Although it seems likely that the all plastic recorder was first produced by Frank Aman and Co. in the USA in 1938, it is David Dushkin who is regarded as the first recorder maker producing instruments in the USA from 1934. This recorder is significant as an example of how the recorder evolved during the 20th century and illustrates its innovative use of both traditional (wood) and new (plastic) materials combined in its construction. It includes a development of Dushkin's design that included a composite wood and plastic mouthpiece that enabled removal of the wooden block. This aspect of the Dushkin recorder appears to have underwent various refinements in its development and this example shows the plastic sleeve which forms the mouthpiece.

Dushkin and his wife Dorothy Smith established a music school for children in Winnetka, Illinois, USA in 1931, known as The Music Centre of the North Shore . David Dushkin began making recorders for students at the school who received recorder lessons in 1934. Later the Dushkins moved to Vermont and established the Kinhaven School of Music in 1952. Both schools continue to operate to the present day.

Further Reading:

Christine Fullerton, "The Music Center of the North Shore", Winnetka Historical Society Gazette, Summer 1997. http://www.winnetkahistory.org/index.php?id=99

Edgar Hunt, The Recorder and its Music. (Revised and enlarged, Eulenburg, London. Reprinted by Peacock Press, Hebden Bridge, 2002).

Nicholas S Lander; The Recorder Home Page, http://www.recorderhomepage.net/


Michael Lea
Curator, music & musical instruments
November, 2011.

Dushkin was one of the first recorder makers to operate in the USA. He began making recorders in 1934 and production eventually ceased in the 1960s.

David Dushkin (1898-1986) was one of the first makers of the recorder in the USA, making recorders from 1934.

Recorder, soprano (descant), timber / plastic, made by Dushkin, United States of America, [1934-1970]

Soprano (descant) recorder made of walnut with cream coloured plastic sleeve forming mouthpiece with wooden block. With seven finger holes along front, the lowest two having double holes.

Pitched in C (at A = 440Hz) with a range of 2 octaves.

With original box and tin for joint lubricant.

Made: 1934 - 1970

Plastic sleeve: "DUSHKIN".

2012/41/4

1934 - 1970