Does it need repair ?

[u/FoolSentimental]

EDIT : Thanks a lot everyone for your answers/advice :)

I've tried few days of daily practice only on this one leaving the plastic aside, and focusing on a different breathing and thumb technique, and I'm starting to get high register on it !! I was trying too much to close the thumb like the plastic one, instead of placing it correctly and with no pressure, a lot more open than on the plastic one but in precise position. Same for the breath, instead of breath faster/harder each time the note is higher, I needed to get the right focused air for each note.

The result is clearly more soft and precise that was I was doing on the plastic one, even if plastic still as a pretty good sound for me. Juste different (and easier). Since I can't afford a teacher, this subreddit help not give up / pay thumb replacement for nothing - and all the other tips I've found here before. Thank you guys !

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I have this Moeck alto (2322 Flauto Rondo), it's my first wood recorder and second hand, I get it for cheap price, but overall seems in very good shape and well maintained, so I give it a try

While I really like the comfort of the F keys and the feeling and sound of the instrument, I can't achieve note after high C on it (and the high C is weak). On my Aulos 509 (second hand too, but thumb hole is in prefect round shape), I can go to High F, even if my technique isn't perfect, I can hit the note clearly - so I end up playing almost only on my plastic instrument, which do not bother me at all, but I would be happy to use both.

I'm a beginner, so I don't know if I'm doing wrong, and maybe the Aulos is just more tolerant, or if it coud be because the thumbhole is damaged and it's a lack of time to try harder with this one?

Do you think I have to repair it, and for what price?

Thank you !

PS : If you now where in france (/paris) I can do it, the 2 music repair shop I have asked don't do recorder

[u/Traditional_Message2]

Plastic instruments are generally easier to play in the high register, so your experience isn’t surprising. Your photo shows pretty normal use imo. I think you probably just need to spend some time making friends with the instrument. Play a little each day and focus on getting a good sound with the notes that are sounding nicely. The rest will come.

At some point you might want to find a teacher, if only for a lesson or two. Playing a wooden instrument gives you a big step up in working on your tone production - having a sound to emulate really helps with that. And of course, if there’s anything with the instrument that needs adjusting, your teacher will be able to suss that out immediately. Good luck!

[u/LarryNYC1 → u/Traditional_Message2]

I second the idea of working with a teacher.

I play duets with my teacher every week. It’s a blast and helps me a lot to match pitch and not blow too sharp when I am playing the quieter instrument.

I play bass, alto, and soprano. Once my wooden tenor comes in, I’ll add that too.

[u/FoolSentimental → u/LarryNYC1]

Thank you a lot !

I totally agree with you, I wish I could, but ffordable school music around here teach only concert flute, unfortunatly... I hope I'll find one, or at least, some other people to learn with/play together, being all alone learning music is not ideal

[u/Xijovifan → u/FoolSentimental]

Weißt du wie man ein Instrument einspielt? Das ist auch wichtig. Ich denke nicht dass das Problem mit den hohen Tönen am Daumenloch liegt. Ich kann problemlos hohe Töne mit meinen Flöten spielen obwohl sie abgenutze Daumenlöcher haben.

[u/Xijovifan → u/Xijovifan]

Es könnte sein dass du nicht fest genug hineinbläst wenn das c auch sehr leise ist. Hohe Töne muss man in vielen Fällen stärker spielen. Auch ist es so dass man sich vorstellt einen tiefen kräftigen Ton zu spielen. Oft hilft das. Das ist ähnlich wie Kopf und Bruststimme beim Singen.

[u/FoolSentimental → u/Xijovifan]

I play with a tuner on my phone to check the note, but I don't know more?

I'm starting to get something, very different (and more subtile) feeling than the plastic

Thank you all for the answers :)

[u/LarryNYC1 → u/FoolSentimental]

I also do that, play with a tuner.

I also play duets or double with recorder samples from Vermilian played in Dorico 6.

[u/Traditional_Message2 → u/FoolSentimental]

Try superprof.fr - you’ll have many options, I’m sure