Kelhorns (Kelischek Horns)
are very similar to Crumhorns and Cornamusen (capped reed
instruments popular during the Renaissance) but have a significantly shorter
overall length due to a convoluted snake-like internal bore.
This makes the instruments
much easier to play (and transport)
because the finger holes are closer together and do not
require an uncomfortable stretch. Even
small
hands can reach the tone holes on a
Bass instrument! For good volume, a "Bell" is carved into the end of each horn. They
are fitted with our long lasting and reliable
Susato
Reeds. These new reeds are wonderfully responsive and require
less air pressure. They are ready when you are for that next
tune. The sound is wonderfully "Buzzy" and flexible! Like Crumhorns,
Kelhorns are
8' instruments, sounding an
octave lower than
same-named recorders, which are of the 4' family of instruments.
(For example: The pitch of a Soprano Crumhorn or Kelhorn is the same as on a Tenor recorder. A Tenor Kelhorn pitch is like a Great-Bass Recorder, a Bass Kelhorn like a Contra-Bass Recorder, etc.)
The Bass Kelhorn plus Soprano, Alto and Tenor Crumhorn also make a great quartet of 'Buzzies 'without the painful stretching of fingers as needed on the much longer Bass Crumhorn.
Great Bass Kelhorn with production part showing internal bore.
