Nova Tenor and Bass Spares

Dolmetsch 'Nova' tenors and basses are supplied with a small plastic bag of spare parts. These include the thumb rest and screws for fitting it.

Fitting the thumb rest is a fiddly job and I have taken it upon myself to do it for my clients. There are five possible positions about 3mm. apart and I select the one next to the top as this seems to me to be the best option. If you don't like my choice you can move it yourself.

You should use a small 'cross point' screwdriver. (Not essential, but its the right tool and makes the job easier.) There are no difficulies with the bass but you should note the following points for many of the tenors. For some time the supplied screws have been too long. (The latest batch of recorders seems to have the correct screws.) They will not hold the thumbrest tightly and they will protrude into the bore of the recorder if you force them. I have ground down the screws I use to fit the thumbrest. Because this removes the taper at the tip they can be difficult to start into the hole. The answer is enlarge the entry to the screw hole by gently twiddling the screwdriver into it before presenting the screw. This action opens out the top of the hole just enough to make the job easy. If you lose one of the shortened screws and cannot shorten one yourself you can send me the other spare screws with a stamped and addressed envelope for their return and I will do it for you without charge. The shortened screws are 6.5mm. over all.

I have never needed to use any of the other parts, pads, axles and springs.

I have a few replacement keys.

If you lose the bass sling a standard sling will do the job.