Sub-great bass recorder

The sub-great bass recorder is a large recorder in the key of C. Larger still is the sub-sub great bass, also in the key of C. Additional large recorders include the contra bass and sub contra bass, both of which are in the key of F.

They are primarily manufactured in both bent ("knick") and square designs. The design with a square or rectangular cross-sections was first patented in 1975 by Joachim and Herbert Paetzold. They are made from plywood or resin and have a doubled-back bore like a bassoon, which reduces the exterior length of the instrument. They also have wooden or resin keys. Through this special and proprietary design, the instrument can be played with a very short bocal.