Key Making
New keys available for retro fitting:
I am pleased to be able to offer a range of retro fit keys for both alto and tenor recorders. I have worked to produce two styles of comfort key for alto recorders in the style of the Mollenhauer and Moeck keys. These keys can be fitted to any make or model of alto recorder. Fitted to the instrument in the same way clarinet and oboe keys are held, these keys are a great addition for anyone with small hands or difficulties in covering holes due to problems such as arthritis. The keys are machined to close tolerances and fitted with high quality clarinet or bassoon pads creating a very positive and quiet action.
I also have tenor comfort keys to match current Moeck keys (image 4) and a generic key (image 5) in nickel silver (see both below). In addition I can supply and fit Mollenhauer comfort keys.
Mollenhauer alto recorder comfort keys
Image 1
Image 1 illustrates the comfort keys on the centre section of a Mollenhauer Canta alto recorder. Designed to compliment the existing keys by Mollenhauer on the foot joint the keys are cast in brass and precisely fitted to the instrument before being polished and gold plated. In this instance the existing Mollenhauer foot joint keys have also been re finished with gold.
Moeck alto recorder comfort keys
Image 2
The second photo shows the keys designed to compliment existing key work on Moeck alto recorders. Again cast in brass these are polished and clear lacquered to match the finish on current Moeck instruments.
Alto recorder f/f# foot joint keys
Image 3
The latest keys (first castings anticipated 06-06-21) are to fit alto foot joints to provide F/F#. These keys can be fitted alone or in conjunction with the Mollenhauer style alto keys (see image 1) to produce a complete comfort alto instrument.
Moeck tenor recorder comfort keys
Image 4
A brass comfort key designed to match the keys used by Moeck on their tenor recorders. The photo shows a key part way through the fitting process. It was subsequently polished, lacquered and refitted to the instrument.
Barrett tenor recorder comfort key
Image 5
The first key I designed nearly 10 years ago. Made from nickel silver and polished, this comfort key isn’t intended to resemble any other makers work. Nickel polishes well but will slowly dull down without any plating or lacquer.
Mollenhauer tenor recorder comfort key
Image 6
Mollenhauer have kindly allowed me permission to buy and fit their comfort keys for their tenor recorder ranges. I can provide this fitting service to UK customers. The keys come ready finished in either gold plate for the Denner series of frosted brass lacquer finish for the Canta series of recorders.
Prices (2022-2023)
Mollenhauer/Moeck style alto/tenor comfort key on hole 3 (gold plate on brass) £100.00
Mollenhauer/Moeck style alto/tenor comfort key on hole 4 (gold plate on brass) £100.00
Mollenhauer/Moeck style alto/tenor comfort key on hole 3 (clear lacquer on brass) £100.00
Mollenhauer/Moeck style alto/tenor comfort key on hole 4 (clear lacquer on brass) £100.00
Mollenhauer style alto F/F# foot joint key (gold plate on brass) £TBC
Mollenhauer style alto F/F# foot joint key (clear lacquer on brass) £TBC
Barrett tenor comfort key on hole 3 (polished nickel) £90.00
Barrett tenor comfort key on hole 4 (polished nickel) £90.00
Mollenhauer original tenor comfort key on hole 3 £120.00
Mollenhauer original tenor comfort key on hole 4 £120.00
NB none of the prices quoted above include return postage.
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Sending your recorder
Getting keys added to your recorder by Barrett Recorder Repairs is a straight forward affair. For helpful advice on posting recorders please click HERE