| Subcontrabass recorder | |
| Background: | woodwind |
| Classification: | |
| Hornbostel Sachs: | 421.221.12 |
| Hornbostel Sachs Desc: | Flute with internal duct and finger holes |
| Related: | |
The sub-contrabass recorder is a member of the recorder family with a low note of FF (or F1 in SPN). It is manufactured in a design with a square or rectangular cross-section, which was first patented in 1975 by Joachim and Herbert Paetzold. They are made from plywood and have a doubled-back bore like a bassoon, which reduces the exterior length of the instrument. They also have wooden keys. Through this special and proprietary design, the instrument can be played with a very short bocal.