The use of Gemshorns dates back at least to early Renaissance days. A "Gems" is an Alpine mountain goat, a distant relative of African Antelopes. Horns of the Gems are not available anymore, so American or African cow-horns are used, (if available). Gemshorns are relatives of Ocarinas, but use the same fingerings as recorders. A range of one octave and a ninth note is available, making them genuine "Nine is Fine" instruments. (Same range as Crumhorn, Cornamuses and Kelhorns) The sound is gentle and of the same pitch as equally named recorders. Gemshorns feature a curved labium and windway and respond excellently to cross fingerings. Playing Gemshorns in any combination is very rewarding. Because Gemshorns are precisely pitched musical instruments they are used frequently in early music and folk music ensembles. Because natural cow-horns are progressively more difficult to obtain, George Kelischek designed a new variety of "Gemshorns", named Octagons, as those are made of eight tapered strips of woods, resulting in an octagonal, conical shape. The new Octagons will soon be available, and shown on this website. A pouch and a fingering chart are included in the price. Our new wooden Octagon/Gemshorns are also made in our Brasstown, NC workshops. Several new Susato Press Editions of music suitable for Octagons are already available in the "Nine is Fine" Series. (See Susato Press Editions!)
