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I have modified the standard Yamaha plastic tenor to
transform it into a bent-neck design, as suggested by a customer, Elena Cardinell. It raises the position of the right hand, allowing a straight
wrist for increased comfort, similar to the position when playing alto. This
also results in a slightly
greater ability to stretch the fingers to reach the holes/keys, often allowing
people with small hands or stretch/reach problems to play tenor. The
design change does not affect tuning or the sound of the instrument. $112.75.
I
am also happy to modify your Yamaha YRT-304B or other plastic tenor for $52.50.
Keys:
Adding keys is of major help in alleviating finger stretch problems. The
worst stretch on most tenors is for hole 4, pulling your index finger up while
your ring finger wants to cover the D/D# holes and your pinky wants to go down
for the C/C# holes or keys. Many people also have problems with hole 3,
the left hand ring finger. A key here helps with reaching hole 1. (see
below for pricing); see pictures at right
and below.
I subcontract the addition of custom keys to
my excellent woodwind repair person,
so additional time may be needed to allow for transport from me to his shop and
back again, and occasionally there are delays in his shop as well. If you are
looking at a deadline to have this work done, please communicate that fact and
the deadline to me so I can do my best to make sure we can meet it before you ship an
instrument to me for this work.
By
the way, I also carry a double-keyed foot joint to replace your old
single-keyed joint ($22.80).
Comments from buyers:
"Hello, Bill, Just thought I'd let you know that after 25 years of messing about
with neck straps and thumb rests and giving up on the instrument, your keyed
tenor (Yamaha plastic with extra keys on hole 3 & 4) is a simple pleasure to
play. The thumb rest is probably necessary, but I've no need to think about any
other support problem nor hurt my hand stretching for the holes. Thanks for a
great little innovation! Cheers"
" Thank you! I love!! the
recorder! I can play the tenor now."
"The recorder joint with the added key has arrived and
I have already tried it. Now I can play for one hour without worrying about the
stretch pain on my hand. No doubt, this 4th-hole key is a top plus on a tenor
recorder."
"I love it (knick tenor). I just absolutely love it. I'm having so much
fun with it!"
"I'll have to learn to play this instrument (Yamaha plastic bent neck tenor) all
over again--but without pain!"
"I got the recorder (knick head + 2 keys) last night. It is now a delight to
play. I look forward to getting better now that I can cover the holes."
"I must write to thank you for all the advice you've given me on
extracting maximum out of my tenor recorder, patiently guiding me through the
decision to let you customise my tenor recorder with the Bent Neck & 2
additional keys. It has made a world of difference - a much desired
instrument that otherwise would be unplayable due to my handspan - is now a
perfect fit and enables me to enjoy its sonorous tones. I LOVE IT! So Thank
You. Highly recommended. It is WELL WORTH the investment. (It's
been almost six months and my increasing lung capacity is allowing me to enjoy
the tenor to the fullest =) - a totally different story about the bass but
that's not relevant here.)"
How to determine what you
need: bent neck, keys, both?
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