are teaching what we missed out on as kids. Those idiot teachers were doing their best, but they couldn't play. Now, thanks to you, we can have another go at it. Thank you.
I am german and i like to listen to your Videos. The one about lipstic and recorderplaying .and also the Information how to practice .the recordertyps are so nice.sometimes i miss a Word. But you expression in a great was. Go on.
thank you for all the information!My grandfather has an old recorder,and he askd if i could play it in,but that whas around the time that whas around the time that i knew around all my pieps and sqeeks...
Sarah, while the recorder is not my primary instrument, I love your videos and you are an amazing inspiration for me!
Thank you 😊
Thanks so much for these videos. I'm just getting serious about playing (found an ensemble after a lifetime of playing the odd thing by ear on my childhood recorder and not really knowing how to go further) and I need all the info I can get!
Hi, Sarah! Your videos inspired me to learn the recorder and I'm checking this one so I can play in my first recorder, which I just got today! Thank you for what you do, lots of love from Romania!
Thanks for advice
I’m very new to the recorder
thanks for including plastic. Just go a new one for Valentine's Day anniversary!!
Your videos are fantastic. So informative and approachable. I bet there are a lot of new recorder players out there because of you! (Me for example!)
So happy to have discovered this channel! I haven't played the recorder in years, but I just got out my Aesthe alto, which I probably haven't played since my kids were small. ("Dad!! Stop!") Add to that a timely acquisition of an reasonably priced Moeck Rottenburgh, and I think I will be breaking in recorders for a while. Love your channel!
Wonderful, welcome to the Team! 😄
You're solving aaaaallllll my questions and problems about recorder, I love that!!
+Willowsland brilliant! 😄
I'ts so cool! I dont play recorder and I am still watching your videos.
Hello Sarah!
I'm also a recorder player. Thank you for your videos, I really enjoy it and I laugh a lot with you!
Greetings from Catalonia!!!!!
I think that this video is super necessary!!!! Thank you Sarah ;)
Thank you so much for your useful and clear suggestions!
Thank you for this video! I just bought a new (to me) wooden recorder. It's a very old used one, but I think I will play it in as if it were brand new...can't be too careful!
I love your videos! And I don't even play the recorder... (Normally I play the viola and violin and I LOVE playing baroque music.) By watching your videos I've realized why the Swedish name of the recorder is blockflöjt (block flute). The recorder you are using in this video is so beautiful, witch kind of wood is it made of?
Hi Sarah, I would love to see a video on how to amplify your recorder/whistle to play in a band with loud guitars, drums etc. Do you have any tips? What kind of equipment would you use?
A video on micing up your instruments is coming soon! It will be a collaboration with a fantastic colleague of mine who did her masters in recorder and live electronics. Stay tuned!
I felt so fake warming up my cheap plastic yamaha because I felt it made it sound better but it's nice learning it wasn't useless&it's actually good to do so :D
Hi Sarah: Thanks so much for doing these videos. You're so loveable. The world's a better place with you in it. My question is about a particular articulation. Both Erik Bosgraaf and Kristine West use it and it's flabbergasting. It sounds like flutter tonguing in-sync with extremely fast passages (i.e. one tongue movement per each note). A perfect example can be found in a TH-cam video of Kristine West performing Psalm 9. The articulation I'm hoping to understand is in the final section (Modo 5). Can you help me to comprehend this technique. It seems to be beyond 'd,dl' and any other articulations I've come across. Thanks so much, Gary Grieve, Toronto, Canada
i just recently started playing so this is really helpful!!! thanks c:
Thank you 🥰 I learn a lot by watching your videos 😊
Sarah, thank you so much for all the informative (and fun) videos! Is oiling the inside of a wooden recorder a good idea or no?
Yes for sure! See my video on that for more info 😌
My recorder-teacher always told us to suck the moisture out or to blow it out. -> She thought both ways were okay.
When I was smaller i personally was "Team Sucker", the older I got I became more of a "Team Blower" person :D
Thanks! This is not about the current topic, but it's the latest tutorial, so.... When I practise, how do I handle practising 3 recorders -- soprano, alto and tenor? Right now I'm concentrating on alto because 1. I like it and 2. I don't know it as well. Usually when I practise soprano, I go back and forth between it and tenor. But I have no idea, really. Hope the singing lessons are going well! My teacher is all about "Less breath, more space" -- for your resonance. Another teacher's idea for taking in your breath: "crotch to cranium." PS...I have now changed to a blower, from a sucker. lol
For loose joints I have found dental floss very useful.
Hi Sarah, I've just joined a music group at the homeless shelter I work for. I've decided to take up the recorder to learn some simple tunes. I've bought a Yamaha alto based on one of your videos. I can't read music can you recommend finger charts to get me started?🙏
Great info. But why do recorders "wear out" when other woodwind instruments, like bassoons, don't?
If cotton thread is employed to secure a joint is cork grease necessary still? I should also ask if solely using cotton thread should cork grease be placed on it?
Thanks, Sarah...great information!
I wonder if the change of the amount of moisture in the wood could be measured by weight, and how high the precision of the scale should be for this. This could be an interesting scientific project, to record the weight throughout the playing-in period, and illustrate the results on a graph. I can already see some challenges with the air humidity having a major effect on the results, though.
To dry out my plastic recorder after rinsing it, I tried using a sock on a chop stick but I just made a hole in my sock
Sarah according Henry George Farmer of Oxfor history of music. Recorder was first played by the Kurds
Even now variations of recorder type instruments are played by them
Great to see another great video on your cool channel! I've got a question about clogging in wooden recorders. Does it happen only if the block cannot absorb more water? And how long can a non-expensive mass-produced recorder ( i mean sth like Moeck Rottenburgh alto or Mollenhauer Canta alto) be played without singnificant clogging problems? (Of course after being played in)
Hi Patrick, in my experience the price of the recorder doesn't affect the tendency to clog - almost all blocks are made of cedar wood (I think) so should react the same way. All recorders have a slightly different length of time they can be played before needing to dry our and rest - normally up to about 2 hours?
Your explanation of why recorders clog does make sense. It can also happen if the blockis cold (causing condensation to quickly form) or is oil has accidentally gotten onto the block.
Thanks for answering ,i think 2 hours is sufficient time for me. I look forward to seeing next Team Recorder videos!
Regarding the, uh, "blowing and sucking debate", I'm used to blowing because it seems to work better, and I come from whistle, where the fipple is normally made of a material less sensitive than wood. It never occurred to me that I could damage a wooden instrument in this way, and now I have to do some soul searching!
These videos are so useful, thank you, Sarah! I thought I had learned it from you but I obviously picked it up somewhere else, that the best way to clear condensation is to remove the head joint, cover up the joint hole at one end and blow sharply through the labium. The air will push the moisture up through the mouthpiece which can then be wiped away. Maybe it's in one of the books you recommend? What do you think about that way?
Also, is there any chance you might consider at some point doing a video on how to position your fingers over the double holes at the bottom and how to do trills and semiquavers between them, please? I seem to have been getting conflicting advice about it. I'm especially confused with the keys at the bottom of my Mollenhauer Dream Edition tenor: it may be the arthritis but I just don't seem to be able to find a way of navigating those bottom keys that is comfortable and makes the lowest notes actually play properly. Thanks!
Great cleaning tutorial . Thank you Sarah!
Hi Sarah, loving these videos videos! I've just acquired a 1970s Dolmetsch alto with a bell key, it's been a bit of an ambition of mine to get a wooden recorder and to have a Dolmetsch is quite special to me, as it was seeing them when I was 12 that made me realise the recorder was a proper instrument 😃. Anyway, I think it hasn't been played in a long time so I'm going to play it in slowly. I read somewhere not to play too high notes during the playing in - how high is too high? I've been keeping it below G, basically no pinched notes at all, but that's restricting what I can find to play... And also, I hadn't thought through that the bell key stops me putting it on the stand to dry so I've had to put it upside down! I might get brave and try cleaning it myself after seeing your tutorial, or I might wait till I have some birthday money and get it properly cleaned and revoiced.
A bell key? You mean, a key that covers the bell so you don't have to cover it with your knee to change the pitch? That's awesome. I saw a photo of a historic model once, but never a 20th or 21st century one.
Thank you! I badly needed this excellent information. I am playing an older instrument that was not played for at least twenty five years, and it did seem to play in, as you described. I thought the initial condensation was due to my own inexperience with an actual wood woodwind (as opposed to the flute), but the recorder itself did seem to improve alongside my skills. Do ivory mouthpieces require any different care?
Is there any value or necessity in warming up a plastic/ non wood recorder
GREAT!!! Many thanks Sarah ! Your channel is excellent! Always important informations and you give us so much JOY!!! All the best for you!
Nice video, thanks! But the question I have: how to clean lipstick stains off a recorder, were not answered here -- and I even noticed your recorder has a lipstick stain. Is there a safe way to do this?
Is there a difference between joint grease for wooden recorders and for plastic recorders? Where can you buy joint grease for plastic recorders? (in amsterdam or on internet)
I just got a first new wooden recorder. I am learning about playing in, but I also read that "it is common for recorders to need re-voicing after it is played in". What does that mean? Should I budget ahead for "revoicing" fees?
Great video! I knew some of these, but there were so many bits of information that I didn't know. And now I know what to do with all those orphan socks I have lying around. :D
what about recorder maintenance? do you have to continue playing a wooden recorder daily to preserve the tone? if not what minimum frequency of playing is required? (weekly, bi-weekly?)
Good advises!
At last! A use for the socks whose mate has mysteriously disappeared! Also, here in the US we have no idea what washing up liquid is -- we call it dishwashing liquid.
Right on Sarah !!!...excelent tips. don't take long to upload your next vídeo... greetings from México...
Hey Sarah, thanks so much for the information. This was informative (and funny). Regarding the dangers of the two methods of unclogging recorders, I'm a skeptic. I'm not sure the blowing method creates enough air pressure to cause any considerable damage to the instrument. Has this been empirically tested? So far, I haven't found any tests about this. As for the sucking method, I imagine the temperature variation between room temperature and the instrument should be a factor. But once again, has anyone tested how high would the temperature variation would need to be in order to truly negatively impact the recorder? I wish these method would be tested scientifically.
I wish that too! :)
Thanks Sarah!!! Very helpful, one doubt does the anti-condensation solutions works for plastic ones too? Or just wood recorders?
Yes it does!
Thank you so much. Very useful information. I also warm up the head joint by placing it inside my pants, at the belt line. That frees up your hands. But I have a question, how do you warm up multiple head joints before you play in an ensemble where you may have at least 4 instruments sitting on a stand? And since we take turns playing one size recorder versus the other, while you are playing one recorder the rest of them get cold and there is no time to warm them up individually.
While playing, I would warm up the next recorder you need by sitting with the legs crossed (one leg over the other at the knee) and keep the recorder under the upper knee to warm it. In case of gasps of shock at crossing one's legs whilst paying - if you sit upright it doesn't harm much :) Or in your pocket can also work. Just try and warm the next one you need as you go!
Thank you, I will give that a try.
SARAH CUÁL ES LA MEJOR POSICIÓN EN QUE DEBEMOS COLOCAR LA FLAUTA AL TOCAR? a 45 GRADOS? A 90 GRADOS COMO BRUGGEN O VAN HAUWE O EN FORMA PARALELA AL SUELO COMO MICHALA PETRI? GRACIAS!
How do you suggest cleaning out the Knick head joint on a tenor?
Thank you so much for this video
Do you play end natural flute? or side blow flute?
Hi Sarah, I'm interested to see that you recommend leaving a recorder out of its case until it's completely dry. Roughly how long are you talking about? I've read other recommendations that they should go back in the case after just half an hour; I presume you're meaning longer than this?
I think half an hour is fine if you have dried it first with a sock :)
I play old instruments and never had problems. I am indeed a bit careful at first. I especially like both my Fehr and vanderveen altos from the 50s. Its so much easier to get certain notes and the sound is warmer than most of the modern recorders that i tried.
Blowing or sucking to clear up moisture clogs? All jokes aside, I can buy another recorder head joint. It's much harder to replace lost work hours and practice downtime from pneumonia.
I spray distilled water into my plastic Yamaha recorder to clean it. Distilled water is a better solvent than tap water, and it leaves no residue. Plus, I own a distilled-water distiller.
Hi Sarah, i have a question about plastic tenor recorders. Recently gotten into playing tenors but for the life of me, i don't know how to remove the pads for the highest note so that i can give the recorder a full submersion. I believe there are springs and stuff that's holding the pads together and i'm a bit hesitant in submerging it fully.
Sarah hope u had a great break glad you’re back but are hobby lobby plastic recorders I got it at hobby lobby for sale for 74 cents good deal but is it a good one though Sarah let me know ok
What do you think of anti-clogging agents. like Duponol?
Hi! Should I clean a new recorder in the first 2 weeks if I’m only playing it for 5 minutes in the first week and 10 mins a day on the second week?
Hello Sarah.
I know that this has almost nothing to do with the wooden recorders.
But I would like to know something, about the plastic recorders: What can I do if I don't have cream for the joints of the recorder?
I ask because I can't buy that cream now, and I don't want to play without it.
(Sorry if my English is written incorrectly, I speak Spanish)
Hope that this will be read by someone...
Vaseline is a good substitute! I’m pretty sure that is available in Spain
@@Ava-cw3jf Thank you so much for your advice!
Hehe, I'm from Chile, but is ok anyways :)
Greetings
Classic beauty,,. wonderful muscician.
hello, thanks for these great videos!
one silly question: are there "home" materials one can use to grease a wood or a plastic recorder? E.g. vaseline, oil, ...? I would expect that a plastic recorder would be tolerant to different grease like olive oil etc... Is this so?
What is cork grease made of? Is it different for plastic and wood recorders?
Yep, Vaseline is absolutely fine! I've even used lip balm in a pinch...
I recently bought a vintage boxwood alto Mollenhauer recorder. I'm having difficulty getting the low register notes to sound. Does this mean it needs cleaing and oiling or does it require professional servicing?
If it is a wooden one it could be the cork that keeps the parts together that might be dry and make the parts not fit properly against eachother and have you tried to adjust the part for the pinkiefinger so you can cover the holes for it properly as well
Hi Sarah, my recorder body inner part smell mouldy, how do i clear its smell? Mine is a Wooden Moeck 1023 Flauto 1 Plus would appreciate your advice.
About the sock method: I have a plastic yamaha recorder (yrs 314) and got the stick for cleaning, but if I put a sock over the stick, it doesn't fit into the recorder anymore. What can I do about this?
i just bought a plastic Yamaha 320b. do I need to clean it every day after practicing.
I having a hard time making it soud good. I love your videos.
maria vega good question,I also wanted to ask this and if I need to play in a plastic instrument n how? I also bought a Yamaha yra-302b. if you know more about playing in, pls let me know. thank you n have a nice weekend 😁
Yes u should clean it.. even if its plastic or wood... you have to still clean it...
I just throw my plastic recorder in the dishwasher once week.
It didn't damage it yet, so I hope it's fine.
Dear Sarah I just got a new recorder from eBay it’s says it’s student owned and the student names still on the recorder box is that mean is that a good purchase for a recorder if it’s used and owned by a student but I bought a quick recorder from hobby lobby was that a good recorder to start with the one from hobby lobby and also is the eBay recorder I bought good as well too please let me know ok sarah
hello sarah!! what a nice video! i have to ask you a question because i'm french and i'm not sure about one thing : my mother just offer to me a new alto wood flute. i'm gonna play a little every day like you say on yout video, but should I grease it now? how many time should I wait for the first greasing? thank you to your help sarah and sorry for my bad english!! :)
Maybe oil it after a few weeks? And then keep feeling the wood inside - if it's dry after another few weeks, then you can oil it again. After that, about every 6 months should be fine. Good luck!
ok sarah i'm gonna wait a few weeks! thanks a lot !!!!
Do you need to follow the same hustle for a plastic recorder ? I bought a 10 dollar yamaha soprano recorder yesterday! The shop keeper did not give me a cleaning stick with it and on top of that advised me to not disassemble the recorder for cleaning as it could easily break in the process.
So I have these questions I am dying to know:
1) is it necessary to wipe dry you PLASTIC recorder everyday?
2) is it maybe enough if i disassemble it and soak it in hot water and vinegar every 2-3 weeks?
3)Can a 10$ plastic recorder really break that easily? How should I handle its two parts to prevent any damage?
I also just bought a plastic YAMAHA so I'm definitely not an expert but this is the info I've gathered so far:
- Avoid playing in super cold rooms if you can (to limit condensation)
- You don't have to clean a plastic recorder every single day, but at least wipe it off with one of those little sticks to remove saliva, otherwise it's gonna get gross pretty fast
- Leave it standing when you're done playing
- Ideally, if you're playing every day, try to wash your recorder once a week with gentle soap and lukewarm water, then don't leave the joints laying down flat while they're drying.
And no it shouldn't break if you separate the joints! :)
@@NeilaSanD thanks for the reply!! I will get the stick after all.
Also if anyone knows some alternative ways to safely leave a recorder in a vertical position to dry .... Otherwise I will also have to look for a recorder stand
If you're playing in a recorder that's not been played for a few years, would you recommend oiling it first, or playing it in and then oiling it? I'm wondering whether oiling it when it's dry from lack of use would prevent it taking up the moisture it needs?
If it feels really dry on the inside, giving it an oil can’t hurt!
Thank you!
ive been using cleaning sticks with tissue for my recorders and flutes. with socks and clothes, they stink very easily so i find it more convenient to use tissue. Probably not as absorbing but it’s still ok
Would you be willing to do
A quick demo video on “giving the recorder a bath?”
Just to see if we just let soak or actually do more to
It? Thanks!
+Carolina S Yes good idea!
Carolina S it's a piece of plastic. Just rinse it off.
Take recorder apart
Put it in warm sudsy water and let it soak.
Rinse off thoroughly.
Let dry for several hours.
Grease and put together.
It's really easy!