What fingering system does the Nuvo Recorder+ use?

This specific model uses the Baroque fingering system, which is the standard for most music curricula and graded examinations.

How do the silicone key covers help beginners?

The silicone covers act as a gasket, ensuring that the tone hole is completely sealed even if the child's finger is slightly off-centre. This significantly reduces the chance of squeaks and missed notes.

Is the Nuvo Recorder+ waterproof?

Yes, the instrument is made from plastic and silicone, allowing it to be fully submerged and washed in warm soapy water for hygiene purposes.

What is included with the instrument?

This specific version comes with the Recorder+ instrument itself and a dedicated hard case for protection during transport.

How does the sound compare to a wooden recorder?

The manufacturer states that the larger tone holes and silicone covers help produce a warmer tone compared to traditional wooden or standard plastic recorders.

What colour is this specific model?

This model features a black body with vibrant green silicone keys.

Can I use clarinet reeds with this instrument?

No, the Nuvo Recorder+ is a fipple flute and does not require reeds. Items like D'Addario Royal or Selmer Paris reeds are for clarinets and saxophones, not recorders.

Is this instrument suitable for professional use?

While it produces a clear tone, it is designed primarily as an educational tool for young children rather than a professional concert instrument.

What is the typical price for the Nuvo Recorder+?

The typical retail price for this model is approximately £16.00, making it an affordable entry point for students.

Does it require a ligature or mouthpiece?

No, the mouthpiece is built into the head joint, and it does not use a ligature like a Yamaha 6C or BG Revelation model used on clarinets.

Is the hard case necessary for the recorder?

The hard case is highly recommended for school students as it protects the silicone keys from being damaged or torn when stored in a school bag.

How does it differ from the Percussion Plus PP993?

The PP993 is a traditional plastic recorder with standard open holes, whereas the Nuvo Recorder+ features patented key covers to assist with finger sealing.

Gear article

Nuvo Recorder+ (Baroque Fingering)

The Nuvo Recorder+ is a modernised descant recorder designed specifically for early learners, featuring a durable plastic and silicone construction. It distinguishes itself from traditional instruments through patented silicone key covers that facilitate easier note production for children.

Nuvo Recorder+ with Hard CaseBaroque Fingering Black and Green

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Overview and Design

The Nuvo Recorder+ represents an evolution of the traditional C-descant recorder, tailored for the ergonomic needs of young children. This specific model features a black body accented with green keys, providing a visual distinction from standard classroom instruments. Unlike traditional one-piece or three-piece wooden recorders, the Nuvo design integrates modern materials to address common difficulties faced by beginners, such as air leakage and finger positioning.

Key Features and Mechanisms

The primary innovation of the Recorder+ is its patented silicone key covers. These covers are designed to help the player fully seal the tone holes, even if their finger placement is not perfectly precise.

Silicone Key Covers: These allow the tone holes to be fully closed, reducing the 'squeaking' common in early learning.
Larger Tone Holes: Working in tandem with the silicone covers, the larger holes facilitate a more stable vibration.
Durability: The hybrid plastic and silicone construction ensures the instrument is resilient against drops and rough handling.
Hygiene: Because of the materials used, the instrument is entirely waterproof and can be washed regularly in warm soapy water.

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Sound Character

The Nuvo Recorder+ is engineered to produce a warmer tone than many entry-level plastic or wooden recorders. The combination of the silicone seals and the specific bore geometry allows for a clear, round sound. This design helps beginners achieve a consistent tone across the instrument's range, encouraging longer practice sessions by providing immediate tonal rewards.

Target Audience

This instrument is specifically suited for young children entering their first years of musical education. It serves as a bridge between toy-like instruments and professional woodwinds. It is an ideal choice for school music programmes where hygiene and durability are paramount, as well as for parents seeking a budget-friendly but functional starter instrument.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to traditional options like the Percussion Plus PP993 Descant Recorder, the Nuvo Recorder+ offers a more mechanical approach to finger sealing. While standard recorders require precise finger-pad placement to cover holes, the Nuvo's keys compensate for smaller hands. Unlike more complex woodwinds such as the Eb or Bb clarinets which require reeds (like D'Addario Royal or Vandoren varieties) and ligatures, the Recorder+ is a simple fipple flute that requires no additional consumables.

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Frequently asked questions

What fingering system does the Nuvo Recorder+ use?: This specific model uses the Baroque fingering system, which is the standard for most music curricula and graded examinations.
How do the silicone key covers help beginners?: The silicone covers act as a gasket, ensuring that the tone hole is completely sealed even if the child's finger is slightly off-centre. This significantly reduces the chance of squeaks and missed notes.
Is the Nuvo Recorder+ waterproof?: Yes, the instrument is made from plastic and silicone, allowing it to be fully submerged and washed in warm soapy water for hygiene purposes.
What is included with the instrument?: This specific version comes with the Recorder+ instrument itself and a dedicated hard case for protection during transport.
How does the sound compare to a wooden recorder?: The manufacturer states that the larger tone holes and silicone covers help produce a warmer tone compared to traditional wooden or standard plastic recorders.
What colour is this specific model?: This model features a black body with vibrant green silicone keys.
Can I use clarinet reeds with this instrument?: No, the Nuvo Recorder+ is a fipple flute and does not require reeds. Items like D'Addario Royal or Selmer Paris reeds are for clarinets and saxophones, not recorders.
Is this instrument suitable for professional use?: While it produces a clear tone, it is designed primarily as an educational tool for young children rather than a professional concert instrument.
What is the typical price for the Nuvo Recorder+?: The typical retail price for this model is approximately £16.00, making it an affordable entry point for students.
Does it require a ligature or mouthpiece?: No, the mouthpiece is built into the head joint, and it does not use a ligature like a Yamaha 6C or BG Revelation model used on clarinets.
Is the hard case necessary for the recorder?: The hard case is highly recommended for school students as it protects the silicone keys from being damaged or torn when stored in a school bag.
How does it differ from the Percussion Plus PP993?: The PP993 is a traditional plastic recorder with standard open holes, whereas the Nuvo Recorder+ features patented key covers to assist with finger sealing.