The Renaissance Rackett is a double-reed Wind instrument related to the Bassoon. Despite a relatively low tone, the rackett is actually quite small (the tenor rackett is only 4 1/2 inches in height, yet its lowest note is F, two octaves below middle C). This is achieved through its ingenious construction. The body consists of a wooden chamber into which nine parallel cylinders are drilled. These are connected, alternately, at the top and bottom, resulting in a long wind passage contained in a very small body.

However, its unusual construction presents some problems for the player. Because of the unusual arrangement of the pipes, the fingering pattern is somewhat strange. It cannot be tuned by altering its length, and moisture buildup becomes a problem because of its closed construction.

Despite these problems, it is a highly versatile instrument with a wide range of notes and tones.