A Medieval and Renaissancewind instrument related to the recorder, but with an encased double reed. Thus, the crumhorn was sounded by blowing into a mouthpiece, not by placing the lips directly on the reeds. The crumhorn is curved and shaped like the letter "J" with finger holes similar to those of a recorder. The sound produced by the crumhorn is much harsher than that of an oboe, resembling more closely that of the bagpipe with a buzzing, squawking sound. The crumhorn was made in a variety of sizes from treble to bass.