When and Where Did Paetzold Recorders Start?

Joachim Paetzold built the first square recorder in 1953. Joachim’s nephew, Herbert Paetzold refined the design and patented it in 1975 after he noticed a gap in the recorder world. Full recorder ensembles were making a resurgence, but very few had instruments for the bass end of the register due to the cost and limited production of large basses. Herbert created the square bass instruments, from F basset to C Sub Great Bass, and partnering with the Sour Cream Trio, introduced a new series of large basses to the recorder world. This trend of affordable and accessible basses gained importance in the new developing recorder world, and demand for these big basses grew as the years went on. Pictured: Herbert Paetzold with his original line, from F Basset to F Sub Contra

In 2011, Kunath took over production of these instruments. Keeping up with the demand and the need for these low instruments, Kunath developed and introduced a 3D printed line of large basses (SOLO series). The current line of Paetzold by Kunath instruments includes all sizes from tenor down to Sub-Contrabass in F, with the original Herbert Paetzold bocal-blown mouthpiece (HP Mouthpiece) or direct blow, and in either the MASTER series (birch plywood) or the SOLO series (3D printed RESONA plant based material). They can also be custom airbrushed in factory to a variety of options including various wood or mineral looks.

A Paetzold by Kunath MASTER series F basset showing the split key and HP mouthpiece

They’re really different, right?

While the Paetzold recorders were originally built to play like a baroque recorder, there are a few notable differences. The standard option for these instruments comes with the original HP mouthpiece, bocal-blown, allowing resistance and requiring less air than their direct blown counterparts. A full set of keywork allows for a more comfortable hand position than a partially keyed baroque bassett. The thumb key is split into two, a covered thumb hole and an octave key, acting as a half thumb hole. The unique square design also allows for a slightly smaller instrument, easier to hold and transport. These simple differences help make Paetzold achieve its original goals: a lighter, easy to play, accessible, affordable large bass instrument that can be seamlessly joined with existing recorder groups and ensembles.

Who should buy one?

There’s never a wrong reason to add a new instrument to one’s collection, but some considerations should be taken depending on your playing abilities, limits, and style. Players with physical limitations may well benefit from a square bass. Examples of such limitations include hand and wrist ailments that can prevent reaching or operating certain keys, strain in the neck or hands from a heavy wood instrument, or reduced lung capacity. Even folks who are familiar with bass playing can add a new variety of sound and effects to their repertoire. These advanced techniques include chiffs, which can be greatly exaggerated, key slaps utilizing the natural clicking sound, and overblowing to access a number of wispy and intense overtones. As listed above, the square bass design allows accessibility to those who want to play a big bass, but have not been able to due to the size, finger stretch, large holes, large air column, or other physical barriers that larger instruments present. Paetzold by Kunath basses offer opportunities to enter the world of the bass recorders! (I live in the world of bass recorders. Stop by and say Hi!) The F basset is the best place to start if bass playing is new for you. This will allow you the smoothest transition into the square bass world.

If You Only Read One Section, Read This One

With any instrument purchase, it is difficult to make a decision without actually playing one. But, being educated in the general differences, common perceptions, and potential advantages it offers can help inform your decision. Let’s look at reasons why Paetzold by Kunath instruments are a great buy, as well as a few details to think about before purchasing.