Kunath Clarineau German fing. 2-keyed

My First Instrument

I am an amateur at music wanting to explore. While shopping for a Kunath pentatonic flute I discovered the Chalumeau type instruments.

It is exactly like the picture, attractive wood, well made and pleasant sound.

Starting out was difficult until I watched a short video from a clarinet teacher. I could play simple tunes by the second day.

The mouthpiece does not have a maker mark. The opening is about 1.25mm to 1.27mm with a facing of about 19mm (I do not have precise measuring tools). This is not a beginner mouthpiece but I will stay with it as these open mouthpieces should require lower strength reeds.

The reed was not marked but seems to be 2.0 by comparing with the Rico Royal 2.0 and 2.5 reeds I purchased. The Rico Royal reeds have a warmer sound and are better in the higher notes. I use the 2.0 reeds for now but expect to use stronger reeds to get the full range once I have more experience.

The mouthpiece ligature is an attractive single screw design but awkward to use when replacing reeds. It takes longer than it should.

The tuning improved when I pulled the mouthpiece out about 2.5mm. It is well tuned when the tuner is set to 442 Hz. The specifications say it is a 440 Hz instrument? Maybe this if fortunate because Recorders are usually 442 Hz.

I have some regret for not buying the 3-key instrument as the shape is more beautiful but I read a comment that the third key can make the low C rough. The 2-key instrument is enough of a challenge for my skill level as I am not able to play the keys yet.