Just came across this rather old thread. Sorry I'm so late to join in! I play a Hopf Silberton alto, and also have a soprano, but the soprano's got German fingering so I don't use it as much as I'd like. You can see me with my alto here – http://www.flickr.com/photos/allybeag/3756537298/ .

I bought them a number of years ago after a long search. I first came across these fabulous instruments when I saw Dick Lee, the Scottish jazz clarinet/recorder player using one on the Edinburgh Fringe. Of course, I asked him what it was at the end of the gig, and thereafter spent several years searching for one. In the end I phoned Saunders Recorders, only to be told they weren't being made any more, and Mr Etherington (I think that's his name) said he no longer attempted to find second hand ones, but by chance he'd just received a letter from a chap in Australia who had a pair for sale. This was before the days when everyone and his dog had internet connection. He forwarded the handwritten letter to me; I wrote to the Australian; weeks later I got a reply. It took months, but in the end the money was transferred and I got my instruments.

I play the alto regularly in gigs and for practising. It's louder than the average recorder, especially in those bottom notes, which are so easy with the flute keys. It blends very well with the rest of our group, even though they tend to play more standard models.

I like my weird recorders. I also play a knick tenor from Roessler, with a metal joint at the knick, and several metal keys. http://www.flickr.com/photos/allybeag/5278105003/

ally