Moeck ROTTENBURGH 4201

A model inspired by the "Rottenburgh" tradition, revisited with modern innovations

The name "Rottenburgh" refers to the aesthetic of historical recorders from the great Baroque tradition, sought after for their balance and clarity. This version has been completely redesigned to go beyond a simple "good instrument": the goal is to refine the details that make a difference in daily use, such as air column stability, clean articulation, and mechanical comfort.

Thus, a decidedly modern approach is found in the design of the air path (geometry, entry/exit sections, labium optimization) and in the bore work. The result: a bass recorder designed to offer more control, greater dynamics, and a more reliable response, while preserving the Baroque spirit through the Baroque fingering.

For which musician and in what styles?

This bass recorder is aimed at intermediate to advanced musicians who want to gain projection, articulation precision, and playing comfort, especially on an instrument where breath control and mechanics can quickly become demanding. It is also suitable for specialized teaching and ensembles, thanks to its refined response and more versatile sound.

Regarding repertoire, its profile is particularly comfortable in Baroque music (clear sound, crisp articulation, balanced intonation), but it also adapts very well to chamber music, recorder ensembles, and more contemporary contexts where a wide dynamic range and consistent sound production are expected.

Sound and design

On a recorder, sound quality directly depends on the combined windway + labium (the "labium," the area where the air splits to set the air column vibrating). Here, the windway is described as conical and curved, with a narrower air entry and a wider air exit : a combination aimed at a more stable air column, better sound control, and greater dynamic potential. The optimization of the underside of the labium enhances attack precision and helps prevent "hoarseness" (muffled sound, unstable response).

The improved bore contributes to a purer, more centered timbre, with a more resonant lower register and a clearer upper register. The instrument is made of stained maple, a wood appreciated for its crisp response and ability to maintain a clear sound across all registers.

On a bass recorder, the key system is crucial: it influences both ergonomics and sound comfort (mechanical noise). The new keywork is described as more stable, with muffled key noise and even easier handling, including for very small hands.

Technical specifications

Level	Semi-professional	Color	Brown
System	Baroque	Finishing	Tinted
Materials	Maple

Material	stained maple	Air entry	narrower
Bore	improved	Air exit	wider
Design for a stable air column	enhanced acoustic center	Labium	optimized underside of the labium
Key system	new stable key system	Fingering	Baroque
Comfort	easy handling	Holes	double holes for C/C# and D/D#
Mechanical noise	muffled key noise	Preparation	instrument adjusted by a luthier (ready to play)
Ergonomics	adapted even for very small hands (bass recorder)	Announced performance	more resonant lower register, clearer upper register, more precise attack, more variable timbre, higher dynamic potential
Windway	conical curved