Baroque and Renaissance Recorders after Historical Models
Gerry Leatherman builds baroque and renaissance recorders after historical designs — instruments made by hand for players whose music is a conversation across centuries.
Based in Portland, Oregon, Gerry brings a craftsman's care and an engineer's precision to every instrument he makes. In-person trials welcome.
About ›Based on measurements of surviving instruments from baroque and renaissance collections worldwide.
Curved windways, undercut holes, linseed oil treatment — every instrument is optimised for tone and response.
Made to order with in-person trials encouraged. Gerry will take the time to find you the right instrument.
All instruments are made to order. Email Gerry at leatherman.woodwinds@gmail.com to order, enquire, or arrange to play an example.
Transitional recorders bridge the Renaissance and Baroque eras — combining the larger bore and robust lower register of Renaissance instruments with the extended upper range of the Baroque style.
Photo of Gerry in his workshop
Gerry Leatherman began making recorders ten years ago — reviving a woodworking practice as a musician who wanted to go deeper into the instruments he loved.
What started as curiosity became a mission. Gerry has corresponded with and visited recorder makers, studied detailed plans by Fred Morgan, Bob Marvin and others, and built a dedicated workshop in Portland, Oregon.
His background as a physicist and engineer informs everything: persistent attention to detail, iterative improvement, and a methodical approach to the acoustic challenges that make a recorder truly exceptional.
"My philosophy is that an instrument should allow the player to connect to his or her self at a deep level — the outward appearance, the touch and feel, the tone and intonation, and the articulation."
Loved his renaissance alto in F, and his 415Hz soprano.Sarah JefferyRecorder teacher & influencer
These are great Renaissance recorders and blend very well in consorts with other makers' instruments.Dave SandagePortland Recorder Society
I purchased a G alto at the Berkeley Festival in 2024. It gets along well with recorders of various other makers in a local pickup Renaissance consort. Very happy with the instrument!Glenn ShannonComposer & recorder teacher
All recorders are made to order. Get in touch to discuss your preferred model, wood species, and tuning requirements. In-person trials warmly encouraged for Portland-area customers.
Gerry keeps examples on hand that you can try before committing. If you're in the Portland, Oregon area, arrange a visit to his workshop and play the instruments yourself.
Not local? Remote purchases are possible — Gerry is happy to discuss your needs by email and find a solution that works for you, wherever you are.
Have questions about recorders, historical designs, or woodworking? Gerry enjoys a good conversation about early music and is happy to help where he can.
Whether you know exactly what you want or you're just beginning to explore — Gerry would love to hear from you.
leatherman.woodwinds@gmail.comPortland, Oregon USA · In-person trials available · Remote purchases considered