One of the recorder orchestras I play with has recently acquired a new Paetzold contrabass recorder. These instruments are the marmite of the large recorder world – people tend to love them or hate them. They’re made of marine plywood formed in a square shape, based on the concept that if you can have a square organ pipe that sounds like a recorder why not build a square recorder. I know a number of folks who dislike them for their looks but I have to admit I rather like their utilitarian design. The material and design also makes them significantly cheaper to make, easier to play and helps to conserve the hardwood trees traditionally used to make the usual ‘tree trunk’ shape variety of contrabass. I brought the new contra at home last night ready to show my pupil Christian, who will be playing it in the orchestra, how to use it in his lesson today and I thought I’d take the opportunity to take some photos while I had it. I didn’t have time (or space) to take a shot of the whole instrument (you can see both varieties here) so I focussed on the keywork instead.

I would love to see a full shot of this Helen. How about another post in the future of a selection of different types!! I find them very interesting a s well as your involvement with them! Great shot - Marine Plywood???? Wow! What does the phrase "marmite of the large recorder world mean"? danrav · 2011-04-28: 16:12

lovely composition. MoMac · 2011-04-28: 17:02

How big is it? Is it Steve sized? Like danrav, I would love to see a full size picture of 'it' How big a car does it take to transport it? Enjoy your weekend at Dillington. Kay · 2011-04-28: 17:06

Great image! Like everyone else, I'd love to see the whole thing! lookagain · 2011-04-28: 21:31

Great shot, love to see the whole thing mystic1 · 2011-04-29: 01:44

amazing! tomie · 2011-04-29: 02:43

cool idea and realization miltonjacob · 2011-04-29: 04:29

Great shot! wildduck · 2011-04-29: 05:15

Amazing and lovely josy63 · 2011-04-29: 06:29

very interesting Lynda · 2011-04-29: 07:04

I am joining the " I want to see more" group:) Eiram · 2011-04-29: 08:22

Beautiful clean lines. I love its functional simplicity. stevetherecorder · 2011-04-29: 09:39

such an amazing perspective :) i like it ;) onlyricky · 2011-04-29: 13:59

Interesting shapes. I'd have never guessed it was a recorder though. Jarvo · 2011-05-01: 19:53

Tagged: recorder contrabass plywood wood music instrument