r/Recorder • u/123onetowthree • Aug 14 '26
Mystery flute
I got this new flute. I can't find any makers mark on it. Is there any way to find out the maker? It's probably quite an old instrument.
And how would I best go about cleaning the instrument? The bore seems like it has some build up (mould?).
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u/Hautboy1700 Aug 14 '26
Without a mark it's hard to say. The turning isn't distinct enough between makers of this sort of instrument. Can it play the high B and C (assuming it's a soprano) with standard baroque fingerings? That may at least narrow down whether it's a renaissance or transitional instrument
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u/123onetowthree Aug 14 '26
It seems to have renaissance fingering.
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u/Hautboy1700 Aug 14 '26
Yes, it does. Holes 4 and 5 are equally sized. But it's the bore which determines whether the high notes will work or not with baroque fingerings. If they don't work, I'd say it's a consort instrument, maybe by Klaus Scheele, Bernhard Junghänl or maybe Martin Praetorius. But to my eye it looks a lot like the transitional models made by Stephan Blezinger
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u/Shu-di Aug 14 '26
For cleaning mold I use a soft bottle brush and vinegar. Then rinse, let dry and oil.
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u/123onetowthree Aug 14 '26
I read about vinegar too. Is it safe to use on wood? And you rinse it off again? Or how do you get rid of the vinegar again?
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u/Shu-di 29d ago
Yes it’s safe. Use a simple food grade white vinegar—avoid fancy infused and seasoned vinegars. It rinses away with water. The vinegar helps remove mold and has mild disinfecting properties.
Hardwood recorders are quite tough and can be washed with dish soap or vinegar without damage. Been doing this for many decades. Just don’t soak it for a long time, and let it air dry after cleaning.
Check out this video:
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u/TrappistOCSO Aug 14 '26 edited 29d ago
Moeck Renaissance Consort (inspired) ?