I have finally started to make copies of the three Schnitzer recorders in Merano. These three sizes are part of the only surviving set of recorders by the Schnitzer family, made in the first half of the 16th century and are therefore some of the oldest consort recorders. They comprise a bass, basset and tenor size in c, g and d’ at around a-450Hz. I measured the originals in 2003 and made the measurements freely available to other makers. However as far as I am aware, nobody has yet made copies in the original pitch and it was too tempting for me not to have a go myself! My idea is to make them as close as possible to the originals, using the three sizes, the pitch and the primitive key mechanism to get as close an idea to the original sound of an early 16th century consort as possible.
I have already developed an alto size in a’ based in the tenor in d’ which allows a second register and I am planning on making a few consorts in the next few years in typical combinations: bass, 2 bassets, 2 tenors, alto with the option of additional middle sizes if required.
Page updated: 11th of June 2023