Low notes not sounding when playing in the wind

[M Smakula]

I played alto with a trio at an outdoor venue on a windy day. We were set up on a porch, facing the audience and wind was blowing at our left side. The bass and alto both experienced low notes not sounding when the wind was gusting. When we shifted position so that the wind was at our backs we could play low notes. We figure it had to do with wind blowing across the holes when we sat perpendicular to the wind, and facing the small, but appreciative audience. Inquiring minds want to know what was going on with air flow.

[Karen Hytten]

I am so glad you were able to find a solution! I can’t shed any light on what was happening but I think people on this forum would have some ideas – https://www.reddit.com/r/Recorder/

It’s got over 5000 members including many very knowledgeable recorder players who actively participate.

Best wishes,

Karen.

[David Wright]

I’ve had this problem with my bass on a windy day outdoors, it just stops sounding altogether when the wind gusts – very frustrating! I suspect it’s the wind across the mouth but that’s a guess. If it wasn’t for the wind we’d have been playing in a gazebo so we were caught both ways.

[John Mattson]

Having played at Renaissance Faires and outdoor events for 35+ years, from Nevada desert to Yorkshire, I can tell you that if Mother Nature is blowing harder into your instrument than you are, strange, or no, noises will come out. The wind disturbs your breath at the fipple, the bell, AND at the finger holes. If the wind at the finger hole stops the breath flow, it is just like having a finger covering that hole. Smaller recorders need more pressure, so I go to the garklein flutelein or sopranino. Any of the bass recorders, forget it. They take high volume, but low pressure, and even the slightest wind will affect them.
If you want to play outside, go for reeds, shawm, dulcian, krummhorn, rauschpfiefs, or “brass” cornetto.

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